FOREWORD

POOL TABLE SALES AND SERVICE

BY ALAN D. CONWAY

This book combined with common sense, patience, and a desire to do the job right the first time should allow a person with average abilities to perform above average pool table repairs and service. I began in the billiard sales and service business over 18 years ago and as a result have acquired a thorough knowledge of the business. I am writing this book in order that others may benefit from my experience.

Working with pool tables requires heavy lifting and the patience to stay with it until the table is done right. Many times I have spent hours with my levels working over a slate in order for it to play the best it possibly can while knowing that the person who owns it does not and will not play at a high enough level of expertise to notice the difference. Always doing quality work will reward you in the end, for you will be working on a precision instrument and will gain a reputation for the type of work you do. The better your reputation the more people will be willing to pay to have you to do their table work.

This is my first book on servicing pool tables. I have done my best to express my ideas and techniques as clearly as possible. Please read the entire book from beginning to end to get everything in context and then use common sense before proceeding with any repairs.

Learn the proper and safe methods of lifting and don't take chances with your back. Use caution when lifting, flipping, dollying or moving slates or pool tables and heavy equipment. At first, bring more strong people then you think you will need just to be on the safe side. Don't try to do it all yourself. Carry insurance on yourself and your workers along with liability insurance. In my 18 years in the business the only real injury to any of my staff or myself occurred while we were setting a one-piece 8' slate into a pool table frame. One of my staff had his finger caught between the slate and the table and as a result had his nail pulled off. If you are careless or allow chemicals to interfere with your bodily functions while working on pool tables, it can be dangerous. The methods I use for moving pool tables and slates are mine and work well for me. You will have to judge for yourself what method or methods work best and are safest for you. Always choose the most cautious and safe method even if it will take longer or cost more.