Q & As             FAQs

The following are excerpts from e-mails over the past few years.  They are not yet archived, categorized or structured in any way.  However since a host of subjects are discussed a brief scroll through the text may lead to the answers you’re looking for.  The general subject is highlighted in red and the answers are in Simonis 860 Green 

This is for information purposes only and prices stated may not apply to every situation.

Comments about any name brand table is an opinion based on experience.

For the 7 foot I would be 46 inches from playing area and 41 inches from the           overall area (from the wall to the long side of the table).  My only issue is with one side of the table, as the other wall is about 20 feet from the other side.  But based on these measurements, I think an 8 footer would be too tight.  What do you think?      

  The dimensions are:            

        3 ½  x 7 -   overall: 49" x 87"                 playing area:   39" x 78"             

        4 x  8  -    overall: 54" x  97"                 playing area:   44" x  88"            

Bear in mind though that when it comes to calculating how far away the table should be FOR PLAYING PURPOSES be sure to use the playing area measurements.  The overall dimensions are meaningless as regarding play.            

Please let me know as soon as you can if you want to purchase a 7' as the selection may be limited in that size and may need to be ordered.   A 4 x 8 is more common and easier to get.       

We have a completion date on our basement.  We should be ready for the move and restoration of the table starting on Dec. 9th.

I'll be ready to move and re-felt the table when you are albeit I usually stay 3 - 5 days out, sometimes a little more during the holidays.   Just let me know when you have a fix on the date.

As far as the pockets are concerned:

        They are a Twentieth Century pocket and almost impossible to find and the cost to purchase them would probably exceeds $800.     The best thing to do is send them off to a company in  Milwaukee that specializes in antique pocket restoration.   They can use the existing pocket irons and recreate all of the leather down to every detail as there were originally.     The cost for this would be around $300 - 350.   It takes them about 3 weeks to complete the restoration.    So, if you wanted to re do the pockets and/or replace the rubber cushions that would necessitate a return trip several weeks later to finish the installation.         

        I guess at this point we best get down to estimating the cost for you so you can decide exactly what you want to do.

                        Move and set up               $   475.00

                        Re-felt                                    200.00

                        new rubber cushions           325.00  (Brunswick Super Speed)

                        pocket restoration                   300.00 - 350

                        return trip                                 75.00 

You may also decide to table the components of the table to an antique furniture re finisher.       

OK, if you have any questions just let me know.  

Thanks,

       
Randy Schaffer     

DBA  Schaffer Installations

770-854-POOL (7665)      

404-405-3168  (cell)

www.pooltableguy.com
        

Just noticed that Roopville is really close to Newnan, GA, where I live!!  Would love to get a table from you and have you set it up. I only want to spend around $1700 though. There are a few tables on Ebay that are $1300 with shipping. Then I have to move it to the room from the Garage, then pay someone $300 to set it up. So I wanted to stay around this price.

Do you have anything in this price range?

I have some really nice furniture style tables made by Kasson.   They are one of the few companies that still manufacture pool tables in the US.  The price on these tables in $1750 but $1995 with delivery and installation.   I really believe this to be the best deal for the quality of table.    Actually the prices from my wholesaler went up this year and I may soon change the price to $2195.  But for right now, while things are slow, I'm holding to last year's prices.  If you visit my web site 

 www.pooltableguy.com  you'll see the Lanchester, Austin and Belvedere.   

 http://www.pooltableguy.com/id36.html           

 http://www.pooltableguy.com/id11.html

You can also look at the tables on Kasson's web site http://www.kassonpooltables.com

If you want a lower priced table, I also have the Terminator, now called the Vermillion, but I really believe Lan/Aus/Belv line is the best deal. 

http://www.kassonpooltables.com/lanchester.html 

http://www.kassonpooltables.com/vermilion.html 

http://www.pooltableguy.com/id41.html

The construction, engineering and finish is superior to the tables being made overseas.

I sold a few of the Kasson tables to people in your area and you can contact them as a reference if you like.   They may even let you stop by and look at the table.

