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Mechanized/coin operated pool tables are mostly found in bars. Though they are not so common for people that want a private pool at home, it is not unheard of to find a pool fanatic having one at home. Nonetheless, whether you own one for commercial purposes or just for fun at home, a situation might arise that you want to move it to a different location.
So, is it possible to move this coin-operated pool table, and if possible, how do you move it? Yes, it is possible to move this kind of pool table by first disassembling certain parts to be assembled later.
This article discusses how to move the mechanized table, how to disassemble its counterpart the slate pool table for moving, and other related questions. Keep reading for a deeper insight.
What Is a Coin-Operated Pool Table?
Simply put, this is a kind of pool table where a coin is deposited into a designated coin pockets to allow the balls to be released after every game. This means that each time you want to play a new game, a coin must be inserted to release the balls.
You may be wondering what happens to the white ball when it is potted. Well, the white ball follows its own route where it can be retrieved separately without any coin insertion.
Moving a Coin-Operated Table
Compared to the slate pool tables, a coin-operated pool table is quite complex in its layout. Thus, taking it apart for transportation is also a little difficult.
However, do not give up. Below is a simplified method of taking a part the mechanized table for easier transportation.
- Rails and legs removal
The first thing you have to do is taking apart the legs and rails of your non-slate table. You will need a wrench to remove bolts attached to the rails so that the rails can come out easily. Then, turn the table upside down and unbolt the legs.
- Ball return system
You must be very careful in how you handle the ball return system. If you have no experience, just leave it intact and transport it that way. If you must touch it, let it be an older table whose system is simpler.
- Non-slate surface
Some non-slate tables may be made of wood, fiberboard, or some other non-slate material. In such cases, the table should be transported in one piece. They are cheap and not suitable for disassembly. In fact, some even come with folding legs for easier transportation.
However, for a normal coin-operated table, once you take apart the rails and the legs, you should stop there and move it like that. You do not want to tamper with the ball return mechanisms unless you are a professional.
The mechanized/coin-operated table may not be of high maintenance as the normal slate pool table, but moving it can be somewhat of a challenge. It is recommendable that you leave it to professionals for best results.
Moving the Standard Slate Pool Table
Away from the mechanized pool table, most pool fanatics will likely buy the standard slate pool table for their home use.
So how do you disassemble them in readiness for moving?
- First, you need the right tools to dismantle the table. The right equipment includes socket wrench, screw driver, drill, and staple remover for the felt.
- Measure the exits and doorways to ensure safe movements without damaging any part of your table.
- The most engaging and important part is dismantling the table. A pool table is not meant to be moved in one piece, with the exception of the cheap non-slate one mentioned above. You will need to take the apart the slate, legs, rails, and the felt, then reassemble them at the intended destination.
See the guide below.
- Removing pockets and rails- the first step in disassembly is the removal of rails and pockets. Use a staple remove if held with staples or unscrew using a screwdriver if screws are used.
With the pockets out, you can now remove the rail bolts so that the rails can come out. Keep both the rails and sockets safely. Keep the bolts and screws well such that you will know which part they will be fastening later.
2. Felt and slate removal- to remove the slate safely without breaking it, you first take out the felt. All you need is a staple remover to the felt. You must do it gently so that you do not tear the felt.
Once the felt is out, you can now clearly see the slate. The slate is made of a rock, which can break or chip if not properly handled. Thus, using a drill, you are going to remove the screws gently and once done set the slate aside on the floor or against the wall. Note that the slate is very heavy and you should get assistance lifting it.
3. Removing the legs- the final step after dismantling the pockets, rails, felt and slate is removing the legs of the table.
Turn the table frame upside down unscrew the screws preferably using a drill.
- At this point, we are done with the dismantling process. You need to wrap everything properly to avoid any scratching or possible breaking while on transit. Use a bubble wrap or a protective cushioning of any kind to wrap everything individually.
Is It A Good Idea To Move A Pool Table By Yourself?
Of course, you have two options of moving your pool table. You can either do it yourself or seek the help of professional. However, that depends on your budget.
Professional movers might be costly, but you are assured that everything will be done the right way, and the table will be safe from any damages
On the hand, DIY job might be cheaper but if you don’t know exactly how to do it, you can damage your pool table. Additionally, the slate of the pool table is very heavy, and if not handled properly, you may end up injuring yourself or those helping you.
Thus, if your budget is not tight, you may consider using professionals to disassemble, move, and reassemble.
Related Questions
How much will it cost to move a pool table?
Certain factors determine how much you will spend moving your pool table using professional movers. They include the type of table whether it is mechanized or a pocket drop table, the size and weight of the table, the distance from the current location to the new one and any other special circumstance such as stairways and narrow entries.
Roughly, to have movers dismantle, move and assemble the pool table, you may roughly between $400 and $600.
Is it necessary to refelt your pool table after moving it?
Refelting is not mandatory as long as you managed to remove the felt properly without damaging it. You can still put it back and the table will still look great. However, you may want to refelt your table because you have a new location and you want a new experience. That depends on your personal preferences.
Can you move a slate pool table without dismantling it?
The answer is no. slate pool tables are designed in such a way that they have to be disassembled to make it possible to move from one location to the next. This is unless of course you are moving it to another space in the same room or right in the adjacent room.
How does a mechanized pool table work?
A mechanized/coin-operated pool table has a ball return system. It has a slot where a coin is inserted to trigger the balls to be released. When a game is over, you simply insert the coin and the balls are released. The white ball follows a different route, and it will come out by itself.
What is the average weight of a coin-operated pool table?
The exact weight of any pool table depends on the model and size but on average, they tend to weigh between 650 and 1000 pounds.
See Also:
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Should I Put a Pool Table in my Living Room
