How to Compare Billiard Tables

A billiard table, or pool table, is a popular recreational fixture in many households. While billiard tables can be entertaining, they also represent a substantial investment for many buyers. When comparing billiard tables, consider factors such as size, quality, price and playing surface to find the perfect model for your home.

Instructions

1

Narrow your selection in terms of budget and durability. According to Dick's Sporting Goods, the most economical pool tables cost less than $1,000, but can only be expected to last for a few years. For $1,500, buyers can get a mid-range unit that will last 5 to 7 years on average. Pool tables that cost more than $1,500 should come with a lifetime warranty, and custom-built models will generally cost more than $2,800.

2

Choose the right size billiard table for your home. Pool tables are sized based on the size of the room and the size of the cue stick you plan to use. For instance, according to Sports Unlimited, those using a 48-inch cue can fit a 7-foot table in a room that's a minimum of 11'9" by 15'. Those using a 58-inch cue will require a room that's at least 13'3" by 16'6" to accommodate a 7-foot table. For more sizing help, see the Sports Unlimited link in the References section.

3

Ask about the playing surface. A slate surface is the strongest and most durable material for billiard table construction, followed by composite products like slatron. Hardboard and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) are often the most economical options, but are more likely to suffer warping or damage over time.

4

Check what type of cloth is used to cover the playing surface. Most competitive tables are made from a wool/nylon blend, while recreational tables are made from synthetic nylon. If you want to practice for tournaments, stick with wool/nylon blends to mimic the tournament experience.

5

Inquire about rail construction. According to Overstock.com, solid wood rails are the most durable, with MDF and composite wood a close second. Laminate rails are the least durable, and may peel or chip with heavy use. Because of their high level of moisture resistance, fiberglass rails are the best choice for outdoor billiard tables.

6

Consider the types of pockets available on billiard tables. Drop pockets are the most common, though many prefer the look of enclosed pockets. Some tables even come with a ball return option for easier and faster setup between games.

7

Look at what material the rail cushions are made from. The standard K-66 tournament cushion is popular with competitive players, according to Overstock.com. For those who want a faster rebound and higher durability, especially for outdoor use, gum rubber is a more effective option.

How to Reuse an Old Wrought Iron Patio Table

If you have an old wrought iron table that you no longer have use for, you're in luck. Wrought iron lasts decades, looks great and stands up very well to the elements. For these reasons, it can be reused in a number of ways, both indoor and outdoor. Instead of throwing your wrought iron table away, consider one of several creative techniques for reusing it. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1




Clean the table with a rag and warm soapy water.

Prep the table. Remove the legs and clean the tabletop. You don't need any special solvents or detergents; a rag and warm soapy water will suffice. Dishwashing detergent works well. To make the job even easier, clean the table outside and simply hose it down when you're done, but do not let it air dry; wipe it down with a dry cloth to avoid the formation of rust. If you're planning to use the wrought iron outdoors, apply a coat of rust-preventing paint.

2




Paint the wrought iron.

Decorate the wrought iron. First, paint the tabletop. Use a color that catches your eye, or treat the surface with crackle paint or something similar to produce an eye-catching effect. Next, dress up the tabletop however you like. Use wire to hang beads, feathers, wooden or metal carvings or other trinkets and odds and ends. Glue on bits of colored glass, decorative tiles, small mirrors, arrowheads or beads. Tie on colorful fabric scraps, tassels or ornamental cord. Or, leave the iron as is; just apply a coat or two of varnish to make it shiny and glossy.

3




Use the wrought iron piece as a support for climbing plants.

Use the decorated piece however you please. Attach hooks and hang it on a wall lengthwise or crosswise. Suspend it horizontally from the ceiling in the kitchen to make a pot rack, or in the garage to hold water pitchers, sporting equipment and tools. Suspend it vertically from the ceiling in the living room to make a room divider, or bolt two tabletops together with hinges to make a free-standing room divider. Outside, use the tabletop as a support for climbing plants. Lean it against a wall and at its base plant climbing plants such as grapevines, wisteria, bougainvillea, honeysuckle and roses, which will bring butterflies, songbirds and pleasant scents to your outdoor space.

Homemade Hickory Kitchen Tables

Hickory includes 16 different species of trees, including pecan. Hickory is used often in rustic furniture and is considered a hard wood. It will frequently dull saw blades and other tools. Although extra effort must be used to work with hickory, the results are usually worth it. The grain in hickory is unique and makes beautiful furniture. Does this Spark an idea?

Using Hickory Logs with Plywood

Shagbark hickory

Although hickory in general is course in texture, shagbark hickory has a very rough texture and without its leaves looks somewhat like a scary Halloween tree. Shagbark hickory is often used in rustic furniture. Use shagbark hickory logs (from 3 to 4 inches in diameter) for legs on a table. Kitchen table legs should be from 28 to 36 inches in height. To use the logs, saw the ends off to make all surfaces flat and even. Attach the logs as legs, using wood screws 1 inch back from each corner of a -inch sheet of cabinet grade plywood (available in hickory or pecan), forming a table top. Pre-drill the holes for the screws to make the screws go in easier. Fasten a 1-by-4-inch piece of lumber (use pine or cedar) to each leg directly under the plywood, lining up the edges of the lumber with the edges of the table. This will provide support for the table and stabilize the legs. Sand the table top and the 1-by-4 lumber smooth and stain the 1-by-4 lumber to match the hickory. If desired, stain the table top. Finish with wax to protect the wood.
For a variation, move the legs back 2 inches from the corners of the plywood and leave a 1-inch lip over the 1-by-4-inch lumber. Bevel the 1-by-4 boards on one edge to create a decorative edge under the table. To finish, attach molding around the top edge of the boards directly under the table.

Using Hickory Plywood

Build a table from two -inch sheets of 4-by-8-feet hickory plywood. Use one sheet to cut two pieces that are 36 inches by 4 feet. Using wood screws, fasten a 3 foot, 10 inch long 2-by-4-inch piece of lumber across each 36-inch piece, 8 inches down from one end of each 36-inch piece and 1 inch back from each edge. Attach the other sheet of plywood to the top edges of the 2-by-4-inch boards, forming a table top. You should have an 8-foot long table with two sides that protrude 8 inches over the top of the table and provide support for a 28-inch high table. For extra support and stability, line up with the edge of the table and attach 8 foot long 1-by-4s, forming braces in the front and back of the table. Attach the braces to the 2-by-4s and to the top of the table, using wood screws. Stain the table and to protect the wood, wax the top of the table.

How to: Decoupage on a Coffee Table

A coffee table that you decoupage results in a furnishing that not only is given new life, but can instill a great sense of accomplishment in you. The method of decoupage is always the same, but you can bring your sense of creativity to the project in the form of what type of images you want to transfer to the table. Use your imagination during the planning stage, and your coffee table can become a thing totally unique in the world. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Choose paper cutout designs that you want to decoupage onto the table's surface. Flip through magazines to find suitable images for the design concept you want to create. Arrange the paper cutouts until you are satisfied with the design. Chalk around the edges of the cutouts while holding the paper down flat with your hand. Make sure you accurately mark the shape of the cutouts onto the surface of the table.

2

Turn each of the cutouts so that they are face down on your pasting board. Apply adhesive evenly over the surface, taking extra care to ensure that the edges are covered. Using a craft knife, turn the cutout right side up and place it on the surface of the table inside the chalk mark.

3

Inspect the design under indirect lighting, which will reveal flaws and blemishes in the paper. Press down until the cutouts are perfectly flattened and then press down on the edges. Use a sponge to wipe away excess glue that has seeped from the edges. Continue this process until the larger base cutouts are in place and then add the smaller cutouts.

4

Allow the design to dry completely. The chalk marks will have disappeared while the surface of the paper and the background will continue to be sticky with glue. Use a sponge moistened in hot water to remove any excess glue from the surface. Clean off the background and any chalk marks that remain.