I also install many tables bought on ebay.    My fee is $225 if all the components are in the room.   I will transport the components from your garage into the room for an additional $65.  Whatever you decide, I'd love to do business with you by installing a Kasson table for you or installing a table you buy on ebay.  Thanks for the inquiry and please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any more questions.

Randy Schaffer   

DBA Schaffer Installations

770-854-POOL (7665)   

404-405-3168 (cell)

www.pooltableguy.com

How much for just the felt?

I sell 4 x 8' felt (bed & rails) for $109.    No shipping.    You can pick it up at my shop (by appointment only) in Carrollton which is about 40 miles south west of Atlanta.

Randy Schaffer   

DBA Schaffer Installations

770-854-POOL (7665)   

404-405-3168  (cell)

www.pooltableguy.com

Could I get a quote on re-felting a table?

Sure Susan,

If you live in the Atlanta Metro area I usually charge $350 for re-felting a 7 or 8' table .  

A 9' cost $375.    The standard re-felt includes the felt of which I stock about 12 colors for 7 & 8' and maybe 6 colors for 9'   I strip and re-felt the bumpers making any minor repairs if needed.   I will re-level the table\ and the slate including regrouting the slate joint.   You can view some of the available felt colors on my web site:

www.pooltableguy.com

http://www.pooltableguy.com/id19.html

Randy Schaffer   

DBA Schaffer Installations

770-854-POOL (7665)   

404-405-3168  (cell)

www.pooltableguy.com

Hi,

We are considering purchasing a Campran pool table.  How much do you charge to set up an 8 ft table, and do you like Campran?

 Thanks,

Hi Kaete,

Yes I do like the CampRan tables.  They constructed very well with good quality materials. 

If you are in metro Atlanta, my installation fee is $225 if all of the components are in the room.

The delivery company will only drop ship in your garage or carport.    We will transport the components for $65 if there are no stairs.  Of course you have the option to move the things in beforehand and avoid that charge.

We stay about 4 - 7 days out so try and schedule as far in advance as you can.

Thanks for the info.  I think it takes 8-14 weeks to get, so I’ll contact you as we get closer to delivery.

Really?   I thought CampRan was getting tables to the buyer in 7 - 10 days.

In any event I'll be ready when you call.

They had some tables that were already here in the USA that were faster to deliver, but they just said they are running 10-12 weeks.  Do you have any suggestions for other piano companies you've worked with?

Piano companies?     Do you mean Pool table companies?   

If you haven't already purchased a table from CampRan and you are looking to buy a similar one but get it sooner I suppose you could try Kingston Global International.   The are importers of the tables from China just like CampRan is.    They might be faster and probably about the same price.

I sell Kasson tables.   They are made in the US and I can get them immediately.  However, I believe the price is a bit higher than CampRan or KGI.    If you care to look my website is:

www.pooltableguy.com

If you've already purchased a CampRan table I'll be ready when you call me for install.  I usually stay about 3 days to a week back.

Randy Schaffer   

DBA Schaffer Installations

770-854-POOL (7665)   

404-405-3168  (cell)

www.pooltableguy.com

 What are these factors that can be adjusted as far as the moving price?.

Thanks Jim

Jim,

I am happy to move the pool table for you on Tuesday of this week.

However, in our phone conversation earlier today I quoted you a

price of  $375 but that did not include additional travel.

It seems the destination address you provided is 83 miles from the

current location.

I usually get a travel fee of $1 / mile over 20 miles.  I am

including an invoice with this email.   The travel fee could be adjusted lower  based on several factors.

What are these factors that can be adjusted as far as the moving price?

Well, lets say the pool table was located in such a way as that I could disassemble it and load it without a helper.   This would mean there would be no stairs or other difficulties in the route from the current table location to my truck.  I can handle a 3 piece slate pool table alone if there are no stairs involved. 

