Leveling A Brunswick: The Ultimate Guide

If you own an early Brunswick pool table, you may have noticed that it has fallen out of level. This is a common issue, and one that can be fixed without needing to call on a professional. The first step is to identify why your table is unleveled. This could be due to the nature of the surface on which the table is sitting, or perhaps the table has developed some structural issues. Once you've identified the problem, you can start to adjust your table. You will need some basic tools to do this, such as a carpenter's level, shims, a screwdriver, and a hammer. You can then follow a step-by-step process to level your table, which involves checking for level, adjusting the legs, and fine-tuning with shims.

Use a carpenter's level

To level an early Brunswick pool table, you can use a carpenter's level. This tool will help you identify any areas where the surface of the table is uneven or tilted, allowing you to make the necessary adjustments.

Step 1: Test Your Level

Before you begin, ensure that your carpenter's level is calibrated accurately. Place the level on a flat surface and turn it 180 degrees. Adjust the level until the bubble is centred in both positions.

Step 2: Measure the Mid-line

Place the carpenter's level in the middle of the pool table, oriented lengthwise. If the table is balanced from end to end, the bubble in the level will be centred. If the bubble is above or below the middle line, you will need to adjust the height of one of the shorter ends of the table.

Step 3: Measure the Shorter Mid-line

Turn the level perpendicular to the long sides of the table, even with the shorter sides. This will help you measure the side-to-side level. If the bubble is above or below the middle line, you will need to adjust the legs in that direction to make the table flat.

Step 4: Check Each Side

Place the level close to the edge of each side of the pool table to get a more accurate reading. Move to each side and corner, checking for any lean or tilt. The corner with the most lean is the one that requires adjustment.

Step 5: Use a Ball to Check for Practical Balance

Roll the cue ball straight across the table and observe its path. If the ball rolls off course towards a particular side, you will need to adjust the table accordingly. Repeat this process on different sections of the table to ensure accuracy.

Step 6: Fine-tune with Shims

If your pool table has adjustable legs, try raising or lowering the legs to level the table. If the legs are not adjustable, you can use shims, which are small tapered shards of wood, to fill gaps and adjust the height. Place shims under the legs that need to be raised and use the carpenter's level to check the balance after each adjustment.

Step 7: Confirm Stability

Once you are satisfied with the level of the table, tighten the bolts or screws on the legs to secure them in place. This step is crucial for maintaining the stability and integrity of the playing surface.

Step 8: Enjoy Your Levelled Table

Invite your friends over for a game and enjoy the fruits of your labour! With a levelled pool table, you can ensure a fair and enjoyable game for all players.

Adjust the height of the table

To adjust the height of your Brunswick pool table, you can use the following methods:

Using a Carpenter's Level

• Place the carpenter's level in the middle of the pool table, longways.
• If the bubbles in the glass tubes are above or below the middle lines, you will need to raise or lower one of the shorter ends of the pool table.
• Turn the level the other way and place it in the middle, perpendicular to the long sides and even with the shorter sides. This will help you measure the side-to-side level of the table.
• If the bubbles are above or below the middle lines, you will need to adjust the legs in that direction to make the table flat.
• Put the level close to the edge of each of the four sides of the pool table to get a more accurate reading.
• Move to each side and each corner of the pool table, checking with the level for the severity of the lean.
• The corner with the most lean is the one you need to adjust.

Using a Ball

• Roll the cue ball over a section of the table, as straight as possible.
• Move your eye to be level with the table, to observe the path of the ball.
• See whether the ball rolls off course towards one particular side of the table, or if it moves in a straight line.
• Repeat the process on a few sections of the table.
• Adjust the table if the ball is rolling off course.

Using a Piece of Glass and a Marble

• Place a piece of glass in the middle of the pool table.
• Put a marble on the middle of the piece of glass.
• The marble should stay in place if the pool table is level.
• Adjust the table if the marble rolls off the glass towards a particular area of the table.
• Repeat the process on every side of the table, placing the glass and marble 2 to 3 inches from every pocket.