5

Remove all dust particles using a tack cloth. Remove the dust from the legs, sides and molding of the coffee table. Conclude by removing dust from the tabletop.

6

Apply a thin coat of varnish to the top. Use a brush and begin around the outside of the design and work your way in. Make sure to spread the varnish evenly across the entire surface of the table. Brush in one direction only. Occasionally wipe the brush on the edge of the can to remove excess. Apply a second coat of varnish in the same way. When you notice that the varnish has begun to dry or develops a tacky quality, it is time to stop.

7

Place the brush into a jar of mineral spirits and leave it there until the next application. Try to apply varnish in the morning and once again in the late afternoon or evening. Apply a minimum of 10 coats over the course of the next few days.

8

Remove dust, hair and other foreign materials by gently sanding with sandpaper. Any scratch marks that appear can be taken care of with the next application of varnish. Continue applying varnish until the edges of the paper are invisible and the paper decoration takes on an almost three-dimensional depth.

9

Use very fine sandpaper for a final rubdown after you have applied 20 coats of varnish. Clean away dirty water with a paper towel and allow to dry. Clean with a tack cloth before applying the next layer of varnish.

10

Use light pressure to work a piece of steel wool in a circular motion so that you polish the surface until smooth. Clean with a tack cloth and apply a thin coat of varnish. Allow to dry for 24 hours. Clean once more and apply a coat of satin varnish. Allow to dry and harden for two or three days. Apply a coat of white beeswax polish to the tabletop in the same direction as the wood grain. Allow to dry for 15 minutes, then buff and polish until you get a glow on the surface. Repeat this process over the next day or two to achieve a fine patina.

Ideas for a Table Base

Tables are sold in almost all major warehouse and furniture stores in a variety of price ranges, but these might not be appropriate for you if you really do not have any money to spend or if you want something unique. Provided that you have a good solid piece of wood, glass or a door that can be used as a tabletop, chances are good that you can find a creative table base that is free, or close to it. Does this Spark an idea?

Filing Cabinets

Filing cabinets are ideal as table bases because they are heavy and sturdy, creating a stable work surface. Put a small, square board on one filing cabinet for an end table. Put a door across two for a larger table or a desk.

Cardboard Boxes

Cardboard boxes can make ideal table bases in a pinch. Sure, they're not fancy, but if you cover them with tablecloths, people may not realize that there isn't real furniture underneath. Use large boxes that are filled with books or other heavy material to ensure that the box is sturdy enough to withstand the weight of a board positioned across the top.

Trunks

An old army or storage trunk could be the perfect base for a coffee table or a funky table close to the ground, surrounded with floor pillows as seating. If the trunk is beat up, you may want to paint it. If your decor is eclectic and rustic to begin with, you might not have to change a thing.

Plastic Storage Bins

Plastic storage bins can act as convenient storage space and table bases all in one. Screw a lightweight piece of plywood to the top of a tall plastic storage bin, and then cover the whole shebang with a tablecloth.

Large Barrels

Large wine or beer barrels make ideal table bases, especially when paired with clear glass tabletops. Check a wine- or beer-making store if you are looking for new barrels. For older barrels, check salvage stores or ask friends and family members who might have some around the house from past ventures. Use one barrel with a single round, glass top, or use four with a larger table top.

Architectural Columns

Architectural columns from old buildings, available at old salvage stores, can be cut to size and used as table bases. Use a column with worn paint if you are going for a shabby chic look, or sand and paint columns for a more formal look. Metallic paints add a little extra sparkle to a room.

Railroad Ties

Railroad ties are ideal for creating a table base with an industrial feel. Cut large railroad ties to create a table frame in the same way regular boards are used. Look for railroad ties that have been used and that feature nails still in them and a rough look that will add interest to your table. Treat the wood for pests before bringing it into the house, and seal it with a light sealant for durability.

Sculptures

Some artists make sculptures intended to be used as table bases. Check your local art gallery or contact an art student who might be willing to make a custom sculpture for you. If the sculpture is metal, a clear glass tabletop is probably best. Wood sculptures might work better with wood or metal tabletops.

How to Choose a Pool Table

Doesn't it sound fun to shoot pool in your own home? Before you run out to buy a table, be sure you have enough space. When you know the size you need, you'll find a tremendous range of good quality and affordable tables. The way to narrow your options is to consider whether you want your table for light recreation or for a serious game of pool.

Instructions

1

Consider price. If it's for informal family use, you can find a decent new table starting at around $1,000. If the table is for sophisticated players who take the game to heart, expect to pay $3,000 and up.

2

Measure to see whether you have enough room for the pool table you want. Consider the size of the table, and add room for your cue stick and stroke. Use a size chart to verify your measurements. (See Resources below.)

3

Consider the quality of playing surface. Cheaper tables feature surfaces such as particle board covered with plastic, or MDF (medium density fiberboard). More expensive tables have more durable slate surfaces, usually in three sections for easy installation and leveling.

4

Take into account the appearance of the pool table, especially because it's such a large, imposing piece of furniture. Do you want durable, attractive hardwood construction? Or would a laminate be a better choice?

5

Investigate the rails and cushions. Look for wood rather than particle-board rails, and high-grade rubber cushions with canvas backing. Tournament play requires K-66 cushions, which help make your shots faster and more accurate.

3D Multiplication Games

Humans are made to play, and it is important to make it part of our everyday activities. The Help Guide, an online consumer information site, calls play "the doorway to learning." When play is made a part of the learning process, children find it easier to learn new things, and find it less boring to practice such subjects as math. Play helps many kids multiply their chances of doing better in school than they might have otherwise.

"Amaze! 3D Math Mazes"

Challenge yourself to solve these three-dimensional math mazes in "Amaze! 3D Math Mazes" by using your multiplication skills. You can only progress through the many levels of mazes if you are able to solve the math questions posed along the way. Choose your difficulty level and head into the first game level. Answer multiplication problems, face speed challenges and avoid obstacles as you work your way through. Subsequent levels become more difficult and the 3D mazes more fascinating. You can also add division problems to the mazes. This PC game is suitable for kids ages 8 and up and is available from online retailers.

"Multiplication 1.1"

Practice the multiplication tables with this interactive game. Players get constant encouragement from a 3D robot that stands to one side of the screen. Start the game by choosing any number from 1 to 10. Then answer the multiplication questions to fill in the grid. Every correct response brings in a friend with a balloon from the playground to join you as you finish filling out the table. If you are wrong your 3D robot assistant will help you, and you may try again. When one level is complete you can practice the same number again or choose a different number to work with. This game will appeal most to younger children who are just learning multiplication. The game is for the PC and can be downloaded free from the Internet.

"Time for Tables"

Kids working on memorizing the multiplication tables will have fun playing the games in "Time for Tables." This 3D game is actually a collection of five interactive games. As you play each game you will find yourself challenging playground mazes, bouncing balls and exploring underground tunnels. Each game requires you to answer multiplication problems in order to move on. If you don't know the answer you can ask for help. The games have good 3D effects and are fun enough to keep the interest of most kids. "Time for Tables" also lets you print out worksheets and flash cards, plus it has a student tracking feature that reports on the child's progress. This is a PC shareware game and is available for download at a cost of $19.95 (as of September 2010).

How to Measure a Table for Glass

You must measure a table for glass if you need to replace glass in a current table or want to renovate a table by adding glass. While measuring glass is a basic calculation, the depth of the glass is an important detail. Placing replacement glass in a table with an incorrect depth will cause an uneven surface for the table. You must account for this when measuring glass. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure the length of the table. Write this figure down.

2

Measure the width of the table. Write this figure down.

3

Place the ruler on the existing inset for placing glass in the table, and measure the depth of the inset. This number will become the depth of glass needed for the table.

