Again another satisfied client who has used GCL Billiards in the past has used us again .
We think that this is one of the best Cue sports club’s around , with it’s main Ground floor pool room and close by parking , add to this it’s bright clean surroundings and friendly staff
Good Bar snacks , and great atmosphere .
I have been going to this club for over 14 years maintaining the tables , and it shows the Owners trust me to carry on maintaining the tables to a professional standard.
they also have 6 full size snooker tables upstairs with separate bar .

The 7 pool tables I re-covered this time where the 7ft Winner supreme tables seen here in the background.
they have two types of cloth fitted to these tables , top quality Strachan 6811 pool cloth on four tables  and Euro speed pool on three tables.
This gives a good mix to the type that customers like to played on , speed cloth for speed of ball , and napped cloth for control of cue ball .
Some of these tables have been in use for around 10 years and still going strong , they only show signs of wear on the corner pocket plates where the chrome is just starting to peel off , but this can be sorted with a simple renew of pocket plate trim.
Two of the tables are the latest metal chrome corner type that Supreme are now producing .
Here are some photo’s showing the difference in the two types of old and new .
First photo showing the worn chrome off the plastic pocket trim . the second photo showing the new all metal die-cast corner trim which should hold the chrome much better .

Above You can see that these trims have had some traffic rubbing against them to remove the chrome plating
it just shows they are played often and that the club have serious pool players .

We have advised to renew some of the corner trim plates  the next time we re-cover to these later type die-cast chrome trims.
and one set of cushions to be re-placed next time too.
Cabinet wise the tables are in good condition so why change the whole table when it is just the corner trims that are worn .

 

We have just completed a recover on a table that I used to work on many years ago.  We quoted to do the work and found out that the previous fitter had overcharged by around £250 when they recovered this table 3 years ago.

The slips were all nailed in.  We replaced all the cloth retaining slips on these good condition Riley cushions.  Another few recovers by the last fitter who keeps nailing in slips would have resulted in the rubber wood blocks coming away from the cushion.  We have now done a much better job and next time the slips will come out easy as intended on strip down rather than having to dig the nails out.  The cloth was also showing no brand markings when it came off, which was alarming as the customer was informed they were getting top quality cloth.

We supplied and showed our clients the triple markings of serial number / cloth transfer / and embroidered edge all with the Strachan wording in and 6811 tournament 30 oz clear to see on the cloth.

A clear warning for everyone considering a recover, always check the materials and also get work references for the fitter who is doing the work.  GCL billiards can put you in touch with many happy customers for our reference and we are also recommended by the NBSA (Nottinghamshire Billiards & Snooker Association), your guarantee that you are getting quality workmanship and quality cloth.

If you want quality work using quality materials and you want to pay a fair competitive price then GCL Billiards is the place to turn to.

Phone Geoff on 07753 466064 or email c.large@btinternet.com for a quote or to discuss any other work you may require on your cue sports table.

We now have a stock of Supreme Winner and Prince Tables for  Table hire locally to us in Nottingham & Derby.

The supreme winners we have are the latest metal chrome corner in Black pearl satin  rather than the outgoing plastic chrome corner plate .
We also have one in mahogany wood grain finish.
and a mahogany wood grain Supreme Prince .

supplied with a league set of balls as well as a normal play set per year  , and recovering options for yearly or 6 monthly . 4 cue’s . triangle delivered and set up ready for play from just £15 per week * ( depending on recover option)
we are 100% cue sports maintenance fitters , and this ensures the best care and attention for your pool table while it is operated by GCL Billiards , unlike most rental/hire  firms we are not sidetracked by Fruit machine or juke boxes . we give 100% attention to your pool table making sure it is properly maintained , hiring on contract from GCL Billiards ensures your pool team have the best tables to play on and in many cases the best tables in the league .
We use Strachan 6811 cloth on all of our rental/hire tables , none of your thick woolly type cloth that is too slow to play on , we ensure your table is level and make regular checks to see that the table is playing 100% ok.
we can only do this by installing local to us , having tables miles away is not the way GCL Billiards work , we like to have a small circuit of tables that we can get to easy and quickly .
If your table is not being maintained to an acceptable standard then get the professional Pool table hire firm in GCL Billiards is the best locally and we stand by our reputation and feedback , we have tables in Pub’s club’s Work canteens , Hotels , in fact anywhere you want within reason.
The Supreme Tables are the market leaders and the preferred choice of professional pool players . want a quote for a hire table on your premises ? then get in touch with Geoff 07753466064 or email c.large@btinternet.com

These two Supreme Winner in black pearl are ready for rental , please call GCL Billiards for a quote NOW !

We have the superb top of the range Supreme Prince for hire too just in case you require the more Traditional looking turned leg type of table with wood grain finish , these tables have exactly the same type and size of slate and cushions that the winner has so play the same for trueness and bounce , the only difference is the cabinet  and leg shape and finish .

