Maintenance - Ac-Cue-Rate Billiards

Pool Table Care and Maintenance

Cloth

Perma-Guard Stain-Resistant

Regular Care: This cloth will shed occasionally when it’s new and may even develop small divots or “bare spots” from the cue tips striking the surface. This is normal wear and tear and will become less noticeable as the cloth breaks in or sheds more. Vacuum the surface with an upholstery attachment (no moving parts please!) to remove dirt and chalk dust as many times per month as you play in a week. The cloth can be lightly brushed occasionally with a soft brush, but don’t brush too much the first few months, as this will only make the nap fluffier and slow down the play. Always make sure the cues have good tips (see cue maintenance) and that pool balls, cues, and chalk (no toys or drinks!) are the only things that go on the cloth.

Spills or mishaps: Try to quickly absorb as much of the spill as possible. The Perma-Guard fabric has a teflon treatment that should repel most liquids. Use only plain water to clean any stains that occur. If the cloth gets a small nick, it won’t get any worse, but check that your cues all have tips and that none have sharp edges. The only good way to repair a cut is to replace the cloth, so call our service department for help.

Life Expectancy and Replacement: With home play of a few hours per week and good cloth and cue tip maintenance, the cloth can last 5 to 8 years or more. If the table is used daily or you like your cloth to look and feel new, you may consider replacing it every 2 to 3 years. Call us for a consultation if you have any questions about replacing the cloth or you want to schedule a recovery job.

Simonis Professional

Regular Care: This cloth does not have a nappy surface like traditional woolen cloth, so no pesky shedding will occur and there is no “break-in” period. The way that Simonis cloth shows wear is by the appearance of fade spots or friction marks where a downward cue ball impact occurred. This is more prevalent where breaking occurs, especially if it’s near a rail. These spots are normal wear and tear and can be minimized by always using an Aramith (Belgian) set of balls. For those looking to cut down on the wear that occurs in the breaking area, a small scrap of cloth or “breaking cloth” can be used under the cueball during the break, then removed after the cue ball is struck. Vacuum the surface with an upholstery attachment (no moving parts please!) to remove dirt and chalk dust as many times per month as you play in a week. The cloth can be lightly brushed occasionally with a soft brush, or a tape lint roller also works well for removing lint or debris. Always make sure the cues have good tips (see cue maintenance) and that pool balls, cues, and chalk (no toys or drinks!) are the only things that go on the cloth.

Spills or mishaps: Try to quickly absorb as much of the spill as possible. Standard Simonis does not have any type of treatment but does have some spill resistance because of the tight weave. Wipe it up as quickly as possible with a soft absorbent towel. Use only plain water to clean any stains that occur. If the cloth gets a small nick, it won’t get any worse, but check that your cues all have tips and that none have sharp edges.The only good way to repair a cut is to replace the cloth, so call our service department for help.

Life Expectancy and Replacement: With home play of a few hours per week and good cloth and cue tip maintenance, the cloth can last 5 to 8 years or more. If the table is used frequently and you like your cloth to look and feel new, you may consider replacing it every 2 to 3 years. Call us for a consultation if you have any questions about replacing the cloth or you want to schedule a recovery job.

Rails/Cushions

The rubber rail cushions (bumpers) don’t require any regular maintenance, but you should avoid sitting on the rails, as this may cause the cushion to separate from the wood rail liner causing a “dead” spot. If this happens it can only be repaired by stripping the cloth off the rail, so call our service department for help.

Life Expectance/Replacement: The average home table with good quality cushion rubber should provide 10to 12 years of decent playability. With cushions, more play is better than less, because the rubber will stay resilient or lively. If the table sits unused for long periods, the cushions may eventually dry out and harden,so use your table! Climate extremes can affect the life of cushions also. Humidity (too damp or too dry) or temperature extremes can both lessen cushion life expectancy.

When to replace: As the cushions near the end of their life they may soften before they harden which causes the rebound to be slower and less bouncy. Eventually the rubber will harden and the cushion will seem “dead”. It is possible that only one cushion or even part of a cushion may go dead, but it is usually an indication that all of them will be going sooner or later. Proper cushion replacement is an extensive,complicated process and requires professional knowledge to get it done right, so call our service department if you think it’s time, or if you just want help deciding if it is.