DIY: Outdoor Pool Table

Table top Arcade Games

While many people are familiar with the large upright arcade games that became synonymous with the word, fewer remember the flat table top games. Table top arcade games took quarters just like the uprights did, but offered a slightly different gaming experience.

Cabinet Style

Most arcade games were in an upright cabinet. The screen would face a standing player, and the controls would be at a comfortable height for their hands from a standing position. Table top games had the screen facing directly at the ceiling, and were covered in a pane of thick, smooth glass. The table was low so players could sit and play. There were usually controls at both ends of the table. These types of arcade cabinets were also called "cocktail tables."

Games

Some games that required the user stand while playing, such as light-gun games, were never put on table top machines. Some of the most popular games of the '80s had no such restrictions. Some of the classic titles that did show up in this format were "Warlords," "Galaga," "Ms. Pac-Man" and "Pac-Man." There were also combination units that might have two games, often "Ms. Pac-Man" and "Galaga," loaded on the same table.

Controls

Typically, the controls on these tables are like those of an upright arcade console. Trackballs did appear on a few specific tables like "Football" by Atari. There were usually controls on both sides of the table to encourage two-player games. The orientation of the screen image would change to face the player whose turn it was. A few speciality cabinets also had four-sided controls for four player games.

MAME

Table top games are frequently recreated for MAME. MAME stands for Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator. The MAME movement, which began in 1997, encourages gamers to create new machines that replicate the old-school gaming experience. MAME builders build a similar cabinet and control system as the original game, then install a monitor and PC components programmed with a special emulation software.

Different Pool Cue Stick Sizes

No matter which game of pool or billiards you play, you must have a pool cue to strike the ball. In the early days of pool, hundreds of years ago, players used a crooked staff with a large head at one end. The construction of the cue evolved to modern cue sticks which are turned on a lathe and utilize woods such as maple, cocobolo and ebony. Pool cues now come in all sizes, but there are a number of standard pool cue lengths. While some sizes are a matter of custom, others are a matter of practicality.

57 inches

Standard cue lengths are 57 inches for one-piece house cues. These are the cues you find in nearly every upscale pool hall. They are one piece, meaning they do not unscrew into two halves like most professional cues do.

58 inches

Standard, two-piece cues are 58-inches long with the butt and shaft an equal 29 inches. This is the length of cue that the majority of professional pool players use. The two pieces, the shaft and the butt, are screwed together with a joint pin.

Shorty cues (36 inches to 52 inches)

A "shorty" cue is made to accommodate shooting in a situation in which a regular-length pool stick is too long. This could be because the room is too small and there is a wall preventing a shot, or because a room beam is in the way. Shorty cues can be as short as 36 inches, but are also available in sizes of 48 and 52 inches.

60 inches

A longer pool cue size of 60 inches is made, normally to accommodate taller players who prefer to grip the stick further back on its grip. You typically don't find this length of cue at most bars and pool halls. Many are custom made.

Adjustable Length Cues

An adjustable length cue is a recent invention that is made of multiple pieces that screw on and off to make the cue longer or shorter. The cue adjusts from 48 to 58 inches, allowing a player to use both a standard cue and a shorty cue with one cue stick.

What Can I Use for Legs on a Patio Table?

Change the scenery of your meals by enjoying them outside on a homemade patio table. Like any other table, a patio table has a top and a leg base. There are numerous design options available to coordinate the legs with the top. Make a set of simple patio table legs from wood or repurpose old table legs or decorative finds to make an eclectic, one-of-a-kind piece. Does this Spark an idea?

Four-By-Fours

A pair of 4-inch-by-4-inch-by-8-foot posts each cut into two standard-sized legs make four simple, yet stocky, table legs. Standard table height is about 30 inches tall, although some are slightly higher or lower.

Subtract the table tops thickness from 30 inches to find the exact leg measurements. Transfer this measurement to the 4-by-4 pieces with a pencil and straight edge, then cut them with a compound miter saw to make clean, straight cuts through the wood.

Attach these legs to the table top with large double-sided dowel screws that screw into the top center of each leg. Drill a hole for the screw in each leg, and twist the screw into the hole with the other threaded end still sticking out. Drill a small hole at each corner for the leg posts and twist them in until the top of each leg is tight and flush against the underside of the table.

Decorative Column Posts

Find four old decorative column posts, and youll have a base for the patio table. Cut the top of each post with a compound miter saw to create flat, level surfaces. Drive dowel screws into the center of each dowel post, then screw each column into the corners of the table.

Concrete Birdbath Bases

Concrete birdbaths often have two parts the birdbath bowl and the base. Make a patio table with four bases and a table top. The concretes weight makes them difficult to move, so the table top can just rest on the bases without any screws or attachments.

Recycled Table Legs

The legs of an old indoor table can be painted with durable, weatherproof, exterior paint that leaves an enamel finish when dry. Screw each leg into the underside of the table. Combined with the table top, these legs are given a new purpose and will be able to weather temperature and climactic changes.

Considerations

Attaching any of these legs to a metal or round table can be challenging. Unless inserting screws through the table tops surface and down into the legs isn't a problem, then a leg base must be constructed first. The base will be a square or rectangular 1-inch-thick board cut to fit in the space under the table.

Instead of driving dowel screws into the legs, the legs will be bolted through the top of the board. Position the board on top of the legs, with one leg at each corner. Apply wood glue to the top of each leg, and place the board on top. Drill a hole through the top and into each leg, and screw in a 3-inch hex bolt until it's flush with the boards surface.

Apply a very strong adhesive that binds wood to metal on top of the board, then center the table top over the leg base.

How to Build a Gaming Table

Gaming tables are large tables built for the purpose of table-top gaming. These tables often support having many players seated around them. The tables can be built with little to no expense. They can be personalized for each game by collecting various table tops and leaving the table so players can easily interchange them.

Instructions

1

Use your circular saw to cut the 4x4x8 posts into four 4x4x39.5 posts. Cut the six 2x6x10 boards into four 2x6x49 boards and four 2x6x100 boards. Cut the two 2x4x10 boards and the one 2x4x8 board into three 2x4x49 boards.

2

Set the four 4x4x39.5 posts up like table legs and position one of the 2x6x100 boards along the bottom of two of the table legs, leaving about a half foot between the board and the ground. Use your level to make sure the boards are level. Drill holes into the board and posts so you can bold them together. Take one of the 2x6x49 boards and put it between one of the secured posts and another post. Drill the holes so you can bold these posts together and form a L-shape. Repeat the process to form two L-shapes that are the same size.

3

Place a carriage bolt into the holes that you drilled and secure them in place with the bolts and washers. If the posts seem wobbly, drill a second set of holes in the posts and add a second set of carriage and bolts to the table.

4

Take your remaining 2x6s and position them above the secured 2x6s. These boards should be positioned so half of the board sticks up over the posts. This will allow you to have a lip around the top of your table and stop pieces from rolling onto the floor. Drill holes in the boards and posts and insert carriage bolts so you may secure them in place. Position the remaining 4x4s just like you did the 2x6s above their lower counterparts and secure them with the carriage bolts so you have a wooden box.

5

Measure two feet from one end of the top of the table and mark your place. Take one of the remaining 2x4 boards and position it between the top 4x4s of your table. Use your metal brackets to secure this board to the outside edge of the table. Find the middle point between the support you just fastened and the end of your table and mark it. Do the same for the other side of the table. Secure another support on each of these marked spaces.

6

Finish your table by adding whatever kind of table top you wish into the supports. You might want a vinyl dry erase board or green felt, depending on what game you will be playing.

