How to Level an Olhausen Shuffleboard Table: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Owning an Olhausen shuffleboard table is a fantastic investment in countless hours of entertainment, but achieving that perfect, consistent glide requires proper table calibration. Leveling is the single most critical adjustment you can make, as even a slight tilt drastically impacts gameplay, turning a precise shot into a game of chance. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step process to level your Olhausen shuffleboard table, ensuring fair play and optimal performance for years to come.

Understanding the Importance of a Level Surface

The primary purpose of leveling is to guarantee that pucks travel based on player skill and applied force, rather than the influence of gravity. An unlevel table causes pucks to drift subtly to the left or right, making scoring impossible and frustrating for all players. For an Olhausen table, which is engineered for high-quality play, maintaining a level surface preserves the integrity of the game and protects the intricate mechanics of the playing field, from the laminate surface to the underlying support system.

Gathering Your Essential Tools

Before you begin, assembling the right tools is crucial for an efficient and accurate adjustment. You will not need an engineer’s toolkit, but having the correct items on hand streamlines the entire process. Relying on makeshift tools can lead to uneven adjustments and wasted time.

• Shuffleboard level (preferred) or a standard carpenter’s level
• Measuring tape
• Notepad and pen for recording measurements

Initial Assessment and Table Preparation

Start by moving the table to your desired playing location, ensuring the floor is solid and free of significant debris. Use your level to get a general sense of the table’s current state; place it lengthwise and widthwise across the playing surface. You will likely notice a significant tilt, which is entirely normal. The goal is methodically to adjust the legs and internal leveling mechanisms until the bubble sits perfectly centered.

Adjusting the Leg Levelers

Most Olhausen tables feature built-in leg levelers, which are the primary adjustment points. Locate the nuts or screws at the base of each leg. To raise a specific corner, turn the corresponding nut or screw counterclockwise; to lower it, turn clockwise. This is where patience and precision are vital.

As you make adjustments, constantly re-check the level from both directions (lengthwise and widthwise). The objective is a two-step process: first, get the table close to level in one direction, then fine-tune it in the perpendicular direction. This sequential approach prevents the table from rocking back and forth and ensures a stable, flat plane.

Dealing with Non-Adjustable Legs

If your Olhausen model has fixed legs or you are leveling the table on a surface that cannot be adjusted, you will need to use shims. Place thin, rigid pieces of material—such as specialized shuffleboard shims, laminated cardboard, or thin plywood—under the leg or legs that require elevation. Carefully slide the shim into place and re-check the level. This method requires a bit more trial and error but is highly effective for bringing an uneven table into balance.

The Final Playtest and Fine-Tuning

Once the bubble on your level is centered, the table is technically level, but the true test is gameplay. Grab a few pucks and test shots from each end of the table. A level surface should allow a puck to stop at the same relative point regardless of where it is released from. If you notice a consistent drift, double-check your leg adjustments and ensure the table hasn’t shifted during the test. Minor tweaks at this stage can perfect the play and transform your Olhausen table into a championship-quality setup.