The Snooker Table

[Monique]

When I was in Oldham in November I had the opportunity to witness how the snooker table was "built" for the exhibition and to take some pictures ...
Actually my interest had been triggered by Semih_Sayginer who had once explained the whole process in the chat ... The captions that explain the pictures on this thread are provided by Semih ... Thanks to him!
Also I want to thank the fitters ... the guys who actually build the tables and are almost never seen. Their dedication and passion for their job is extraordinary and I had a wonderful day with them!

Let's start ...

The structure of the table used in Oldham was all wood: 8 solid legs supporting a frame and a series of thick cross-pieces forming a bit like a "waffle" pattern. Dimensions of the table are 6x12 feet. The structure of the table is carefully balanced and leveled before the next step is performed.
On top of the frame, the bed of table itself is formed by five slate pieces, each weighing over 200 kg. Slate is used because it's heavy, has interesting physical properties to damp vibrations and can be polished very smoothly.
The slates are patched with a patching compound and the whole table surface is rubbed with sand paper to make it perfectly smooth.
When I arrived at the venue with my camera the slates were already in place ...

So now here is what I saw ...

* The table fitters set up the table lights to their required height above the table. (note this is done after the table is in position as its easier to alter the lights than move the table)

[Monique]

* The fitter cleans and smooths the surface of the slate bed pieces, checking the joints of them too, to ensure they are perfect and the slates have no debris on it prior to the cloth going onto it.





* The table fitters check the cushions and other parts of the tables (which will be marked accordingly for ease of fitting later)



*The cloth is put over the table prior to being set into position.

[Monique]

*The cloth is put into position and the table fitters use tacks to pin the cloth around over the slate edge and into the table. The baulk line is measured to the correct distance and this is used as a guide point for the cloth.





*The cloth is further placed into position by the fitter, pulling firmly so as no rolls are in the centre of the cloth.

[Monique]

*The fitters pull the cloth tighlty so its as flat as possible before being tacked down.





*The pocket areas are a little more tricky to get perfect as this is where a tear is likely to happen if anywhere.

[Monique]

*Discussion between Table Fitters (perhaps teaching the younger lad ...)

[Monique]

* The view from where the spectators are seated (Though not many get to see a table being built)

[Monique]

* The cloth is almost all tacked down in position, with the fitter checking the tension and tacking.





* The cloth is now adhered to the slate bed and is ready to be checked and tweaked if need be by the fitters.

[Monique]

* The fitter checks the measurement of the baulk markings, including the yellow and green intersection with the baulk line. (The only two spots not in the centre line of the table)



* The Fitter brushes the cloth and while doing so checks the condition to ensure no damage has been done during transit and or fitting.

[Monique]

* The brushed and now clean cloth is ironed by the table fitter. Ironing takes out excess moisture and ensures the flat cloth is smooth and fast to play on. As with brushing, ironing is done in the direction of the nap, which starts from the baulk end.

[Monique]

* The cushions are now able to be assembled onto the table due to the completion of the cloth fitting to the (5 slates joined on the) slate bed.



* Using cordless drill and ratchet drills the cushions are assembled onto their correct positions on the table. The Fitter will set the tightness on each one to a regulated setting and tweak if need be so as to ensure all cushions give uniform bounce.

[Monique]

* The fitter checks visually and by way of measure tape the distance between both cushions at the pocket openings so make sure the cushions are exactly in position.





* The fitter attaches the centre pocket to the table, along with the running rail for the balls to be collected.

[Monique]

* Final Adjustments (tightening) of the cushions before the cover plate is slid in place to cover the bolts and screws.

[Monique]

* A pocket and running rail, ready for assembly.



* A minor adjustment before putting the pocket into place for fixing to the table

[Monique]

* Using a drill and pliers, the fitters make sure the pockets are fitted exactly to specification.

[Monique]

* the wooden cover plate (covering the cushion adjusters) is in place. The fitter cleans and checks his work.