Shim Secrets For Brunswick Pool Tables

Shimming a pool table is a crucial step in ensuring a level playing surface, which is essential for accurate shots and fair gameplay. Pool tables, especially those of high-quality like Brunswick models, can be heavy and challenging to move and assemble. However, with careful adjustments and the use of shims, you can achieve a balanced table.

Shims are small, tapered pieces of wood or plastic that can be inserted under the legs of a pool table to adjust its height and level it. They are commonly sold in hardware stores and are available in various sizes. By using a carpenter's level, you can identify the lowest corner of the table and then raise it by inserting shims under the corresponding leg. This process may require multiple attempts and fine-tuning, but it is crucial for ensuring a level playing surface.

Additionally, it is important to tighten all attachment screws under the table, as loose screws can cause unevenness over time. If your table has adjustable legs, you can also try raising or lowering them according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Using shims to fine-tune the level

Shims are small, tapered pieces of wood or plastic that can be used to adjust the height of your pool table and ensure that it is level. They are commonly sold in hardware stores or in the carpentry sections of home goods stores. Shims are typically sold in packages with variable sizes, so you can trim them to fit the feet of your table if necessary.

To use shims to fine-tune the level of your Brunswick pool table, follow these steps:

• Measure the mid-line of the pool table using a carpenter's level to determine which part of the table is uneven.
• Adjust the height of the legs according to the manufacturer's instructions if the legs are adjustable.
• If the legs are not adjustable, or if you need to make smaller adjustments, use shims to fine-tune the level.
• Get some helpers to lift the corner of the table that needs to be raised.
• Place a shim underneath the leg and gently lower the foot onto it.
• Check the balance of the pool table using the carpenter's level.
• Continue adding shims underneath the legs until the table is balanced.
• Move to other corners if necessary to make further adjustments.
• If you are happy with the level of the table and the balls roll true, you are done!

Remember, pool tables don't need to be absolutely flat to be playable, so don't get too caught up in making tiny adjustments.

Adjusting the height of the legs

If your pool table has adjustable legs, consult the owner's manual for specific instructions. Typically, screw-in feet or legs can be raised by turning them to the right and lowered by turning to the left. Make small adjustments and check the level after each turn.

If your table doesn't have adjustable legs, you can use shims—small, tapered pieces of wood or plastic—to raise the legs and level the table. Shims are commonly sold in hardware stores and are available in various sizes.

To use shims, first determine which side of the table needs levelling. Then, get some helpers to lift that side of the table, and carefully place a shim under each leg. Check the level after placing each shim, making adjustments as needed.

You can also combine these methods: adjust the legs as much as possible and then use shims for fine-tuning. Remember, you don't need to get the table absolutely flat; it's okay to stop adjusting once it's close enough for the balls to roll true.

Measuring the mid-line of the table

Measuring the mid-line of the pool table is a crucial step in ensuring your Brunswick pool table is level. Here's a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Firstly, set the carpenter's level in the middle of the pool table, oriented longways. This will allow you to check if the table is balanced from end to end. Look at the bubbles in the carpenter's level; if your table is level, the bubbles should be situated between the two lines in the middle of the glass tubes. If the bubbles are above or below these middle lines, it indicates that one end of your pool table is higher or lower than the other, and adjustments will be necessary.

Next, turn the level 90 degrees so it is perpendicular to the long sides of the table and even with the shorter sides. This will help you measure the side-to-side level of the table. Again, check the position of the bubbles in the glass tubes. If they are above or below the middle lines, it means that one side of your pool table is higher or lower than the other, and you will need to adjust the legs in that direction to achieve a flat surface.

Now, move the carpenter's level to each of the sides of the pool table. Place it close to the edge to get a more precise reading. By moving the level to each side and corner, you can identify the corner or side with the most significant lean or unevenness. This is the area you will focus on for adjustments.

At this point, you can also use a cue ball to check for practical balance. Roll the ball straight across the table and observe its path. If the ball rolls off course towards a particular side, it confirms that adjustments are needed. Repeat this process on different sections of the table to identify any areas that require levelling.

Another method to check for level without a carpenter's level is to use a flat piece of glass and a marble. Place the glass in the middle of the table and let the marble roll across it. If the table is level, the marble should stay in place. If it rolls off towards a particular area, it indicates that side or corner needs adjustment. Repeat this process close to each pocket, placing the glass and marble 2-3 inches away, to ensure accurate levelling across the entire table surface.

By carefully following these steps and measurements, you can accurately determine the mid-line of your Brunswick pool table and make any necessary adjustments to achieve a perfectly level playing surface.

Using a ball to check for balance

To use this method, start by rolling the cue ball in a straight line across a section of the table. Get down to the level of the table so you can observe the trajectory of the ball as it moves. If the ball rolls off course towards one particular side of the table, this indicates that the table is not level. Repeat this process on different sections of the table to ensure that you are getting consistent results.

If you find that the ball consistently rolls off course in a particular direction, you will need to adjust the legs of the table to correct the imbalance. This can be done by raising or lowering the legs, or by using shims to make small adjustments.

It is important to note that using a ball to check for balance is not as precise as using a carpenter's level. The ball method requires that you roll the ball in a perfectly straight line, which can be difficult to achieve. Therefore, it is recommended to confirm your results with a carpenter's level or a digital level app on your smartphone.

Additionally, keep in mind that an uneven floor can also affect the balance of your pool table. To check for this, place a level under the table to ensure that the floor is not causing your pool table to lean.

Using a carpenter's level

To use a carpenter's level, first, set the level in the middle of the pool table, oriented longways. If the bubbles in the level are between the two lines in the middle of the glass tubes, the table is balanced from end to end. If the bubbles are above or below the middle lines, you will need to raise or lower one of the shorter ends of the table. Next, turn the level the other way, in the middle, perpendicular to the long sides of the table and even with the shorter sides. This will help you measure the side-to-side level. Again, if the bubbles are above or below the middle lines, you will need to adjust the legs in that direction.

To find the leg that needs adjusting, put the level close to the edge of each of the four sides of the table to get a more accurate reading. Move to each side and each corner of the table, checking with the level for the severity of the lean. The corner with the most lean is the one you need to adjust. In some cases, you may get strange readings because the floor of the house may be less than level. If that's the case, you can still make adjustments in the same basic way, it'll just take a little more troubleshooting.

If your table is adjustable, you can make it level regardless of the surface it is on. Some tables have metal plates that can be added or removed to raise or lower the sides. Others have adjustable legs, with feet that can be screwed clockwise or counterclockwise to raise or lower that side. If your table doesn't have adjustable legs, you can use shims to level it. Use a spirit level to determine which leg is lower and gently hammer a wooden shim in between the bed frame and the table frame. Make small adjustments until your table is perfectly level.

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