How to Understand Cedar Stump Tables

What exactly is a cedar stump table? What do they look like? What can you do with one? Find out in this interesting article. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

A cedar stump table sometimes gets confused with a side table. The cedar stump table and side tables are used for similar purposes. The former one is unique looking. The uniqueness is one of its strong points. The cedar stump table is a good conversation piece. You could explain where you bought it, why you bought it and why that particular piece held you captive. Sometimes you look at a piece of furniture and decide, right then and there, that you have to have it, no matter what the cost. The cedar stump table is one such item. It would make a fine addition to the living room adjacent to a recliner or a sofa.

2

The cedar stump tables should be used for many things. As with a side table, it can hold various items. It can hold your drinks, snacks, dinner, books and magazines. It can hold a variety of other articles, but generally, those things can be found in most households. It may even be used as a footrest after a long day at the office. Because of its exquisiteness, it is a good idea to use coasters for your beverages as a ring of a cup or mug is disconcerting to look at. The expense alone should entice you to keep coasters on the cedar stump table.

3

The cost of the stump table can make you think twice if you want it indoors or outdoors. With some finishes, it can be used for both. While it looks attractive outside, especially sitting next to a lawn chair, their real value lies inside the home. It belongs in a rustic setting that caters to its character. However, downplaying cedar stump tables for outside use should not be your objective. If you bought one for the sole purpose of setting it outdoors on a patio, or in the backyard next to the grill, so be it. It is your choice and within that framework, you are allowed the freedom of choice.

4

The cedar stump table is a sensible and useful piece of furniture for your home or office. It possesses charm that can seem palpable when viewed in someone's home.

Mini Pool Table Games

Whether playing pool on a full-sized table or a mini table, the game remains the same. There are several popular pool games you can enjoy, some that use all 15 of the balls and others that use only a few of them. Of course, you can always make up your own games as well as variations on traditional games. Here are some traditional pool games to play on your mini table.

8 Ball

The game of 8 Ball is simple. If a ball goes into the hole after the break, the player who shot that ball then takes all the balls of that type, either stripes or solids. If both types go in, the player chooses. If the 8 ball goes in, rack 'em back up and break again. Otherwise, players take turns shooting until one of them pockets a ball, thus establishing which are his balls. Players take turns, attempting to knock in all of their balls. A player continues to shoot as long as he makes his shot. After a miss or scratch (where the cue ball goes in) play is passed to the other player. Once a player gets in all of his balls, he attempts to knock the 8 ball into a called pocket for the win.

9 Ball

In 9 Ball you set up the rack with only the balls numbered 1 through 9, placing the 9 at the back center of the diamond. With nine balls, the rack formation is a diamond, not a triangle. In making any shot, the first ball the cue ball must hit is the lowest-numbered ball on the table. So long as the lowest ball is hit first, any other ball is fair game for being pocketed. If a ball other than the lowest is hit first, that constitutes a foul and play is passed to the other player. The winner is whoever legally pockets the 9 ball.

Cutthroat

Cutthroat is played with the players. The first player to pocket a ball has the choice of which group of balls he wants as his. The groups are divided into the balls numbered from 1 to 5, those numbered from 6 to 10, and those numbered 11 to 15. The second player to pocket a ball chooses his group from the remaining two, leaving the third player with the last group. In this game, the object is to pocket the other players' balls. The one with the last ball(s) on the table wins.

What Are Some Games to Play on a Pool Table?

A billiards table is a popular way for people of all ages to enjoy indoor activities together. The table can be used to simply shoot around, but for players looking for a little competition, there are plenty of pool games to enjoy.

8-Ball

Players are assigned either striped or solid colored balls after the first shot is made. The first player to pocket all their balls and the 8-ball last is declared the winner. If a player shoots the 8-ball in before their last shot, the game ends and whoever shot it in loses.

9-Ball

Pool balls numbered 1 through 9 are used for this game. Players must make each ball in numerical order until they reach the 9-ball. The games are usually played in a series of three because they play quick.

Straight Pool

Any ball can be shot in at any time and by any player. Each player receives a point for every ball they get in. Whoever has the most points after three or five games is declared the winner. Players usually have to call shots and they can also play to a set score like 50 or 100.

Horse

A spin-off of the popular basketball game. Players alternate turns trying to make shots. When a player makes a shot, the other player must duplicate the same shot and if they fail they receive a letter. The first player to spell "HORSE" loses.

3-Ball

Three balls are set up on a table and the player has to shoot them in using the least amount of shots possible. Another player must match or beat that number of shots or they lose. This can be played with multiple players or with the difficulty increased by different ball amounts or new records.

The Difference Between a 6-Foot & a 7-Foot Pool Table

Traditionally, residential pool tables have been manufactured in 6-foot lengths to save space and for their lower cost. As modern homes have increased in interior space, the production of 7-foot length pool tables has increased, which has closed the price gap between the two sizes. There are considerable differences between 6- and 7-foot-long pool tables.

Tournament Play

In the billiards profession, 6-foot long pool tables are considered convenient for casual, or home use only. Though their small size is attractive for residential use, 6-foot tables do not provide the length necessary for more complex, professional shots. Historically, many billiards tournaments have utilized 8-foot or longer tables, however, many more modern competitions feature 7-foot tables, allowing players to practice more easily at home.

Manufacturing Specifications

As 6-foot pool tables are manufactured almost exclusively for the casual user, many have been designed for a lower price. Tables typically features a playing surface made of composites, or of multiple pieces that must be assembled professionally for best results. Seven-foot tables are more apt to feature solid slate surfaces and better quality surface felt, as well as more upscale appointments such as padded leather pockets and more predictable bumpers, providing a smoother playing experience.

Size

Six-foot tables are also narrower than 7-foot tables. The typical room size required for play on a six-foot table is 12 feet 3 inches by 15 feet, while a 7-foot table requires 12 feet 9 inches by 16 feet of playing space. Many Americans prefer these smaller tables, but many European players see the 6-foot table as a snooker table.

Cost

Six-foot pool tables are typically cheaper to manufacture and purchase than its 7-foot-long cousin. With easier transportation and a typically modular construction, 6-foot tables can be more attractive for a moving household. Families also enjoy 6-foot tables for their smaller scale, as children can more play, as well as use 36 inch "shorty" cue sticks to make long shots. With its larger materials cost, 7-foot tables are generally more expensive.

How to Build a Gaming Table

Gaming tables are large tables built for the purpose of table-top gaming. These tables often support having many players seated around them. The tables can be built with little to no expense. They can be personalized for each game by collecting various table tops and leaving the table so players can easily interchange them.

Instructions

1

Use your circular saw to cut the 4x4x8 posts into four 4x4x39.5 posts. Cut the six 2x6x10 boards into four 2x6x49 boards and four 2x6x100 boards. Cut the two 2x4x10 boards and the one 2x4x8 board into three 2x4x49 boards.

2

Set the four 4x4x39.5 posts up like table legs and position one of the 2x6x100 boards along the bottom of two of the table legs, leaving about a half foot between the board and the ground. Use your level to make sure the boards are level. Drill holes into the board and posts so you can bold them together. Take one of the 2x6x49 boards and put it between one of the secured posts and another post. Drill the holes so you can bold these posts together and form a L-shape. Repeat the process to form two L-shapes that are the same size.

3

Place a carriage bolt into the holes that you drilled and secure them in place with the bolts and washers. If the posts seem wobbly, drill a second set of holes in the posts and add a second set of carriage and bolts to the table.

4

Take your remaining 2x6s and position them above the secured 2x6s. These boards should be positioned so half of the board sticks up over the posts. This will allow you to have a lip around the top of your table and stop pieces from rolling onto the floor. Drill holes in the boards and posts and insert carriage bolts so you may secure them in place. Position the remaining 4x4s just like you did the 2x6s above their lower counterparts and secure them with the carriage bolts so you have a wooden box.