This coupled with a similar situation at you house, meaning a situation where I could deliver the table without a helper.   (ie: no stairs or customer assistance)     I run a no frills business and I often offer a "customer assistance discount" when I can eliminate my part time helper for the day and pass the savings on to the home owner if they care to get involved.

So what I'm saying is that if I can eliminate the need to pay my assistant that day I can in turn eliminate the travel fees.   Since I have to pay him for the entire day when I really only need him a few minutes at a time to help carry the slate pieces.   I would just as soon work alone anyway.

Randy,

 There are no stairs involved at the Atlanta house. Scott told me that

 you  will be able to park in next doors drive. (His wife will advise

 you). I will  be at home when you get to my place, and I will assist you as much

 as you  need. We can bring the table round the side of the house and through

 the  basement door. If this is all ok, I will see you when you arrive on

 Tuesday.

 Cheers,

 Jim.

Hi I just talked to you about purchasing the Proline 9 x 4 1/2 table

The soonest I can deliver the table to you would be between noon & 1 o'clock on Tuesday Nov. 14.  I have a table to disassemble for a restoration company in Smyrna that morning which usually doesn't take too long.    I could come to Cartersville after that.   The only other time I have clear is on Friday Nov. 18.

I am sending a pic of the most prominent scratch on the table that I am aware of at this time.  I'm sure you heard the one about the used car that was owned by the little old lady who only drove it to church on Sunday.   Well this is like that.  It was really owned by an older lady whose husband fell ill and died soon after he got the table.   She later got ill and moved in with a daughter in Ohio.   I got the table about 3 months ago but have just now gotten around to advertising it.

In fact you might think about just paying me for the delivery and installation but keep the original felt and accessories because this table was hardly used.     The delivery and install would be only $245.

So your final cost would be $1845 instead of $2000.  I suppose you could make that decision after you inspect everything.    I'll bring the original felt and accessories as well as new felt and accessories.

About the felt colors, I have a more limited supply of 9' felt than I do of 8'     The only colors I stock in 9' are standard green, dark green, navy, wine, Burgundy and camel.   Those are the colors I will have with me.   If there is any other color you want (that you see on my web site) I can get it but I'll need about 4 days.    So, if you wanted delivery on Friday you could pick a color and let me know tomorrow and I'll have it on time.   If you want the table on Tuesday AND if you want a new felt you'll have to pick form the colors I listed above.

I'm also sending you an invoice so we are sure to agree on the pricing.

Just reply when you decide what you want to do.   If you want to call me tomorrow you can reach me on my cell @ 404-405-3168.   I'll be in Jackson in the morning and don't know what kind of service I'll be getting there.   Then I'll be North of Atlanta and downtown for the rest of the day and evening so you should be able to get a hold of me.

Hi Mr. Schaffer,  My name is Jay H- - - - k and I  am interested in purchasing a pool table.  I'm not really sure what kind to get new or used so I would like to rec. more info on your tables.  I got your name from Billy L- - -  who purchased one of your tables last year.  He speaks very highly of you and what a great job You did installing.

Hi Jay,

I remember Billy L- - -   I bought some carpet from him about 5 years ago and then coincidentally, he purchased the table from me last year around Christmas.   For new pooI tables I sell the Kasson line. 

Billy got a 9' Lanchester.     I can get any table Kasson makes so you could look at their website in addition to mine and if you see something that I don't feature on my site I can get a price for you. 

Bear in mind however that the four tables I feature are probably among the lowest priced tables Kasson offers.  So anything else you see on their site will be in a higher line.

Here's their website:

http://www.kassonpooltables.com/

As far as used tables go I usually have several listed on my site.  Some of them are mine and some are owned by other individuals that I allow to post on my site.  You would need to contact them directly to negotiate a price.  My tables are appropriately priced so I do not "haggle" the price is listed for each table as is and picked up at my shop near Carrollton.   I offer a $400 upgrade package on all my used tables.  

It includes delivery and professional set up, a brand new felt (buyer chooses color) and a brand new 20 piece accessory package.    Priced separately the $400 upgrade would cost $645.

