How a Pool Table is Made - Part 2

Covering pool table with fabric For the next stage of the process, the polished slate bed will be transported most likely by a combination of boat, road and forklift truck to a factory in the UK - the country in which cue sports first really took off.

There, the first job will be to cover the slate with the fabric which needs to be hard wearing and have an even weave - usually this will be worsted or a wool-nylon blend known as baize.

Making side cushions for pool tables The cloth is fastened and smoothed down then trimmed off. The side cushions need to contain enough spring in them so that when a ball bounces, it will retain much of its kinetic energy so vulcanised rubber is glued to a wood composite known as MDF. (a wood product created by breaking down a softwood into a powder, then mixing it with wax and resin).

The above processes really relate to pool tables which will be created up to around 2 metres in length. Larger tables, particularly full size 9 ball pool tables will have their slate bed made up of three separate slabs which will ultimately be assembled with the joins completely smoothed off and masked.

Software guided cutting machine Of course, the slate bed whatever the size is a considerable weight and accordingly a very strong frame is required to hold the bed and cushions steady. To this end, a software guided cutting machine is utilised to machine the different parts of the frame from wood and MDF. When the frame is completed, the cushions and pockets are affixed.

How a Pool Table is Made - Part 1