Small table cushion rubber

[antm4n]

Hi

Anybody got any ideas what I could use for cushion rubber for my small 4ft table? The rubber is 5mm x 5mm square. Even though it's old, it does still have a bit of bounce, should I just leave it?

I'm recovering the table as well, my friend said to me "I've got some table baize in my van, I wrap furniture in". When he gave it me I laughed, its Strachan 6811 gold tournament, only the best for this little table 

It's just for a bit of fun when people can start coming around again.

[Chris_Sav]

James Masters' site carries several cushion rubbers.

The stuff you have looks well knackered (please moderate photo sizes our free attachment space is very limited).

Exact size replacement is not essential, just get as close as you can.

www.mastersofgames.com/cat/billiards/snooker-pool-table-cushion-rubber.htm

Good luck!

[keithr]

Antm4n,

I am in the process of finalising the plans for my home BB table. As far as cushions are concerned I have done a lot of questioning as to why the side rails are the shape they are with the cloth going down at an angle after the rubber. No one I have spoken to can give me an answer.

I have decided to use cushion rubber the complete depth of the side rail. This makes fixing the cushion so much easier. Also, sourcing rubber sheeting [10mm] to cut into strips is so much easier and a lot, lot cheaper than commercially available cushions.

Unless someone can up with a good explanation for the existing shape [apart from tradition itself] I am going ahead with the full side rail depth. I have ordered some materials and will be testing them within the next week. Contact me if I can help you.

[tommo III]

Whilst not offering any theory in answer to the question of why they're the shape they are, there's plenty on the manufacture of side cushions in this link here:

www.billard-passion.fr/articles.php?lng=en&pg=21

[Chris_Sav]

Cheaper versions are extruded, have a shorter life span and can have  slight imperfections in the surface, better versions are moulded for longevity and absolute consistency of bounce.

Traditional half inch L shaped was extruded but normally OK

Hainsworth Northern was moulded and twice the price.

Horses for courses!

[taffy]

Aug 18, 2021 9:15:34 GMT keithr said:

Antm4n,

I am in the process of finalising the plans for my home BB table. As far as cushions are concerned I have done a lot of questioning as to why the side rails are the shape they are with the cloth going down at an angle after the rubber. No one I have spoken to can give me an answer.

I have decided to use cushion rubber the complete depth of the side rail. This makes fixing the cushion so much easier. Also, sourcing rubber sheeting [10mm] to cut into strips is so much easier and a lot, lot cheaper than commercially available cushions.

Unless someone can up with a good explanation for the existing shape [apart from tradition itself] I am going ahead with the full side rail depth. I have ordered some materials and will be testing them within the next week. Contact me if I can help you.

The deeper a ball goes into a cushion, the more it bounces out to the middle of the table.

so for example, if the rubber is hard and an object ball hits it at 45 degrees, it will straighten up to bounce off at 30 degrees. It straightens up.

if you use a soft thin strip of rubber like the old L shape, the ball goes into the rubber deeper and the rubber infront and ahead of the ball acts like a corner, so the ball goes in at 45 degrees and comes out at 45 degrees.

Thin rubber is available on ebay and does give reasonable bounce but you have to hit the ball very subtly a little harder meaning the object ball is OK but that the cue ball is off to the races!

taffy

[keithr]

Thank you all for your kind replies.

I have sourced some different samples of rubber and am going to do some tests when they arrive. My main aim is to have a table which is enjoyable to play, as close as I can make it to a commercially made one and within my capabilities to make. Although I played quite a bit when younger I was never any good and never will be!

Taffy - thank you for that explanation of angle bounce. I never knew that. I am not sure I am good enough for it to matter too much but it will be part of my testing.

[keithr]

I now have 4 types of rubber. Hopefully this week I will finish the side rails and will do the tests. I will report back on what I find.

Keith

[taffy]

Does anyone have a record of the difference in quality of cheaper (far east) 5/8" versus Northern Rubber 5/8"?

also, has anyone tried the full 7/8" rubber on a table. This is still made by Northern Rubber and the quality is gauranteed. the difference is 6+mm which needs to come off the wood.

cheers

Taffy

[Chris_Sav]

Read five posts above

[taffy]

I meant; how do they play?

I've ordered some 5/8" club and some 7/8" club to try on the end cushion.

could have done with 33" of 7/8" Northern Rubber; may as well see how good the best is. but I don't have any.

Taffy