This page offers some, does and don'ts, and qualities to look for when purchasing an antique pool table. 

Key points of the restoration

The lengthy process begins with finding tables with minimal distress. Distress is part of the use and abuse the table has had over the years.

Abuse is the distress that comes from people rounding their Cue tips on the sides of the table, therefore denting it. Other abuse is from improperly moving the table from location to location over the years.

The small dents and dings become part of the character.

Larger abuse from cigar burns or delaminating of the Rosewood rail tops results in replacement of the Rosewood veneer and Ivory sights, a common process.

Normal use will wear the Cushions, Cloth and rail liners.

Rail Liners are replaced on most every table I restore. These are the milled strips inside the rails that the Cushions are glued to. Over  years of tacks, staples and play they become deteriorated and often loose, when loose they must be replaced for proper play.

Before

After

Brunswick Superspeed cushions are then applied then covered with Simonis 860 Belgium cloth.

The frame of the table is stripped of it old finish then repaired of any damage to the veneer. When repairing the veneer I use woods that match the originals, a very hard to find process.

The frame is then sanded to 220 grit and stained often with dye base stains to original factory shade and color. These dye based stains, as originally used, are able to secure a stable color and not break down under Ultra violet rays.

All tables then receive a Hand rubbed semi gloss lacquer finish, then the inner frame members are painted to their original period color.

The slates are checked for stripped barrel nuts and replaced as necessary.( These are the nuts that secure the rails in place) Then the slates are secured to their frames, pocket drops repaired or replaced and any scratches to the slates are filled.

The table is then photographed for the consumers approval prior to delivery.

Marriages are made in heaven others in Garages and Work Shops

A Marriage in the Antique Business is when a piece of an item is missing and rather than properly replace it a piece of another item is used. What you end up with is two halves, often with incorrect wood types, wrong style, period or vintage. Of the tables I've looked at many were missing legs, slates, rails or have had pieces poorly replaced over the years.

Don't spend your money on one of these. When you buy  a table ask what is new and stick away from marriages and other appliqués that are used to enhance appearance. Stay with what was original to the table.