All tables come with mechanical coin mech’s and we have a set weekly hire not a 50/50 , this way you have the keys and you empty the takings , the cash box can be padlocked in and we also fit warning led alarm/ lights  to our tables both to cabinet and the cash box if required.
SUPREME tables that GCL billiards use are the same type as used in most top end clubs like this set up local to us and the same spec of cloth Strachan west of England 6811 grade cloth .

 

We have experienced some rather low prices for re-covering snooker tables , when we quote our price this is for top quality cloth , we do not use seconds or sub standard cloth .
and we send back any major faulty cloth to our supplier if found which is not often as it is quality control checked  .
we have been undercut by as much as £50 on a full size snooker table , now we know how it is done.
They have been using lower priced Sub standard cloth , there is nothing wrong with using this cloth if the Client is informed they are saving the £50 by using this cloth .
But sometimes they are not informed , they think they are getting the same cloth as I am quoting for .
this is the stamp of a good quality one . you can see the blue line in reverse as you are looking at the underside of the cloth . the main stamp transfer with 30 oz Gold tournament , and just under this the roll number line in black which also states 6811 tournament .

The next photo is of 6811 pool cloth , so watch out for no edging blue lines and just this stamp on snooker tables this cloth should only be used on Pool and smaller snooker tables
You may also note that there is no 30 oz after the 6811 , no gold gold tournament wording .
Sometimes you can get this pool table 6811 stamp used on full width cloth , I have come across this , it does not state pool in any wording , so people can get away with passing it off as Tournament 6811 although they are very carefull and never mention the words Tournament , only 6811 quality cloth , this is what fools you .
well it is a mine field out there as 6811 is a grade and term used on many grades of cloth within the Strachan branding , So if you want to be sure you are getting the best cloth fitted use a reputable firm , there are a few of us out there . and GCL Billiards is one of them .

Unless the cloth has the two Blue lines for top quality 6811 tournament cloth with gold embroidery writing along the entire edge  , a transfer stating Gold Tournament , and a roll number which also has the words 6811 Tournament , then it is not top quality .Also look out for the words sub standard written through the main transfer .
I am now for snooker hall use only on normal play tables not the match tables going to stock by special order only  the lower priced cloth , just to be on a level playing field when quoting for such work , I will offer two prices one for Top Quality and one for sub standard when it is available .
It is not available all the time , but when it is I will order it for those who wish to go down this route .

You can also get CLUB 6811 which has red lines in place of blue and the words Club in place of tournament . so for top quality it is Blue lines , for club quality it is Red Lines , there is only around £17 price difference in these cloths so in my opinion fit the blue lines Tournament .
Please take no notice of the staples in the cloth below , this cloth in the photo I am taking off and was fitted by a cowboy fitter , I just use the photo as an example to show what to look for , in this case showing club 6811 cloth , all bed cloths should be fitted with 5/8th tacks not staples .

Also look at the following link for some Chinese copy cloth , study the gold woven stitch spelling and type of stitching on the red and blue lines
http://www.wsptextiles.com/copy_cloth_examples

and this link  for the Genuine strachan cloth branding example .
http://www.wsptextiles.com/genuine-strachan-cloth

Copies are out there and customers should take note that some fitters do have access to this cloth , GCL Billiards would never touch Chinese made cloth or worse still try to pass it off as Genuine Strachan cloth .
so there you have it lower prices on the same like for like quote , you have to ask questions and demand to see the cloth stamp plus woven edge serial number etc , and inspect it closely , take a photo of the stamp and the woven edge  if you are not sure and send this off to sales@wsptextiles.com , I am sure they would be very interested in finding the source of this copy imported cloth .

 

We have just completed a 7×4 pool table re-cover that was for water damage , the actual table was in a basement that was flooded to about 2 inch only , but the damp air got into the cloth expanded the nap and was smelling a bit mouldy and with all the building work that has been ongoing to replace floors and skirting , the table was also covered in dust , our client got in touch with GCL billiards who are insurance approved renovators and like for like replacement if the damaged table is written off.
Our client was informed by a reputable insurance company in Michigan to get a quote from reliable cue sports companies to dismantle and move the table out of the flooded room to a safe area you can learn more about it here. after new flooring and skirting plus re-decorating , we returned to re-cover the table in a nice new Strachan Burgundy Red wool cloth , clean the cabinet out inside and out , spray furniture polish on and buff up as new .

GCL Billiards provided full invoice’s for the insurance company  for this two part job of dismantle and secure in safe area and also the return work of re-covering and put back in room polished and levelled  ready for play . If you have the misfortune of you’re table being damaged and wish to make a claim on you’re insurance , then please consider GCL Billiards and inform you’re insurance company that you have found an approved firm. In case one needs any legal help they can go on https://mslawllp.com/practice-areas/erisa-attorneys/
Our client was highly delighted and his feedback said , Delighted with the recover better than new!
we are not surprised at this because we actually fitted a better branded cloth than was originally fitted to the table from new!