I do a lot of pool table service work.    This includes moving and refelting.   If you find a used table somewhere else that you want to buy I'd be happy to quote you a price to relocate it.    My fee to disassemble, move and reinstall a 4 x 8' three piece slate pool table is usually between $350 and $450.

A re-felt when done with a move is between $150 and $375.  You could look in the Atlanta Journal classified section #917 to see what tables are for sale in the metro area.

Thanks Jay and check back anytime.

Randy Schaffer     

DBA  Schaffer Installations

770-854-POOL (7665)      

404-405-3168  (cell)

www.pooltableguy.com

 Good Afternoon

Randy, 

My husband spoke with you about moving our pool table one day, then setting it back up the next day or two after we had new carpet put in.  Also had discussed refelting at that time.

Could you please send us a quote for this and times that you would have available this month?

Thanks,

Katy and Jeff

Hi Katy,

The service you requested breaks down this way:

        disassemble, label and move 3 piece 8' slate table to a

        storage location on the same level. ..................................... $195.00

        return to reassemble table in original location  ..................   225.00

        re-felt bed & rails with 21 oz cloth  ................................…...    150.00

                                                                                     total  ......…   $ 570.00

The price could changed based on the size of the table and how far I must travel.

I am usually available with 3 - 5 days notice.

Thanks,

Randy Schaffer     

DBA  Schaffer Installations

770-854-POOL (7665)      

404-405-3168    (cell)

www.pooltableguy.com

I had a good bit of trouble with the cross members on that table.   They are made of press board and do not take well to repetitive "screwing" for lack of a better term.  I tried some larger screws that I had in my tool box to tighten the slate and they did get a bit tighter.  But I was apprehensive about what would happen after I tightened the rails down as that sometimes will cause the slate to shift in that kind of a situation.   So after I had everything tightened up I felt the seams and found a ball to roll on the table and it appeared fine.   So what you're telling me makes sense.   It must have shifted and I just didn't notice it.  The only problem is that what is usually a simple fix on most tables might get involved in yours if I have to strip off the felt.   So I need to find a place on my calendar where I can set aside a half day in case it gets involved.

Do you think you would be ok until after the New Year?    You could play on it as often as you like as it is until I get it straightened out for you.  Things are really hectic right now, I'm putting in some long days and working through a good bit of the holiday.    But if I could schedule it for say the 2nd week in January I would not be rushed will be sure to get it right and make it last.   Of course if that's too long for you to wait just let me know and I'll re-look at the schedule and let you know as soon as I can get there, maybe Sat.?  

I picked up the chalk for you it looks a little darker than what I gave you but he assured me it was for Burgundy.  I'll bring it with me when I "adjust" the table.   Let me know what you think.

 Good Morning Sir,    Just a quick note to let you know that there doesn’t appear to be any more ‘settling’.  Thanks again for the nice job.   I’ve got your card & I’ll pass it around.   

Jeff

Great.  I'm glad the screws were not the problem.

the sites I am assuming are round,,,if they are round,,you can use a 7/16Forstner wood bit to drill hole to inlay these into,,I would try on a scrap piece of wood first to check the fit,,then glue them in with Elmers white glue and clamp them.  If you are refinishing rails,,leave them a slight bit higher than surface so when you sand rail top you can sand these flush.               

Nameplate,,,,take a chisel that is sharp or new and carefully clean area that plate is going for depth and length and width after you have done all sanding on surfaces. After you have finished the rail,,you can use an epoxy glue to glue plate in and clamp...don't use much epoxy or it will seep out the sides and you will have a mess.....good luck,,just pre-fit things before you glue them!,,Ken

I have a pool table coming in from Campran next week.  

I was wondering what you charge to set a pool table up and when the next available time you have to set one up on your schedule.

Thx.

John

Hi there,

 I am purchasing a pool table from KGI Billiards and they gave me

 your  name about instillations. I will be living directly between Sanford,

 NC  and Fayetteville, NC and wanted to see what it would cost to have

 someone come out and install a 9 foot pool table in my bonus room

 over  the garage. It will be delivered by freight to our garage, so I

 guess I  also need to know if you would be able to move everything into the  

 house and upstairs.