Level/Slate Playing Surface

The playing surfaces of our pool tables consist of three pieces of slate that can way in excess of 900 lbs. We take great care in setting and leveling the three pieces so that they will provide a level playfield for years to come. In most cases the table only needs to be leveled again when the cloth gets replaced. Please never pick up the table or try to move it without professional help! If you need to move the table for whatever reason, call us and we’d be glad to offer advice or schedule a time to do it for you.It is possible, though unlikely, for the table to go out of level without being moved. Despite our best efforts during installation, this can occur if the floor or building settles, or if the table settles into itself. Call our service department if you notice a pattern to the balls rolling off line (3 or more balls all curving the same way in an area). There needs to be a consistent pattern because the nap of the cloth or dirt can throw the ball off line also. If this seems to be happening, try vacuuming the cloth before calling us. Another important consideration regarding table level is the quality of the balls. Cheap pool balls can be unbalanced or actually less round, causing them to roll inconsistently. If you are looking for the most accurate play invest in a set of Aramith balls and Simonis cloth. Lastly, call us if you notice a bump or seam across the playing surface or see a wear line forming. This can indicate that the slate seams have shifted and need realigning.

Pockets

Most of our tables have leather pockets. These do not require any regular maintenance and should last many years. They will be stiff for awhile when new and may even reject a firmly struck ball occasionally. Leave the balls in them when done playing to help them stretch out and break in better, and play more! Plastic pockets can be wiped down occasionally with a damp cloth to remove dust or dirt.

Cabinet/Base Frame

Pool tables with a finished cabinet can be dusted or cleaned with furniture polish like any other furniture.Take care when polishing the top rails to not get polish on the cloth which can stain it or affect play.Over time the legs or other components in the cabinet may loosen. If this happens, call our servicedepartment for instructions on what to do for your specific table model. It may be a simple fix you can doyourself, or might need our assistance.

Pool Table Accessory Care

Pool Cues

The most important aspect of the pool cue to maintain is the tip. Tips are made of leather and glued on to the ferrule (usually white in color). If the tip falls off it needs to be replaced and the cue should not be used,as this can severely damage the cloth. Use a home repair kit if you want to do it yourself or bring it to our service department for a professional repair. The tips also need to be scuffed occasionally with sandpaper(100-150 grit) or cue tip scuffing tool so that they will hold chalk better. Over time scuffing wears the tip down, and when it gets to be 1/8″ thick it should be replaced. If the ferrule becomes loose or breaks off bring the cue to our service department because special machinery is required to properly replace it.Also see us if any cracks develop in the ferrule or wood of the shaft.

Chalking: Always use good chalk when you play! The best chalk is still made in the USA. We suggestMaster or Silver Cup brands, depending on the color you need to match your cloth. When chalking the tip take care to apply the chalk only to the scuffed surface. If the chalk cube contacts the ferrule when chalking it can create a line or actually wear a groove in it. Discard the cube of chalk when it’s worn down half way to avoid this.

Pool Balls

The pool balls can be cleaned occasionally with dish soap and water (not in the dishwasher!) and a coat ofsilicone-based furniture polish such as Pledge can be applied. Aramith balls can be cleaned and polishedat the same time with Aramith ball cleaner. Quality pool balls can last for years, especially in rooms withcarpeting. Balls that hit concrete or metal can become nicked and may need replacing to avoid causingexcessive wear to the cloth.

Game Room Accessory Care and Maintenance

Foosball/Soccer Table

Playing Surface: The surface can be cleaned with a damp cloth or window cleaner to insure smooth play.

Rods: The rods should be lubricated occasionally with a dry silicone spray.

Men: If applicable to your model, periodically check the men to make sure they are securely fastened tothe rod, tightening any loose nuts/bolts. Replace any cracked or broken men.

Cabinet: If the cabinet seems wobbly, check the legs and any points of attachment to make sure they aretight.

Shuffleboard Table

Playing Surface: Prior to applying the powdered playing wax for the first time, spray the board surface withShuffleboard spray silicone to prevent “tracking” and encourage smoother play.Occasionally remove all powdered wax and clean surface with shuffleboard cleaner, then apply spraysilicone again before waxing.

Levelness: The adjustment of the board curvature and level can be complicated and should not beattempted by anyone without experience, as damage to the board may result. Contact our servicedepartment to schedule a leveling appointment.

Cabinet: If cradle seems wobbly, check tightness of leg bolts. Call our service department if you havequestions.

Table Tennis

Playing Surface: The surface can be wiped down with a damp cloth periodically to remove dust and dirt.Net Assembly: If your net becomes torn or wears out call us to order a replacement.

Frame / Base: Check any points of attachment for loose or missing hardware if table seems wobbly.

Paddles / Rackets: Rackets with quality rubber surfaces can be cleaned with Butterfly rubber cleaner.Replace any rackets with loose or worn rubber, or the rubber can be replaced on higher quality models

87 Bridge Street
Pelham, NH 03076

(603) 635-2333