looking for a pool table expert

[Scoot]

I spent $100 paying movers help me try move a pool table into my basement today. I worked my butt and so did they. In the end, we concluded that the table does not fit down the stairwell (actually, we just can't get it started down the stairwell). The head-honcho mover-guy knew his stuff and tried everything he could, but it's simply too big. To make matters worse, I next discovered that I've got a Valley pool table, which is assembled at the factory and the framework of it can not be disassembled. After measuring it a few dozen times, I believe I can get it in through an egress window. However, it's so incredibly heavy that I feel like I need to get the slate out of it to even have a chance- it's unbelievably heavy and I don't want to ruin it, my home, or hurt anyone getting it in there.

I removed all of the bumpers with no problem. Now I'm trying to get the slate out, but it's rock solid. I don't see what holds it down or how to get at it. Anyone know how it would be held down and where I'd need to access it to allow the slate to come out?

Not sure if it matters, but it's an old bar table with the coin exchanger and the ball return on one end and the rack/space for balls on the other end.

Thanks!

[CAMAN]

The slate should just be shimmed in around the edges. Be sure to mark the locations of each shim and remove them, they are glued in place. You should now be able to get a couple people to help lift it straight out.

When reinstalling, be sure to put the slate and shims in EXACTLY the way you found them to prevent warping of the side rails. No need to glue the shims again unless you plan to move it again without removing the slate. Then just reinstall the bumpers and you should be good to go.

This is also the time to replace the felt if it hasn't been done in a while.

[Scoot]

Thanks CAMAN-- if they're glued in, how do I remove them? Is there a right or wrong way to do this?

[CAMAN]

Just take a screwdriver, or thin prybar and try to break the glue. It should just be a hotmelt type glue, so it shouldn't be a huge problem. They are made to be removed for recovering.

[Scoot]

Sweet! Thanks again!!!

[walleyeseeker]

DON'T pry on your slate! If you have the rails off, the slate will pull straight up and out. After it is out, you can carry it on it's side, never flat as it will break. Valley tables are heavy but solid. You can take the legs off and the slate out and it should be manageable. When I put mine in my basement, I had to take out all of my steps and tip it straight down and then turn it once on the floor. Good luck and happy practicing.

[Scoot]

Thanks again for the help, fellas. After finding out the pool table didn't fit down my stairwell, we managed to get it in the basement by going through an egress window. It was quite a sight to see, but we got it in there. We brought the slate down the steps, but the frame of the table through the window. If I ever sell the house, the pool table will come with it!

[sticknstring]

[Deitz Dittrich]

LOL

[LightningBG]

About 30 years ago my dad wanted to get one of those big bar tables down into the basement. He sent my mom out shopping. While she was out, him and his buddies pulled up the carpet, cut a hole in the floor, dropped it through, repaired the floor, and re-stretched the carpet. All was complete before she got home.

That table will be staying with the house as well.

[delcecchi]

Did it fit between the joists, or did he have to cut them too?

[LightningBG]

Did it fit between the joists, or did he have to cut them too?

They had to cut the joists. The architect and the builder (both friends of my parents) were there, so I'm confident they repaired it properly (I hope). Its lasted 30 years, so I think they're in the clear.