Today we have been over to Kidderminster to dismantle and load a table that was bought new in January 1986 , it is believed that the table was played on by Rex Williams who’s daughter owned the house .
The snooker Room was in the back of the 3 car garage , so easy access to dismantle and load .
everything went OK , until I tried to remove the hidden knee panel inserts on each leg which hide the long frame bolt’s , these had expanded and where stuck solid, we had no choice but to inform our buying client of the problem and the way around this problem was to cut the panels by chisel to release the bond of the expanded panel  .
So the worse scenario is we have to make twelve inserts for the knee panels in mahogany when this table goes back together in it’s new home in Ashbourne Derbyshire.
The table was in fantastic condition  having no work done to it since the install New in 1986 and totally untouched  , only home use for 28 years and apart from the knee panel problem the table was a very good purchase .
An unusual leg design , this Wille holt table I think may be a 1 off , the serial number of the table being 159 / 1 , which I think means table number 159 design and number 1 in that design ?
I certainly have not seen another table either by photo or in the flesh with this table leg design .
If anyone can point me to another one then please inform us ?
here are a few photo’s of the dismantle load and store into a nice dry warm warehouse , where we think the table will be for around 5 to 6 months , this is because our buying client is just having his room built .
but he is safe in the knowledge that his table is stored correct in the right conditions , unlike some storage solutions which are damp and sometimes even wet with leaking roof’s and water running down the walls , GCL Billiards , will only use Dry storage from our storage partner Jonills Removals of Nottingham, who not only store the table but it is also covered by insurance while in their storage premises .
We do not charge any commission for Jonills storage you are charged by Jonills direct for the storage with proper invoicing monthly  , we would rather be safe in the knowledge that the clients goods are stored correctly and wrapped to the same code of practice as used by Home Removers and packers , and we have known Dave at jonills for over 30 years , and we know we are in safe hands .
we often recommend Jonills removals for house move’s and in return Dave use’s GCL Billiards as table fitters for any cuesports tables dismantle and assembly that he has to move within his normal business of house content moving.

Please click on the link below to take you to our feature for this table in our for sale section.

A rare size to find 10ft by 5ft ideal for those who have just not got enough room for a full size , this is the next one down as 11fts are even rarer to find.

Our client is desperate to sell the table as the house is now sold, so must go to a new owner very soon.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS

We were contacted by a client who was in a bit of a panic, it was the usual problem, a house sale and the new owners did not want the table.  So it had to be out within two weeks.

I only had one person looking for a full size table and in fact I had earmarked another two tables for him, but when I saw the photo’s of this table and the predicament that the seller was in, we just had to see if it was possible for our wanted client to see the photo’s and help the lady out by agreeing to purchase the table and arrange for GCL Billiards to remove it quick.  The seller was in panic mode.  Selling a house is one of the most stressful experiences so they say.  Lucky for me I have moved twice and part exchanged each time so have not had this experience yet.

As you you can see in the photo that Sarah sent me, it is a very unusual leg design, a Burnley Billiards Willie Holt made table.  I think circa 1960’s, but it may be a little earlier.
After dismantle , How wrong could I have been , the actual date on the slate is January 1986 and has Italian slate on the table . I would have sworn it had 1950s style to the legs , must have been a retro design they thought of introducing . the legs are almost arts and crafts design which is much earlier .
I have been informed by Peter (100 upper ) on the snooker forum it was called the Master Billiard table and was advertised in October issue of Pot black 1989 magazine on page 19.

Sarah the current owner  says the table was once owned by Rex Williams Daughter , the snooker and billiards professional who was a  regular player on the table when first installed.

Our Buying client Pierre liked the table so we put buyer and seller together they thrashed out a price, and we are to collect next week for Pierre.

I would like to thank Sarah and Pierre for using the GCL Billiards free to use buyer and seller windows on our web site and for trusting us to act for both, free of charge, in helping to find a buyer for this table.  We have been rewarded with the work of collecting from Kidderminster and storing in our dry furniture warehouse in Nottingham.  Then re-rubber / re-cloth and deliver and set up in its new room in Ashbourne.

It goes to show that using our FREE to list table seller or wanted table sections can result in things working out.  If it’s not in the shop window or we do not know you want a table then we cannot do much for you, but if you use our FREE service then things can happen as has been proved many times in this service from 3/4 sized tables to full size we have helped move a few on this past year.

GCL Billiards is quickly becoming the place to advertise your snooker or pool tables.  We offer a better FREE service than Ebay or Gumtree, NO CHARGES and it is a cue sports site getting many hits from cue sports enthusiasts.  Our for sale section is often viewed by people scrolling through our web site content.  Make sure your advert for sale or wanted is in there next time they drop by for a look.