 Thanks so much!

 Kate

My normal installation fee for a KGI install is $250  there would be a $95 fee to move the components from the garage into the house and up the stairs.  Of course if  you decide to uncrate everything and bring it in and up to the room before the installation there would be no objection from here.

The real expense however would be the travel fees.    I'm not sure exactly where you are located but if you are anywhere near Fort Bragg it is over 400 miles from my location near Atlanta.     I will, and have traveled that far.   The travel fees would be $275.    So your total cost to have ME install the table would be $525 not counting moving the components into the room but we might be able to work something out with that.     

If you can't find a competent installer closer to you I'd be glad to do it.

Your name was provided to me as an installer for a CampRan pool table.  I am located seven miles north of Savannah in South Carolina.  I am needing installation the second week of February.  Are you available, and if so, what is the rate?

Zachary

Hi Zachary,

Yes I would be available the 2nd week in February.    My normal installation fee for a CampRan table is $275.   The trucking company they use will not deliver the components of the table into your home, they will only drop ship everything into your garage or carport. There is a $65 fee to move the components from the garage into the house if there are no stairs. Of course if you decide to uncrate everything and bring it in to the room before the installation there would be no objection from here.
 
The real expense however would be the travel fees.    Savannah is 300 miles from my location near Atlanta.   The travel fees would be $225.    So your total cost to have ME install the table would be $500 not counting moving the components into the room but we might be able to work something out with that.     
 
I have extensive experience with the CampRan brand and if you can't find a competent installer closer to you I'd be glad to do it.
 
 
Randy Schaffer     
DBA  Schaffer Installations
 
770-854-POOL (7665)      
404-405-3168  (cell)
 
www.pooltableguy.com

HI,

Thanks for the inquiry about the table. I am in a bit of a situation now. I moved from the Atlanta area last year and Stanleys (who has serviced this table as long as I have had it) took the table and put it on consignment. However, they became confused and put it up in storage in the warehouse instead for the past 9 months and consequently it didnt sell.  

They finally got it out on the floor the first of the year but then informed me that they were moving and getting out of the pool table business due to the death of the mom. They are moving out of their facility the end of January and I have to do something with the table.They're moving the N. Georgia and MAY be continuing on their business there but dont want to haul the stuff they now have in their warehouse.

Ive had quite a few inquires about the table from Craigs list but, the owner of Stanleys is not being cooperative about showing it so its put me in a bind.  

They have offered me 550.00 for the table. I put it on Craigs list to try and get it sold for anything above their offier but if they wont show it f( I live too far in North Georgia to take care of the problem)  it wont sell.

If you are willing to meet or beat their offer, its yours if you will go pick it up. I have someone in Atlanta that could meet you there one evening next week after work to make sure they allow you possession. You could pay him directly.

 The table is in excellent shape, still having the original balls and rack. I put new bumpers and felt on it just before I stored it.  

Let me know if you are further interested. Thank you so much for your email.

I would like to have your name and contact number for my records. I own a retail store called Remember When Collectibles in Stone Mountain, 16 years now, and occasionally run across pool tables or have cusomers who want to sell their table but don't know who to call to move it and would be happy to refer you in the future. I had a fellow that just left my store and wants to know what you would charge to transport and set up this table.The table is already torn down. I am in Stone Mountain, he lives in Snellville, about 20 minutes from here. Let me know and thanks for contacting me. Terry

Hi Terry,

Its difficult for me to tell from the pics but it looks like a table that was bought on-line, manufactured in China and shipped through California by a either KGI (Kingston Global International) on CampRan.    Is this correct?    If not, can you tell me where it came from and if there are any names or identifiers on the table as to the manufacturer?

I will pick up the components at your place in Stone Mountain transport them to Snellville and set up the table for $325.

My name is Randy Schaffer  The business name is Schaffer Installations

I have over 30 years exp. with slate pool tables.

