Owning an Olhausen pool table is a statement of quality and a commitment to exceptional gameplay. However, even the most precisely crafted slate can lose its level over time due to house settling, temperature fluctuations, or simple wear and tear. A level table is not just about fairness; it is the foundation of consistent ball roll, accurate angles, and the purest form of the game. Restoring your Olhausen to its intended plane is a meticulous process that transforms the playing surface back into a professional-grade arena.
The Physics of a Perfect Bed
Before diving into the tools and techniques, understanding why leveling is critical provides the motivation for the meticulous work ahead. The dynamics of billiards are unforgiving. A deviation of just 1/16th of an inch over the length of the table can cause a seemingly straight shot to curve erratically or stop prematurely. For an Olhausen, which is designed for competitive play, this margin for error is virtually nonexistent. The goal is to achieve a level plane across the entire surface, ensuring that gravity affects the cue ball and object ball identically regardless of where the shot is played on the table.
Tools of the Trade
Successfully leveling an Olhausen pool table requires the right equipment, and improvisation has no place in this process. You will need a robust set of heavy-duty jacks, specifically designed for leveling heavy furniture, to adjust the height of the table legs. A professional-quality spirit level, ideally one that is at least 48 inches long, is essential for reading the deviations across the slate. Finally, a specialized table felt puller is necessary to ensure the cloth remains tight and undistorted throughout the adjustment, as loose fabric can mimic the feeling of an uneven bed.
Assessing the Current State
Begin the process by clearing the table of any balls and accessories. Visually inspect the structure from a distance to check for any sagging in the rails or distortions in the bed. Place the spirit level at the center of the table, running it both lengthwise and widthwise. Note the bubble’s position and identify the highest point of the table; this will serve as your reference "zero" point. You will then measure how much the opposite ends and sides deviate from this plane, typically in 1/32nd or 1/16th inch increments.
Adjusting the Legs Systematically
With your measurements recorded, approach the adjustment with a strategic mindset. Start by focusing on the legs corresponding to the lowest point identified in your assessment. Insert the heavy-duty jacks under these legs and begin the slow, controlled process of lifting. After each incremental adjustment—usually a quarter turn—recheck the level readings across the entire surface. The key is to be patient; raising one leg affects the tension on the slate and the alignment of the rails. Adjust one leg at a time and verify the impact on the overall level before moving to the next.
The Rail Integrity Check
Leveling the playing surface is only half the battle; the integrity of the rails is equally important for consistent bounce and bank shots. As you level the bed, pay close attention to how the cushions align with the slate. Use a straightedge or the shaft of a cue to check for flush alignment. If you notice gaps or inconsistencies, it may indicate that the rail bolts need tightening or that the rail itself has shifted. An Olhausen table features robust rail systems that sometimes require slight adjustments to bolts located underneath the table to ensure the playing surface transitions seamlessly into the hitting surface.
Once the slate is perfectly level and the rails are true, the final step is to ensure the playing surface is optically perfect. Re-stretch the billiard cloth with a professional table felt puller, working from the center outward to eliminate any wrinkles or sags. A tight fabric ensures that the balls roll true and that the speed of the table matches the level of precision you have just achieved in the bed. With the cloth secured, perform a final calibration roll test using a heavy cue ball to confirm that it travels in a perfectly straight line across all four cardinal directions.