5

Measure two feet from one end of the top of the table and mark your place. Take one of the remaining 2x4 boards and position it between the top 4x4s of your table. Use your metal brackets to secure this board to the outside edge of the table. Find the middle point between the support you just fastened and the end of your table and mark it. Do the same for the other side of the table. Secure another support on each of these marked spaces.

6

Finish your table by adding whatever kind of table top you wish into the supports. You might want a vinyl dry erase board or green felt, depending on what game you will be playing.

How to Decorate Your Shadow Box Coffee Table

Decorating a shadow box coffee table doesn't have to be difficult, but it requires a moderate amount of planning. You and your guests will be viewing this coffee table every time you have a seat, making it important that you decorate it to its fullest potential. Shadow boxes give you the opportunity to create illusions, making objects inside of them appear as if they're coming toward the viewer. Photographs and souvenirs are common shadow box items that are easy to decorate with, and give visitors an idea of what home sweet home is to you. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Lay out the objects you plan to use in your shadow box to determine how many items you need to fill the space.

2

Glue a foam square to the back of each photograph you are going to use, no larger than 1/3 of the size of the picture. Use the glue gun for this. Try to center the square to keep it from being visible. Allow the glue to dry for one to two minutes.

3

Place the photos in the shadow box according to your layout plan. The foam squares will give your photos elevation and a shadow of their own in the display. While using foam is optional, it's a great way to make photos more eye-catching.

4

Place other trinkets and small souvenirs around the photos in the shadow box according to your layout plan. Souvenir spoons, seashells and even tickets to events make great conversation starters.

About Vintage Table Lamps

Vintage table lamps are similar to modern lamps. Aside from being older, though, many times they have been made by companies that are no longer in existence or in styles that are no longer created.

Types

Vintage table lamps come as two-prong lamps, cast iron, depression-colored glass and candelabra lamps. It is not just the base of the lamp that is vintage, but also the lampshade attached.

Features

Many vintage table lamps feature special hand-carved bases or, in the case of depression-era glass, blue and green multi-paneled lampshades in colors no longer seen today.

Size

The size of vintage table lamps is still small enough for end tables, bedside tables and side tables. However, because they were made from such materials as cast iron, they are much heavier and sturdier than current table lamps.

Considerations

If you are looking for vintage table lamps, you will want to consider that these lamps can cost quit a bit more than modern lamps. For example, a pewter lamp base with a filigree lampshade is around $995.

Warning

If you purchase a vintage table lamp, be aware that there are companies that make reproductions of vintage table lamps. Check to be sure it is an original before purchasing.

Mini Pool Table Games

Whether playing pool on a full-sized table or a mini table, the game remains the same. There are several popular pool games you can enjoy, some that use all 15 of the balls and others that use only a few of them. Of course, you can always make up your own games as well as variations on traditional games. Here are some traditional pool games to play on your mini table.

8 Ball

The game of 8 Ball is simple. If a ball goes into the hole after the break, the player who shot that ball then takes all the balls of that type, either stripes or solids. If both types go in, the player chooses. If the 8 ball goes in, rack 'em back up and break again. Otherwise, players take turns shooting until one of them pockets a ball, thus establishing which are his balls. Players take turns, attempting to knock in all of their balls. A player continues to shoot as long as he makes his shot. After a miss or scratch (where the cue ball goes in) play is passed to the other player. Once a player gets in all of his balls, he attempts to knock the 8 ball into a called pocket for the win.

9 Ball

In 9 Ball you set up the rack with only the balls numbered 1 through 9, placing the 9 at the back center of the diamond. With nine balls, the rack formation is a diamond, not a triangle. In making any shot, the first ball the cue ball must hit is the lowest-numbered ball on the table. So long as the lowest ball is hit first, any other ball is fair game for being pocketed. If a ball other than the lowest is hit first, that constitutes a foul and play is passed to the other player. The winner is whoever legally pockets the 9 ball.

Cutthroat

Cutthroat is played with the players. The first player to pocket a ball has the choice of which group of balls he wants as his. The groups are divided into the balls numbered from 1 to 5, those numbered from 6 to 10, and those numbered 11 to 15. The second player to pocket a ball chooses his group from the remaining two, leaving the third player with the last group. In this game, the object is to pocket the other players' balls. The one with the last ball(s) on the table wins.

How to Make Your Own Round Glass Dining Table

Dining room tables are a good place for inventive design. Contemporary style favors mix and match furniture with a modern aesthetic. This means you can comfortably pair a round glass table with leather keyhole-style chairs and your dining room will look upscale and fresh. This also means that you don't have to select a table just because it is the right size. You can design your own and match it to your decor and style. Making a round glass-topped dining room table is not difficult. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Select a 30-inch-tall vase in an antique finish. The vase should be at least 18 to 24 inches across. Wider is better.

2

Fill a plastic bag with Styrofoam peanuts enough to fill the vase up to 4 inches from the top. Insert the plastic bag into the vase and add the peanuts. The Styrofoam will fill up the volume of the vase without adding additional weight. Tie the bag shut at the top.

3

Cut a circle of brown felt with scissors that fits the vase at its filled height. This brown circle will hide the plastic bag from view. Place the brown felt in the vase covering the bag.

4

Add decor balls to the top of the vase in several colors and sizes. Use light and inexpensive twine balls or something similar. You can display seashells, Christmas ornaments if it is near the holidays, corks or other types of decor objects.

5

Position large glass table bumpers around the rim of the vase every 6 inches. Bumpers typically have adhesive backs and soft clear gel shapes.

6

Clean the underside center of your glass top using a glass cleaner and coffee filters. The coffee filters allow you to polish without any lint. Center the top over the vase. The glass should be at least 1/2 inch thick with rounded edges. It will be heavy enough to compress the bumpers and become attached. If the glass wants to move, add a drop of silicone adhesive to the top of each bumper using a caulk gun or tube. Do not wiggle the glass when setting it on the adhesive, or the adhesive will smear.

Do it Yourself Pool Table

A pool table can be a fun addition to anyone's game room. While many types of commercial pool tables can be purchased and assembled, it's also possible to save some money and have the self-satisfaction of building a table yourself. It doesn't have to be as fancy as some other tables, and you can also customize its size to fit the dimensions of your room. You will, naturally, still need to get a set of pool balls and cues. Does this Spark an idea?

Size, Dimensions and Materials

A standard size pool table used in pool halls measures 9 by 4.5 feet with 30-inch-high legs, but home pool tables usually measure 8 by 4 feet. You can make your table a different size, but a general rule is to make it twice as long as it is wide. The tabletop has the playing surface placed on top of it with that surface covered by the cloth. The surface is usually made of slate, although wood can also be used, and needs to be 4 inches shorter than the table's length and two inches shorter than the width. Billiard cloth is made of wool or a wool/nylon blend called worsted cloth. A full-size table needs 21 to 24 ounces of cloth. The six pocket holes in the tabletop--four for the corners and two for the center pockets--are 3.5 inches in diameter with each hole's center 2 inches away from the table edge. The wooden rails that surround the table edges are covered with vulcanized rubber and billiard cloth on their inner edges. These rails should be long and wide enough to cover all of the table top not covered by the slate and also be 1.5 inches higher than the slate surface.

Construction

Cut the tabletop to the correct length and width, drill the pocket holes and attach the legs before you attach the slate. Position the legs so they are inside the circumference of the holes; start by gluing them to the underside and then nail or screw them from the top. Attaching side boards in between the legs will give them more support. Glue the slate board to the tabletop, centering it properly, and carefully cut away the parts of the board that overlap the pocket holes. Now apply the cloth. Glue it to the surface, stretching it tightly across one corner at a time, and then staple it to the edges of the tabletop not covered by slate. Attach the rails to the table edges, bolting or screwing them in place from the table's underside. Attach nylon or leather netting to the holes to make the pockets.

