Types of Tables

[Jon]

Hi,

I'm looking to buy a bar billiards table for our pub - but don't know much about the different types of tables.  I've looked around on the internet and found (all restored):

Riley table (£995)
Jelkes (£1700 - £1995)
Sams (£1275)

Any ideas as to which is better???

[Colemanator]

Hi Jon,

you will get no end of advice here about tables, the common ones are Jelkes and Sams, but beware of Sams as some are narrow playing surface width. I would reccomend Jelkes.
BTW where are you situated?
8-)

..................and to be able to access the section where you will get more detailed advice, why not join the Forum as a member? ;)

[Jon]

Thanks for the info - probably looking at getting the Riley (due to the price!) if there isn't that much difference. I have asked for some photos so hopefully it looks authentic too (not too keen on the new looking tables...).

I'm based in York (or will be soon), just by the city walls.  I might look into becoming a member - you guys are super fast at responding and very helpful too :)

[Chris_Sav]

Hi and welcome,

Just should be able to cut those prices by abot 50% if you look on Ebay for a decent one and are patient.

If you do then ask for advice on here

Sav

Echo the last comment by Sav, the 'refurbishments' by the specialist firms are usually mainly cosmetic, and do not justify the high price.

None of us here are fans of the new tables, either, totally different class of workmanship.

Also, yes, the Jelkes are the most sought-after, good ones are becoming rarer to find in sound condition.

Changing the subject, are you familiar with the Golden Ball, York, which is reputed to have a table?

[Jon]

I have seen a couple on Ebay and Gumtree - but they do look like they need some tlc (polish, new cloths, etc).  Also, it seems like the coin part seems to have gone on the older ones.  Who would you recommend to do the refurb (mainly as I know nothing about it!).

What would be a good price to pay for one?  I saw a Sams one for £200 and a Giles one for £500 (have to pay to transport it to York as well) - both in need of a refurb in my opinion.  You guys wouldn't know if anyone wants to sell one?

Golden Ball is pretty cool pub, loads of little rooms and nice beer garden - they've got a bar billiard table there too.

Cheers for all your help - much appreciated!!!

[Chris_Sav]

Hi,

The £200 table shortly to finish on Ebay is not a standard width pub table. being four inches narrower than normal and all the holes nearer the top cushion.

Refurbishing is a problem as there are very few people who will refurb a table to top player's standards with top quality cloth. Virtually none of the 'Refurbishers' play the game and have any idea what is necessary to make a table truly enjoyable to play on. Most of the refurb jobs I have seen have been pretty poor. This is particularly true away from the home counties.

Sav

[BFG]

Hi

Be very careful on the Riley front (Giles also) as they can often be the wrong size top for a proper table.

you will notice the 200 hole and the 100 are evenly distant from the 50's

The correct formation will have the 100 slightly further away from the 50's than the 200

The pattern should be like a diamond rather than a square


Best of luck!

[Chris_Sav]

Jan 4, 2011 22:57:11 GMT BFG said:

Hi

Be very careful on the Riley front (Giles also) as they can often be the wrong size top for a proper table.

you will notice the 200 hole and the 100 are evenly distant from the 50's

The correct formation will have the 100 slightly further away from the 50's than the 200

The pattern should be like a diamond rather than a square


Best of luck!

True on the hole config, but not Rileys. Narrow applies to some Sams and the unknown make four pin tables from East Anglia (possibly Padmore), normally with cue holder holes across the front.

Rileys and Burroughs and Watts are very similar (early Rileys are allegedly B & W copies) and the playing area is very slighty (almost insignificantly) wider than standard Sams or Jelkes. B & W are well made tables but Riley are a bit flimsy IMHO.

Sav

[Jon]

I've just purchased a Jelkes table, with burgundy cloth, awaiting delivery for it now - very exciting!!!

thanks very much for all of your help with this - If you're ever in york, pop on in and have a go - The Phoenix Inn, george Street, Yo1 9PT

:)

Hi Jon,

Congratulations on landing your table.

Just a thought - we have quite an interchange of correspondence going here on the Non-members thread.  Why not join the forum as a member?  It costs nothing, is relatively easy to do and will gain you access to our sections on Table maintenance, etc.

We already have a couple of active members up in Yorkshire who met up recently for a friendly challenge.  And I'm sure our members would like to see a photo of your new acquisition in all its glory. ;)

[Jon]

cool, sounds good!  How do i go about becoming a member?  I will put up a pick as soon as it's delivered... this saturday :)

[Colemanator]

Feb 8, 2011 20:17:44 GMT @Jon said:

How do i go about becoming a member?  

First, you need to grow a beard, wear a mackintosh, smoke a pipe and drink real ale 8-) failing that, go to the log in section at the top of the page to register. :D