How to fix pool table with flaking chipboard?

Question

I am replacing the cloth on my pool table. I have removed all the areas around the slate and have pulled the old cloth off. This was stapled onto a chip board base under the slate, but this is old and flaking and a little bit soft on the edges, where I will need to staple the new cloth. So I'm worried the staples will damage the chip board and not be able to hold the new clot.

Is there a way of treating the chip board to restore its integrity, or do I need to replace it. Replacing the chip board will be quite a lot more work than I was planning and not sure if metric sizing will affect the fitment of the slate back into the table structure.

Cheers, looking forward to your advice.

Stu

Noyade · Answer

Hi Dave. I missed your snooker table construction thread - very impressive build!

"I only decommissioned the one I built last month"

What do you do for "serenity" now? 😊

Hi @StuWag

"Replacing the chip board will be quite a lot more work "

How big a job? What would the process be? Sorry, I only remember billiards/pool from my teenager years at the RSL. I was more interested in drinking beer.

Dave-1 · Answer

Good Evening @StuWag

:) Looove pool tables. I only decomnissioned the one I built last month as I was wanting the space back :)

I can think of a few different paths you could try.

* The builders bog that @EricL mentions is the first one.
* You could install the securing strip further back from the edge underneath. (this would be least intrusive I think) you just need more cloth.
* Earl's 250ml Wood Hardener is another way you could go before securing it in the same location.
* The last idea I have is instead of staples you could use black headed tacks. Its the underside so you cant see and there are dome versions as well as flat heads.

For my table I sidestepped the idea of staples by using timber strips as part of the edge to clamp the material in. The link below is the project :)

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/199616/d-i-y-snooker-and-pool-table

Dave

EricL · Answer

Hello @StuWag

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your pool table.

I propose cleaning the surface of the chip board and removing all the loose pieces and debris. I then suggest using Turbo 175ml Builders Bog Flexipack to fill all the gaps and those sections that have gone soft. Push the bog into the holes and cracks of the chip board until they are totally filled. Mould the Builders Bog into the proper shape so that you won't have to sand a great deal off. Once the bog cures, I suggest sanding it down to its original shape before you staple everything back.

Another method I would suggest is to cut the broken section off (like a large square shape) and use the cut piece as a template for the new section you'll be putting in. My best advice is to make sure that the replacement piece is properly attached so that it does not move or fall off.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @Nailbag and @Noyade for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric