PROFESSIONAL Playing conditions

Each Xingpai Tournament table used for events are individually made and unique only to that numbered table.

The  50mm thick old seam slate section is a hand floated finish to give an perfect level surface.

The basic frame and legs are assembled and located in the assigned area. In a lot of cases the floor surface is flexible such as a sports hall or leisure centre. In this case the table is located in its position the floor surface leg positions marked and then the table will be removed to allow the metal spreader support plates to be inserted underneath the carpet. The spreader plates distribute the weight laterally helping to keep the table level.

The frame is then located on top of the spreader plates and rough levelled.

The support frame side rails are then hand planed to ensure flat and level under structure ready to receive the 900 kilo slate bed section.

The slate bed is in 5 sections, each section locating into it's adjoining section by brass pins and holes, the combined weight then keeps it in place.

Wooden slate lining is bolted to the perimeter of the slate to keep joints together and to act as means to attach the bed-cloth. 

There will now be a secondary level procedure, joints checked and adjusted as required and support middle bearers adjusted to get a perfect level.  The table is now left to settle overnight.

The  next day a third level is carried out as in most cases the table would have settled slightly into carpet and floor surface.  When the table is perfectly level the joints will be filled with an pliable filler and left to dry.  When the filler is dry the slate is fine finished to ensure a perfect playing surface.  The table is now ready for the bed-cloth fitting.   

The cloth used for Tournament play is Strachan No 10, West of England.

This cloth is 100% wool with anti-static properties added.  Cloth is graded in weight this cloth being approximately 28 ounces per linear yard giving a extremely reactive and quick playing surface. This quality of cloth needs skilled and experienced fitters to achieve the required taunt  professional finish.

Billiard cloth has only the top surface finished to give it a nap, ie as you would with velvet, smooth in one direction.  The nap runs down the length of the table from the baulk end to the black spot end, thus you see finger marks when a player pushes his hand against the nap.

There is a set procedure for bed fitting, we still use the same proven method used in the 18th century, there are no short cuts.

When the bed is fitted it is brushed ironed ready to receive the steel block cushions.

There are 6 steel block cushions 2 ends 4 sides.  When being produced these cushions are individually fitted to the slate and pocket opening cut to WPBSA sanctioned templates   When finished they are covered in a slightly heavier cloth Strachan 6811 to help with the ball control response off the cushion.

Each steels is fitted to the table with 6 large bolts and washers. Steels are adjustable to allow side ways movement for perfect fitting of the pocket templates.

The steels are now ready to have the steels fitted and adjusted to templates

Steels approximately fitted they are adjusted to fit the pocket templates which control every pocket opening on Tournament tables we install.  Pocket templates control 4 major factors, Top cut corner rubber profile, Undercut and slate fall corner, Top cut middle rubber profile, Undercut and slate fall middle.

When the pocket opening have been adjusted to the correct template they are then torque to a correct setting to ensure an even response on every cushion.

Steels fitted its now time to fit the wooden cushion friezes and pocket plates. These are fitted to correct height and position and in the case of televised tables the 2 spot end pocket plates are replaced with bespoke camera plates.

Top surface finished the table is marked out to a specific formula in preparation for final checks and sign off.

In the sign off procedure several simulated shots are played with spotted balls to test levels and cushion response.  When happy with results "Godstats" are fitted and earthed to the ring main to help eliminate kicks and static.

Table heaters are adjusted to the correct underneath setting to give the required top surface rating.

The "GodCover" is now fitted and the table is ready to be used.

The Godcover is a combined element of different fabrics and selica gel to keep moisture out of the cloth and maintain a even dry playing surface

World Champs

Set of 4 WPBSA Pocket Templates

Godcover