Phone number is: (770) 854-POOL (7665) or (404) 405-3168 (cell)

The web site is: www.pooltableguy.com

Good Afternoon,

I would like to find out the cost for you to install an 8' pool table in the Buford area. I will be purchasing it new so it will be in the box and need moved around to the back of my house.

 Thank,s

 Steve

Hi Steve,

Sounds like either a KGI or CampRan.

The KGI installs for $225   The CampRan  for $275 (unless the rails are already felted then it's also $225)

We will uncrate and transport the pieces into the room for $65.   Stairs are $35 a flight.   You have the option of carrying everything in before we arrive to save that expense.  I usually stay 3 -5 days out so you might want to call and schedule the installation as soon as you get a head ups from the delivery company.   They usually call a couple days ahead.

Randy Schaffer     

DBA  Schaffer Installations

770-854-POOL (7665)      

404-405-3168    (cell)

www.pooltableguy.com

Randy,

 Here are two of the plans I have.  I have one more but it is more of a program than an adobe file so it would be hard to send it.  I am also sending a picture that shows the pool table I think we are going to shoot for.  I don't have any plans for it so I am having to create them in my head and put it on paper.  I am pretty close and I think we should start building my table by the end of Feb.  I will keep you posted and once we get it going feel free to drive up and check it out one weekend.  Again, thanks for the slate and all the good tips.  I am sure I will be calling with more questions when we get started.

Jason

Hey man, that's a lot of good info.  Thanks, I'm sure it will be a good source of reference for me from time to time.  

As far as the pic you sent.   The only thing I can think of right off is a possibility of sag.  I have seen many tables of this design, especially 9' that sag in the middle in time.  However, with good support that may not be an issue.

 You are right.  I was really worried about it sagging with the legs being all the way on the out side.  I think I will go back to the traditional way with the slanted style frame.  Like the "Woodworking" file I sent you.  I finally got a hold of that guy that did those plans and he is sending me the finished copy of those plans.  He was selling them on ebay for $10 about a year ago.  Hopefully they are more detailed than the one I already have.  I am still not sure about what kind of hardwood I am going to go with.  Any ideas or thoughts?  I am going to stain the wood a very dark stain, even black if I can find black stain so I am not sure how much of the wood lines will be seen.  I am also going with a purple felt just to give you an idea of what it will look like in the end.

Jason

As far as the hardwood, the only thing I've noticed is the differences between oak and maple.   The oak is a more grainy type wood so it seems that it absorbs more of the stain.  The result is usually a finish that is less smooth but more resistant to scratches.    The maple is not as course and does not seem to absorb near is deep.  So the finish is a lot more smooth and glossy, a piano finish if you will.   However, because of this any scratches are manifested more than on oak especially with the Cherry stain.   As far as strength, I detect no difference between the two.   Have you considered Mahogany?   

I would again recommend checking out the Buford Atlantic Billiards Factory.   It's on McEver Rd. just north of the Gwinett county line.   The guy to speak with is "Bucky"   He has been there for quite sometime and might be able to sell you some things.  I haven't been there myself in over a year, but its possible they're not actually manufacturing tables there right now.   It may just be a warehouse and service center there now.   Even still, I'll bet if you wonder in there when Bucky's not busy he could show you around and point out some the stuff they used to make and maybe he'll have some odd parts to sell you.   Be sure to ask him about the snooker table they made for the Rolling Stones Steel Wheels tour.   One of their guys got to travel with the band moving the table from city to city.   That's a gig I would have love to have had

All right man,

Later .................

Randy Schaffer     

DBA  Schaffer Installations

770-854-POOL (7665)      

404-405-3168  (cell)

www.pooltableguy.com

It’s Bucky, but I guess I already told you that.  If you want to take a ride, see a really good factory look up American Heirloom.   They are in McDonough.  I think its www.ahipooltables.com or something similar.   The owner Frank Costansa is a really nice and knowledgeable guy.  He used to work for Gandy in Macon and bought them out or something.