In Ground Pool Styles & Dimensions

If you're hoping to incorporate a refreshing and entertaining feature into your yard, installing an in-ground swimming pool may make the ideal addition. You can select from many styles and dimensions depending on your available space, your landscaping plans and your intentions for using the pool. As in-ground pools are a permanent feature, select a design well-suited to your pool use well into the future. Does this Spark an idea?

Symmetrical Designs

Many swimming pool designs have symmetrical shapes. For example, the standard lap pool may have a regular shape, well-suited to its evenly sized lanes for lap swimming. For a slightly more decorative variation on the lap pool, you might select a design inspired by Roman baths, with rounded extensions on each of the pool's shorter ends. If your space accommodates it, a square pool gives a striking and unusual focus to any yard. A kidney-shaped pool skirts the line between the formal aesthetic of symmetry and a more curvaceous shape.

Naturalistic Styles

Instead of going with a symmetrical design, you can select a pool shape that evokes the gently curved contours of a natural pool. The possibilities for naturalistic designs are endless. Some are curving variations on a basic rectangle, while others are variations on a kidney-shaped pool. You can also opt for a pool shape that combines straight and curved lines. You might select one with a right-angle corner to extend to the far end of a property line and with more naturalistic curves elsewhere, to complement surrounding landscaping.

Standard Dimensions

Just as residential in-ground swimming pools come in an endless array of shapes, their dimensions can also vary considerably. Standard dimensions do apply for larger swimming pools typically installed for public use. If you should install a large lap pool for yourself, you might select a long course pool, which measures 36.5 feet long. For a slightly smaller pool, opt for a short-course meter pool, which is 27.3 yards long. Lastly, you can select a short-course yard pool, which measures 25 yards. If you use the pool to train for International Swimming Federation events, you'll want a lap pool that's either 27.34 or 54.68 yards long, or 25 to 50 meters.

Stylistic Touches

To give your pool a touch of style, add features such as lights, fountains or waterfalls. The water and landscaping features you design around the pool's edges can be as powerful to the pool's overall effect as its shape and size. For example, for a pool in a formal garden, you might pair a symmetrical shape with grand fountains. For a more tropical vibe, opt for a naturalistic shape and add a waterfall over real or faux rocks.

How to Make a Pool Table Into a Dining Table

Standard pool tables are 8 feet long and 4 feet wide, with more room around the table needed to provide players with enough room to shoot. These dimensions take up a lot of space, which is why tables are typically placed in basements or other living spaces. If you are a fan of pool, but are concerned about space, consider putting the table in your dining room. You can convert your table from a dining table to a pool table and back again. This will allow you to play one of your favorite games, yet save space in your home. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure your pool table and write down the dimensions. Standard tables are 8 feet long, but tournament tables are longer (9 feet) while bar tables are shorter (7 feet).

2

Visit a billiards store and purchase a pool table cover that fits your size pool table. Billiards stores have several options, including leather covers that fit over the table and foam inserts that fit into the playing surface of the table. Both options cover the felt and protect the table.

3

Cover your pool table and pull up dining chairs. With the cover in place, you can eat at your pool table. When you want to play pool, pull the chairs back and remove the cover.

How to Make a Wooden Harvest Table

The harvest table has origins at the first Thanksgiving meal between the pilgrims and American Indians. That harvest table was long and skinny. The design allowed individuals on both sides of the table to reach food items set on plates and in bowls along the center of the table. Many people build long harvest tables to use in their own homes as dining room tables. Making your own wooden harvest table is an easy project for experienced carpenters and a moderate job for inexperienced wood workers and will require approximately one weekend to complete. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Place the reclaimed wood planks on the floor parallel to one another. Set the 2-inch-thick by 2-inch-wide by 28-inch-long pieces perpendicularly across the reclaimed wood planks. Set the 2-inch-thick by 2-inch-wide pieces approximately 4 feet apart, centered in the middle of the 8-foot-long boards and drive screws down through the 2-inch by 2-inch pieces and into the 8-foot boards.

2

Attach the legs to the harvest table while assistants hold the tabletop. Place the 4-inch by 4-inch square ends of the tapered wooden legs flush into the corners of the tabletop. Drive four finishing nails down through the tabletop and into each table leg to hold the leg securely to the table.

3

Set the finishing nails into the tabletop with the nail set tool. Place the nail set on the nail head and hammer the wide end of the nail set. This will bury the nails into the surface of the wood without causing marks from the hammerhead.

4

Slide the 3-inch-wide planks into the spaces between the legs and flush against the bottom side of the tabletop. The 7-foot and 4-inch pieces will set between the legs on the 8-foot-long side of the table while the shorter 2-foot and 4-inch long pieces will set between the legs on the narrow end of the table. Drive finishing nails down through the tabletop again and into the pieces and set the nail heads.

5

Paint several clear coats of polyurethane onto all surfaces of the wooden harvest table. Allow drying in between each coating and before use; the coats will protect the wood from water damage when used to place foods and liquids of varying temperatures.

How to Rent Gaming Equipment for a Casino Night

Setting up a mock casino for the night is a great activity for fundraising, conventions, sales meetings and casino-theme parties at home. There are many companies that rent casino gaming equipment for a single night party. Here are a few tips on renting gaming equipment for casino night.

Instructions

1

Determine how much space you have for the casino game tables so you rent the number that can fit in your party room. Leave enough room between tables so some guests can stand and watch the game action. Some gaming equipment rental websites have an interactive floor planner to help you layout your casino party room.

2

Pick the type of games you want to have at your casino party. Of course you will want the basics of blackjack and roulette. Depending on how much space you have, include some craps and poker tables. Add some variety to the casino party with a few Pai Gow and Let it Ride tables. Slot machines are an easy, but noisy, game option.

3

Look for casino-quality equipment. Sometimes tables can be customized with a company or charity logo.

4

Go to a gaming rental store in your area or look online. Compare prices and services. Some companies offer theme packages that include lighting and decorations.

5

Check into whether cards, chips and slot machine tokens are included in the rental price or an extra charge. Find out what fees are charged for lost items. It's easy for guests to go home with chips in their pockets and you don't want to be hit with unexpected expense.

6

Take the insurance. Most equipment will come with an optional insurance policy covering damage. It's usually only a few bucks extra, but provides complete peace of mind.

7

Expect to pay a deposit, around 50 percent, when you reserve the equipment. The remaining balance is usually paid when the equipment is delivered. Check into the cancellation policy before reserving casino equipment.

How to Buy a Pool Table

A well-made, well-maintained pool table can last you a lifetime. A good table can support a range of games for all skill levels. Here are some things to think about before making your purchase.

Instructions

1

Measure out your total available space to determine the size of your table. Pool tables range from 7 feet to 10 feet and are half as wide as they are long.

2

Take into consideration the fact that you need more than just room for the table itself. Ideally, you'll have a 5 3/4-foot clearance all around the table's perimeter.

3

Determine your budget - know that you'll get what you pay for.

4

Do some research on pool tables. Generally, it's not that much more expensive to buy a new table than to buy a used one. Keep in mind that moving a table a few times can put a lot of wear and tear on it.

5

Look on the Web at the construction features of the most expensive tables. The best tables have three-piece, 1-inch-thick Italian slate; solid hardwood frames rather than wood laminates; rails bolted through the slate with the nuts inside the rails; and K-66 contoured cushions.

6

Decide which features you value and can afford.

7

Opt for a frame pre-built in a factory, which is normally stronger than one assembled in the house. Some house situations, however, may require internal assembly (for example, if you have to bring it up a spiral staircase).

8

Notice that many tables have slanted sides. Slanted sides are usually stronger.

9

Focus your attention on the most essential element of the pool table - the playing surface, which consists of the cloth, the rails and the cushions.

10

Buy a name-brand table if you can.

