First and foremost, you have to feed the beast (A.K.A. coin-op pool table). Your quarters go in the slots and you push in. But, then what? The coin mechanism has a plate at the end  that pushes a hinge arm on the inside of the pool table. Your quarters drop into a bin while the arm rolls back and allows the ball trap to dump the balls out and down the chute and roll down to the ball return box at the foot of the table below the triangle. Now you are ready to rack ‘em up. As you pocket numbered balls throughout your game, they drop in the pockets, go down the gully boots toward the maze of tracks that will lead them to the ball trap.

I know, you’re wondering about that pesky cue ball, right? How does the pool table know the difference between a numbered ball and the cue ball? Losing your cue ball in a pocket during your game of pool, doesn’t usually mean your game is over. You need to get the cue ball back and continue your game without having to stick more quarters in, right? There are three different ways a pool table knows to send your cue ball to the head of the table instead of the ball trap. Depending on the age and brand of the pool table cue balls are either magnetic, over-sized or weighted differently. Upon scratching all cue balls run along the same track as the numbered balls until they get to the cue ball separator.

In the case of an over-sized cue ball, there is an attached ball shunt. The shunt is set to a height of just over 2.25 inches allowing the numbered balls to pass under. The over-sized (2.375 inch) cue ball cannot pass under the shunt, makes a hairpin turn and drops to a track leading to the head of the pool table.

Newer coin-operated pool tables may use a magnetic cue ball. This cue ball is 2.25 inches, the same as the numbered balls. Magnetic cue balls either have a small metal cage embedded inside the ball or more recently are coated with a  metal skin (Aramith type). Instead of a shunt forcing the ball to the cue ball return, a strong magnet is attached to the cue ball separation area and pulls the cue ball towards the track leading to the head of the pool table.

Weighted cue balls are most commonly used in older Dynamo pool tables. These tables actually have three methods of distinguishing cue balls from numbered balls. They have a shunt for over-sized cue balls, a magnet for magnetic cue balls and a patented designed weighted cue ball return. Billiard balls weigh 6 ounces. The slightly heavier cue ball rolls through the separation interchange, activates a rocker dropping the cue ball into the hairpin turn leading to the head of the pool table.

On my next bar table refelt job I’ll take some pictures of the inside of a coin-op pool table and then  post them here. Until then, keep racking ‘em up!

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Here’s a 5 minute guided tour of our showroom. Narrated by the King of Billiards himself.

Another great looking FusionTable by Aramith successfully disguises a dining table as a pool table. Looks great! Thanks for the photos, Greg!

Just to show you the things you can do with color and print. Don’t be afraid to show your wild side when it comes to your pool table.

DK Billiards had a chance to install a Modena pool table for an upcoming project ”If You Can Dream”. Former Spice Girl Melanie Brown was on hand to give the newly installed table it’s first break.

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Today, a nice gentleman inquiring about a Aramith Fusion Pool Table relayed the following information to me. He explained that he ordered a dining room conversion pool table over the internet that was never delivered. Upon researching his options he found other folks, who had ordered from the same company.

Below is an excerpt from ripoffreport.com

Pool Tables Direct
PO Box 105603
Atlanta, Georgia 30348
U.S.A
Phone: 404-5371740
Fax: 877-904-8638

Submitted: Monday, June 15, 2009

Posted: Monday, June 15, 2009

warren, Pennsylvania

Below is the invoice of the purchase made in May of 2008 for a pool table with a dining conversion purchased for my church youth group to keep youth off the streets. Despite paying in FULL as shown below, I was told on numerous occassions when I was able to get through to a human that the tabledelivery was being delayed. I was finally given a delivery date of December 26,2008 and to date despite almost daily calls I have not received a refund, nor the pool table.

I was told that the company domain name has been sold and that the number to reach the previous owner Tim Priebe is 719 388 8899, I have called and left at least 8 messages with his “secretary” and have not received a call back. It is impossible to speak with him directly. Not only is the church out a pool table for the youth, but we are out almost $3000 and unable to purchase a pool table for the church.

After reviewing other similar complaints it is important to note that I did report the fraud to the FTC, to BBB, Billiards congress of America, and the US Chamber of Commerce. I was told by the BBB  Coloradothat they received no response from the company to numerous calls and efforts to reach the company.

Transaction Number: 0004429134

Dear XXXXXXXXXX,

Thank you for placing your order with Pool Tables Direct.

This Automated e-mail message is to confirm that your order

has been processed.

Our goal is to provide 100% customer satisfaction.

Please take a few minutes to review the details of your order.

*******************************************************************
Order Date: Monday 26th of May 2008

Email Address: xxxxxxx
Phone Number: (814) xxxxxxxx

Shipping Details
Full Name: xxxxxxxx xxxxxx
Address: xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Russell, PA, 16345

*******************************************************************
Item

Quantity

Unit

Subtotal
*******************************************************************

———————————–

Item Subtotal:

$ 2899.00

Insurance & Crating: $

0.00

Shipping:

$

0.00

Finance Fee:

$

0.00

Tax:

$

0.00

Total:

$ 2899.00

*******************************************************************

Method of Payment: Credit Card
Card Ending In: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Authorization Code: XXXXXX
AVS Response: Address and 5-digit ZIP match.

*******************************************************************

Bilked in pa
warren, Pennsylvania
U.S.A.

We have New Pool Tables for nearly any Budget! So Rack up a Great Deal!

How about the no nonsense Renegade pictured below. It’s a three piece slate pool table with great cushions and high quality cloth. And, like all our pool table models, comes with free local ground floor delivery, setup and premium accessory kit. Yep, 4 maple cues, wood triangle, resin balls and more! Don’t believe it? Stop by and take a look in person.

Renegade 8′ or 7′ (call for details)

Getting really excited to setup our new pool tables on the showroom floor. We are proud to be a new dealer for Presidential Billiard Tables. Exotic hardwoods, beautiful designs and GREAT pricing! We’ve made room in the store to set up these awesome pool tables. And, the first wave came in today! Now it’s time to BUILD!