Using a Level App on Your Smartphone

• Download a level app on your smartphone.
• Place your phone on all four corners of the table and its surface to get a reading.
• The app will show the degree of deviation.

Adjusting the Table Height

• Consult your owner's manual to see if your table has adjustable components, such as metal plates or screw-in feet that can be raised or lowered.
• Tighten all attachment screws under the table, as they may have loosened over time and caused the table to become off-level.
• Raise the lowest corner of the pool table by one degree.
• Check the level and make adjustments as needed.
• You can also use shims to fine-tune the level.
• Shims are small, tapered shards of wood that you can place under the legs of the table to adjust the height.
• Trim the shims if necessary to fit under the feet of the table.
• Get helpers to lift the corners of the table and place the shims underneath.

Remember, you don't need to make the table absolutely flat, just level enough for the balls to roll smoothly.

Use shims to fine-tune the level

Shims are small, tapered pieces of wood that can be used to adjust the height of your pool table and ensure it is level. They are commonly sold in hardware stores or home goods stores in the carpentry section, and usually come in packs with varying sizes. You can trim the shims to fit the size of the feet of your pool table.

To use shims to level your pool table, first identify the lowest corner of the table. Place your level on the centre of the pool table, lengthways, to identify which end of the table is lowest. Then, place the level on the lowest end of the table, about 6 inches in from the end, to identify which is the lowest leg.

Once you have identified the lowest leg, you can begin to adjust the height using shims. Place a shim under the lowest leg and check the level of the table. You may need to trim the shim to size. Continue to add shims until the table is balanced. You can also use a marble or a ball to check for balance. Place a marble on a piece of glass in the middle of the table—if the marble stays in place, the table is level. Alternatively, roll a ball across the table and check whether it rolls off course.

If your pool table has adjustable legs, you can also use shims in conjunction with this feature to level the table.

Check the floor is even

To check if the floor is even, you can use a spirit level, a laser level, or a round object.

Spirit Level

Place a 4- to 8-foot spirit level horizontally on the floor. Check the bubble in the level to see if it is in the middle. If the bubble is not in the middle, the floor is not level. The further the bubble is to the side, the more sloped the floor is.

Repeat this process in several spots, including near each edge of each wall and in the middle. If you only have a short level, lay a 4- to 8-foot long board on the floor and set the level on top of it. The longer the board, the more accurate your measurement.

Laser Level

Place a laser level in the middle of the room and turn it on. Get a tall piece of wood with its ends cut at 90 degrees. Hold the wood straight up and down, perpendicular to the floor. Set the laser height 6 inches below the top of the plank and mark it. Move the wood to each corner around the room, marking where the laser hits it.

Round Object

Place a round object, such as a marble, golf ball, or metal bearing, on the floor. If the object continues to roll to one spot, that spot is a dip. If there is a spot the object won't stay on, that spot is a peak. Move the object to different spots around the room and take note of the direction and speed at which it rolls.

Please note that this method will not work on carpeted or tiled floors.

Read the user manual

Before attempting to level your Brunswick pool table, it is important to consult the user manual. If you do not have a physical copy, you can try searching for it online. The manual will provide specific instructions on how to level your particular model of the pool table.

Most pool tables are designed to be adjustable, allowing you to level them regardless of the surface they are placed on. Some tables may have metal plates that can be added or removed to adjust the height, while others have adjustable legs with feet that can be screwed in or out. The user manual will provide details on the specific adjustment mechanisms of your table.

If your table has screw-in feet or legs, you can usually raise them by turning them to the right and lower them by turning to the left. However, always refer to the user manual for specific instructions. Additionally, tightening all the attachment screws under the table can sometimes help level the table without the need for further adjustments.

If your pool table does not have adjustable legs, you can use shims to level it. Shims are small, tapered pieces of wood or metal that are inserted under the legs to adjust the height. You may need to trim the shims to fit underneath the feet, ensuring they are not visible. It is important to have helpers when adjusting the table with shims, as it may require lifting the table to insert the shims properly.

By carefully following the instructions in the user manual and making the necessary adjustments, you can ensure your Brunswick pool table is level and ready for enjoyable gameplay.

Frequently asked questions