11

Have your table professionally installed. It is definitely worth a little extra money to make sure the table is put together properly.

12

Hire an installer who is authorized by a major billiard company.

13

Care for your table properly and it will last your entire lifetime.

How to Build a Japanese Coffee Table

Japanese style dcor demands a Japanese coffee table. However, cutting down a traditional dining room table just makes it shorter. To get the genuine Japanese feel of a coffee table, build a low table base and a top larger than the base which makes it more comfortable to sit around on the floor. Teakwood or other types of lumber can be used. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Place the four pieces of 1 x 8 inch lumber on a worktable and cut them to the length needed for your design. Measure from the ends of two of them and make marks 3/8 inch from the ends. Make the marks 1 inch from the long edges. Drill a pilot hole on the marks with a 1/16 inch drill bit.

2

Drill countersink holes on top of the pilot holes with a countersink drill bit. Do not drill the countersink holes deeper than 3/8 inch.

3

Apply glue to the ends of the two pieces without pilot holes. Put them between the wood with pilot holes and secure them through the pilot holes with 1 inch drywall screws. This is the frame for the Japanese coffee table.

4

Run a bead of glue around the edge of the perimeter of the frame. Cut the inch plywood so that it is larger than the base of the table but smaller than the intended size of the top. Secure it to the base with 6 penny finish nails.

5

Cut the four pieces of 2 x 12 inch lumber to the length needed for your design--consider a height that is comfortable. Set the table frame on top of the lumber and center it. Secure the frame to the 2 x 12 inch lumber top with 1 inch drywall screws.

How to Make a Tile Coffee Table

Becoming creative with furniture projects can be a lot of fun. The possibilities of making something unique is what draws many people to this hobby. Making a tile coffee table can be done from scratch or with an existing piece of furniture. Designs can be created right on the table with different sizes, colors and shapes of tile. Even children can participate with this project to produce a beautiful coffee table. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Using a saw, cut a piece of plywood according to the desired size and shape of the coffee table. The height of a coffee table can be anywhere from 16 to 21 inches depending on the height of the surrounding furniture. Measure the 4 X 4 inch wood boards to the desired height and cut four pieces. Glue each piece to a corner of the table top with wood glue. When dry, screw in two wood screws in each leg from the top of the table to make sure the table is secure.

2

Using fine sandpaper, sand the entire table including the legs to remove any wood splinters. Clean away the dust with tack cloths. Paint with the desired color of wood stain or paint and allow to dry. Apply a second coat if necessary.

3

Apply construction adhesive to back of each tile. Adhere each tile to the top of the table pressing into place. Leave a small space in between each tile or use tile spacers for a more uniform look. When the entire table top is covered with tile, allow the adhesive to dry.

4

Apply mortar to the space in between the tiles. Make sure to press the mortar in to each of the joints and level out at the surface of the tile. Use a rag to remove the excess mortar from the top of each tile. Go over the entire table with a rag to remove any remaining residue. Allow 24 hours for the mortar to set before using the table.

Installation of a Gold Crown Pool Table

The Gold Crown line of Brunswick pool tables has stood out as among the highest quality of tables in the field since 1961. With its distinctive legs and top-quality materials, Gold Crowns have remained the industry standard for decades, making ownership of one a must for any serious enthusiast of the sport. Though assembly is included with the purchase from any authorized dealer, many people may prefer to construct their new table themselves, to become even more familiar with this timeless classic.

Instructions

1

Decide on the room that your Gold Crown pool table will occupy. In addition to the space required by the table itself, it is important to account for the extra room that will be required to use your cues. As such, it is suggested that an 8-foot table be centrally placed in a room with dimensions of at least 13 1/2 by 17 feet, and a 9-foot table be placed in a room with dimensions of at least 14 by 18 feet. This will provide sufficient space for any standard 58-inch cue.

2

Move the frame of the Gold Crown into the room it will be installed into. If possible, have the delivery men move it for you, as they will likely have a specialized pool table dolly which can handle the bulky frame easier without scratching its surface in any way. Otherwise, a standard dolly may be used with care.

3

Flip the frame upside-down and attach the legs using the screws provided. Once finished, turn the table over so it is standing on its legs, and take this moment to tighten the screws for the legs in securely. If the table is being installed in a room with limited space, such as a home game room, this is the best time to take your tape measure and be sure that your table is centrally located and with plenty of space on all sides.

4

Lift the sections of slate onto the table's frame and align them over the existing holes. Measure the slate to be sure that it is properly centered on the table before drilling the slate into the frame using a power drill and the slate screws that were provided. Once finished, clean the slate of any debris.

5

Stretch the felt tightly over the slate. As one person holds the felt secure, have another person staple the felt into place three times, two inches apart, along the lengthwise section of the table close to a corner. Repeat this process for the diagonally opposite corner first before completing the other two corners. Keeping the felt tight, proceed to staple around the side pockets and then along the two opposite, unstapled sides of the table. Lastly, staple around the four corner pockets and trim off any excess felt with your scissors.

6

Cover the rails in felt and, while securing the felt tightly, staple it into place. Trim off any excess felt along the edges. Once the rails have been felted, trim the felt away from the existing holes on the slate and the rails. Put the pockets in place and place the rails over them. Align the rails along the edges of the table before securing them to the table using the rail bolts provided through the existing holes between the slate and the rails.

7

Secure the pockets into the table by going underneath and attaching them securely with the screws provided.

How to Build a Japanese Style Coffee Table

In 1944, Isamu Noguchi designed the coffee table that carries his name to this day. Little did he know that it would go on to become a masterpiece in Japanese-style, coffee tables. You may not have the wood-sculpting skills of Noguchi, but if you have some basic woodworking experience and if you are up for the challenge, you could build and capture the essence of the original. Heres how to build a Japanese style coffee table. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Cut and shape the glass. Have your plate glass cut in a triangular shape with finished edges. One side may be about 50 inches, while the other two sides may be 40 inches and 36 inches, respectively.

2

Prepare two pieces of wood, both approximately 1 3/4 inch, with a length of about 36 inches and a height of 16 inches each. Then join the base using an extremely sharp drill bit for the pivot pin assembly and a matching hardwood dowel.

3

Cut and shape the two wood bases into identical, inverted canoe shapes, each including tapered sterns (tall ends) approximately 15 inches when finished. The other two bows (short ends) should be 7 1/2 inches high and notched on the outer curves, precisely at the breaks.

4

Dowel holes will now need to be drilled exactly at the spot where the curve breaks and goes down on the shorter ends. Attach the two wood pieces of the base together by inserting a piece of dowel, (approximately 2 inches to 3 inches) to secure the pieces. Make sure that the long edge is down while the other is inverted with its flat side up.

5

First spread the two wood bases apart, approximately, to a 70 to 80 degree angle. If your pivot assembly is precise, this should be easy. Now place the finished triangular glass on top of the spread wood bases. Make sure you check that the table top is level. If it isnt, the two bases are not identical and may need to be adjusted. To do this, sand down the two points of the stern ends, or where the two pieces meet. In this way, the two stern ends and the joined ends will have the same height. Check the table top once again using a carpenters level.

6

Apply finishing touches to the wood. Use a clear varnish or quality ebony lacquer for the wood bases after fine-sanding them. Finally, place the glass on top of the spread wood bases. Your Japanese style Noguchi coffee table is now complete.

What Is a Slate Top Pool Table?

Slate top pool tables can be found in many homes, restaurants and bars. Both eight-ball and nine-ball pool can be played on a standard table. Full-size slate pool tables can be quite expensive, but worthwhile as an investment in your family's entertainment.

Function

Slate top pool tables are used to provide a bounded playing surface for billiards games. The rubber cushions permit the caroms and bank shots that such a key part of the game.

