Best American Made Pool Table…
When you analyze the construction deficiencies and attributes of an Olhausen pool table versus a Connelly pool table, you’ll have to start from the inside out. You’ve all probably heard the old saying about kicking the tires and checking under the hood before buying a car. We at DK Billiards feel that Connelly Billiard Mfg. builds such a superior product and are not shy about showing off the insides first. We feel that the cabinet is the most important part of any billiard table. The cabinet supports all the weight of the slate which can weigh up to 900 pounds in some of the tournament pool table sizes. In addition to supporting the slate, the cabinet must stand up to the rigors of everyday use. This means the cabinet must be the strongest part of any slate billiard table. Take a look at the inside of an Olhausen Billiard Mfg. cabinet, notice that you don’t see very much structural support at the corners where the legs are mounted. Connelly Billiards over builds all of their cabinets, even in their entry-level models. Connelly’s leg mounts are permanently attached to the cabinet by way of glue, nails, and screws. In addition to this, Connelly uses two pieces of solid poplar as additional vertical support for their leg mounts. Connelly even goes the extra mile by utilizing solid wood gussets in all four corners of their cabinets. So before pulling the trigger on the first big name brand pool table you come across, visit our Orange County billiard showroom so that we may give you the “inside” scoop on Connelly Billiard tables.
First off, great site. I have learned a ton just perusing your blogs and website materials. Since I live in Wisconsin, I unfortunately won’t be able to have you do the work for me…
I will be getting an 8′ Connelly from my in laws. We “just” have to come get it. Not wanting to spend a fortune to move the table 500 miles, I had figured I would take my extended Expedition, disassemble the table as recommended, and put it piece by piece in the back of the car. To make everything fit, I am certain I would need to disassemble the cabinet to get it all in.
After reading this post, I’m left worrying that a Connelly cabinet should never be taken apart. It seems all the glue, screws, and nails are there for a reason, and I’d be ruining one of the great advantages of owning a Connelly.
So, my question for you – is it better to take the cabinet apart and have all the pieces in the car, or use an enclosed trailer where I could fit the cabinet in as a whole? Of course I’d strap the cabinet and other pieces down in the trailer, but I’m just afraid the parts and pieces will get bounced around in a trailer, especially on our rough winter roads here in Wisconsin.
Finally, any recommendations for assemblers in the Madison, WI area? Once I get it home, I’m planning on having it professionally assembled in my basement. If you don’t know anyone, can you give me some questions to ask to make sure I pick someone knowledgeable?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Mike, I saw your picture that you emailed. It’s a Reddington for sure. And you’re absolutely right you don’t want to break the cabinet apart to fit it in your vehicle. The dimensions of the cabinet of an 8ft connelly are 45 by 89 inches and the 3 pieces of slate measure 51 by 32 inches and I’ll bet you can take the legs off and fit the whole thing in the expedition. I don’t know of any billiard mechanics in your area. Just make sure that you find a mechanic who uses a starrett machinists level. Most quality billiard mechanics will use this type of level. I’m very glad you’re getting a quality pool table, you’re going to be happy with it.
Best wishes, Dave.