Features

Slate top pool tables have a smooth slate playing surface that is surrounded by four rubber cushions. The table and cushions are covered in wool felt. The most common color is green, but blue, red, black, and grey felt is also used. Most pool tables have diamond markings along the rails and a dot to indicate where the balls should be racked.

Size

Slate top pool tables come in 7-foot, 8-foot, and 9-foot lengths. The table's width is half of its length. Only 8-foot and 9-foot slate top pool tables are sanctioned by the World Pool-Billiard Association for tournament play.

Considerations

The table must be perfectly level or the billiards balls will not play true. Shims can be placed under the low end of the table to level out the playing surface.

Warning

Slate top pool tables are extremely heavy and should be transported by professional movers whenever possible.

How to Decorate a Table With Vegetables

If you're hosting any type of event and you're looking for a creative idea to decorate the tables, consider using vegetables. Vegetables are unexpected elements to use as decorative accents, and because they come in an array of colors and shapes, they can create an eye-catching display. An added bonus: instead of throwing them away, they can be consumed during or after your affair. To create vegetable table accents, visit your local food store or farm stand, then arrange the veggies with different elements to make an attractive display. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Fill glass vases and bowls with vegetables and set them in the center of the table. Arrange tomatoes in a large glass bowl. Set single zucchini inside tall, cylindrical glass vases. Set a pillar candle in the center of a clear glass bowl and surround it with peas. Set the completed displays along the middle of a table and surround them with tea lights. Run a collection of small arrangements down the table's center in a single line on top of a table runner.

2

Create a bouquet of vegetables. Select rooted vegetables, such as carrots and beets that still have their leafy green tops intact. Place the vegetables inside a clear vase and spread the green tops out of the top, creating an arrangement of colorful vegetables inside the vase with green foliage on top.

3

Fill a decorative tray with colorful vegetables. Set a pillar candle in the center of a tray and arrange ornamental cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower around the candle. Set smaller vegetables--such as potatoes, carrots or tomatoes--on a long, thin tray and place tea lights between each of the vegetables. Place either arrangement in the center of a table.

4

Turn a pumpkin into a candle holder. Cut a hole in the top of a pumpkin, clean out the seeds and guts and place a pillar candle inside the pumpkin. Create several of these pumpkin candle holders to make a bold statement. Use the same idea on a smaller scale by replacing large pumpkins with mini pumpkins or gourds and set tea lights inside of them. Lay the smaller vegetable decorations at each place setting.

5

Make a cornucopia with real vegetables. Purchase a basket shaped like a horn. Place the basket on the table on its side and fill it with an array of vegetables. Place larger vegetables in the basket first, then put smaller vegetables near the basket's opening. Allow the vegetables to pour out of the basket onto the table.

How to Build a Coffee Table Layout in Z-Scale

One of the more persistent problems plaguing would-be model railroaders is a lack of space. Many newcomers fail to realize that by using a smaller scale railroad such as z-scale, their layout need not take up an entire room. Z-scale is only 1:220 the size of the real thing, meaning that a locomotive could be only 2 inches long. An eye-catching, nicely detailed z-scale layout can be placed inside the type of coffee table that has a removable glass panel sitting atop a built-in display compartment that is several inches deep.

Instructions

Preparation

1

Remove the glass top from the coffee table.

2

Measure the interior dimensions of the coffee table including the clearance height.

3

Decide on the best access route for electrical wires. Often coffee tables come equipped with drawers where the transformer can be hidden, thus making the area near the drawers an ideal location for an electrical wire route.

4

Choose a layout that will fit inside the coffee table. Z-scale allows for your train to pass through an urban station, a small rural town and a mountain wilderness all in the same layout. Plans can be found online as well as in model railroad books and magazines.

Installation

5

Cut a sheet of plywood slightly smaller than the interior dimensions of the coffee table, allowing enough room for your hands when positioning the cut sheet inside. Sand the edges smooth.

6

Drill holes in the plywood for electrical wires. If the transformer will be kept in a drawer, drill a hole in the drawer to accommodate the wires.

7

Build the layout on the plywood, being careful not to exceed the interior dimensions of the table, specifically the height.

8

Add small handles to opposing ends of the plywood to make it easier to carry the layout and place it in position within the coffee table. Choose a way to cover the handles when they are not in use, for example with shrubbery, so as not to disrupt the look of the imaginary world you created.

9

Test the layout, verifying that all bugs have been found and remedied.

10

Place the completed layout inside the coffee table.

11

Run wires through the holes drilled in the plywood.

12

Connect the wires to the transformer.

13

Reinstall the coffee table's glass top.

How to Find the Racking Point on a Pool Table

The earliest record of a billiard table was in 1470. It was owned by King Louis XI of France. Since that time, pool has grown in popularity and it is not uncommon to find pool tables in many American homes. There are four variations of pool table sizes, and the most common size for for home tables is 4-by-8 feet. While the pool table size may vary, there are always 15 colored balls: seven solid, seven striped and the black eight ball, and they are always racked in the same spot on the table.

Instructions

1

Stand at either end of the table and count to the fifth diamond along the long side rail.

2

Draw an imaginary line between the fifth diamond of the left and right side rail.

3

Locate the middle diamond that is on the short rail at the opposite end of the table from where you are standing.

4

Draw an imaginary line toward the center of the table to intersect with the imaginary fifth diamond line.

5

Use this spot to place the head ball inside the ball rack. This spot is called the foot spot.

Soccer Table Games

Association football, known in the United States as soccer, is indisputably the world's most popular sport. Several table versions of the sport, known as "foosball" and "Subbuteo," are played in bars, pubs, video arcades and living rooms all over the world. Foosball consists of mini-players attached to spinning rods, while Subbuteo is played by flicking loose, weighted-pieces on a felt table.

Foosball

The word "foosball" originated from German (meaning football), but the table game is also known as table football, table soccer and bar football. The game consists of a wooden table, 4 to 5 feet long by 2 1/2 feet wide by 3 feet high. The surface of the table is made out of hard, slick wood or plastic and is marked like a traditional soccer pitch, with a center line and two goals on opposite ends. The players are attached to spinning poles (four poles for each team) to make a total of 11-13 players per team. The poles alternate, to create an even distribution of players on the field. The ball is roughly the size of a ping pong (table tennis) ball and is made of solid wood.

Foosball Rules

The rules of foosball are simple: the object of the game is to score a goal in the opponent's goal. A game consists of nine balls; each played one at a time until a goal is scored. The first player to score five goals wins. One-on-one play consists of one player on each side of the table (each player is allowed to handle only his own four poles), while doubles play consists of two players on each side of the table (each player handles two poles). The poles must be kept under control and kept to a wrist flick; spinning is not allowed.

Subbuteo

Subbuteo is a table soccer game that is popular in European countries. It is also known as "table football" and "table soccer." The game consists of a felt soccer pitch, which is laid out flat over a table. The pitch is marked just like a regular soccer pitch, and each goal is equipped with a goalkeeper attached to a plastic rod, which is use to block opponent's shots. Unlike foosball, the players are unattached and are flicked -- using the index or middle finger -- to pass and shoot the wooden ball. The ball is over-sized, standing as tall as the actual players. Many Subbuteo field players are modeled after actual European football teams like Manchester United, Liverpool Football Club or AC Milan, and are equipped with realistic looking colors and uniforms.

Subbuteo Rules

Subbuteo is structured similar to actual association football rules. The game is played by two players (each representing a team) and consists of two 15-minute halves. The players flick their men to make contact with the ball and move into the opponent's half and score goals. A player must be within the shooting line -- set halfway between the opponent's goal and halfway line --to take a shot on goal. If the ball completely crosses the goal line, and is shot within the shooting line, the goal is valid. Players switch sides at halftime, and the player with the most goals at the end of the second half wins. In case of a draw, players play two additional three-minute halves to attempt to break the tie.