Links To Our Billiards Facebook

Please choose this link to enter our billiard retail store in Aurora, Co. Big Break Billiards

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Break-Billiards/324358791180

Please choose this link to enter our pool hall and sports bar in Aurora, Co. Rack'em Billiards

http://www.facebook.com/?sk=pages&ap=1#!/pages/Rackem-Billiards/190939847609614

Pool Tables Colorado

New Billiard and Pool Table Website

We now own a pool hall along with our billiard store! Check out the new site! http://www.homeandbilliards.com/

Pool Table Slate Crates

Ever wonder what it looks like to have some pool table slate crates built? Below you will see some pictures of that. Slate crates aren't a very difficult thing to make. They do take time in all the measurements, time in cutting all the pieces and time actually assembling them. Keywords being time.
When we build pool table slate crates, we always start with the border. Making a square perimeter around the slate, we measure and then cut the border pieces. Pine is the most affordable material to use and typically a 3x1 will do. You will just need a ton of it. Do all your pre-measuring first though so you don't have much waste and you don't buy more than you need.
The next thing is the corner areas. There are a few ways to do this. Our preferred method is to attach the corner areas over the top of the border and then one side will be packed with shock material to give it spring and allow some flexible movement.
Lastly, all you need to do is cut pieces that will hold the slate in. Typically, you will do one side over the border then lay the slate into the half crate. After that, you will seal the other sides corners and fit that sides middle pieces. We do it in a way that both sides will have end and middle shock points filled with a secret ingredient.
There you go! Slate crates! Wouldn't it be easier to just have Big Break Billiards do it?

Setting Up A Used Olhausen Pool Table

  Normally, it is a pleasure setting up an Olhausen pool table. When they are past 10 years of age, we sometimes fret though. Not that it's a terrible table, ok maybe in a way it is because they are ALL made out of particle board and laminate frames, but we know that there have been numerous billiard technicians that have worked on this table and it is probably going to need some extra attention.
  This particular Olhausen pool table went together relatively well. Some of the legs were beginning to crack and also some of the slate screws needed filliing, but overall it wasn't in too bad a shape for the age. It was the cloth that had been destroyed and moved so many times it was nearly impossible to reuse it.
  The pool table recover was recommended to the customer, however, they elected to not have new pool table cloth put on. This presented a problem because the billiard technicians that previously installed the cloth, trimmed the pocket cuts so that the customer HAD to buy new cloth. But hey who are we to complain. You will see some pictures below of how it came out with what we had to work with. The customer was shown and was very happy that half of the pool table cloth wasn't even stapled on in places in the pockets. As long as they are happy though Big Break Billiards is happy too. Just remember when we recommend something like this to be replaced it isn't to make more money off you. It's to get your pool table back to a playing condition. Professional player or not, it's still a precision game.

Yet Another Happy Pool Table Customer

Ben and Derek,

I wanted to thank you both for the awesome work on the legacy table.  The new cloth plays great and the pockets are just right.

Thank you,

Aaron

Big Pool Table Projects | Busy Billiard Week

This week, and this month, is, and has been, such a busy time for Big Break Billiards. We have shipped arcade games to the east coast, beer pong tables to New York, and now a pool table to Texas! One top of all of that there are some big pool table projects to have done by the time we move our store at the end of March.

We are doing a couple of improvements to a used Legacy pool table that we had sold to a customer. He requested that we recover the 8ft pool table in Simonis pool table cloth, add a backing to the slate, and also triple face the rails to tighten up the pockets.

Then there is all this billiard service work needing to be done starting with a 9 foot Connelly Ventana pool table that needs some help with new Tour Edition pool table cloth and Tour Edition cushions. The table also needed minor logo work done with re-attachment and also a good polish on it. More to come with this.
There is also a 9 foot Europa pool table sitting in our store that needs a good deal of work done as well. New cushions, new cloth, re-tap the rail inserts, and new hardware.

Lastly we need to crate, palletize and ship off an old Vitalie pool table to get it to Texas.
So much to do, so little time to do it. Did we mention that we have to recover an entire bar and then move a whole different bar here soon? That is almost another 30 tables to mess with. It should be exciting.

World of Leisure Makes Such a Bad Pool Table

  As typical, we hate having to work on, move or service any World of Leisure pool table. These tables are just complete wastes of money. However, what are we going to do? Tell the customer that and insult them? Not likely. What is even worse is the shady billiard company that sells and installs these pool tables. Look at this for reference:

Really Colorado Billiards? BC Billiards? or Mattress Billiards Direct? or whatever the hell bankrupt company name you are using these days. There was absoluetely nothing you could have done to prevent this from happening huh? Nothing? Really? This company is the bottom of the barrel. Maybe that is why they price war and under value their service work. Maybe that is why they continue to go bankrupt and change their name. Maybe. Not to mention the slate seams were just terrible, the level was way off, and every slate screw was stripped out. Good luck getting any service warranty from these dudes. Goodness. Get what you pay for though:

Well another of their customer that is now ours! So lets talk about what Big Break Billiards did for him.
This was another standard, in the city, pool table move. The table is a 7 foot size and was a laminate and press board made import. It had half inch thick slate and it was unframed.
Everything went smooth for the pool table dismantling portion. Naturally, we had to fix some of the issues wrong with it and we also recommended a pool table recover due to the pool table cloth situation in it's current form. The customer chose a forest green color cloth and ok'ed the recover. Any hour later we had an extrememly happy young pool table owning family! Thanks guys! Now it's more level than the pros play on!

Proline Billiards Pool Table

     Yesterday, we had the pleasure of moving a relatively decent Proline pool table. While it was easy to service and held a decent level; there were some construction problems with it as well. Overall, it was a fantastic pool table for the customer and the issues were none other than manufacturing problems we personally didn't care for.

     The move was long. Louisville to Lyons then back to the shop. The pool table dismantle went smooth and we had a very easy walk out to the truck. The pool table was a tapered leg post style design which meant it's legs went from the ground to the slate. The frame consisted of 4 side panels and there was a barrage of individual cross members and center I-beam pieces. Brazilian slate was attached to this model and it was also covered in an 860 Simonis pool table cloth. It was a darker mahogany finish and had shield pockets.
    
     Setting up the pool table was extrememly easy as well. This was to be expected though as just about any American made pool table is. Hardware is key to almost any table and it had great hardware. There wasn't really much to complain about. But hey, we are the best so naturally we will find something either on the technical side or the manufacturing side to pick apart.

     So the problems? Well first off the pool table frame, legs etc. were made from a pressed poplar. Really Proline? What irriates us with stateside billiard table manufacturers is that they try and produce a pool table to compete with the low priced import junk. What this means is you get a severly overpriced product that is inferior in quality. It is only more expensive. Proline, Olhausen and a couple other small timers are doing this and completely destroying their name in the process. Connelly Billiards, for example, still produces a domestic hardwood table that doesn't compromise it's quality. They do make laminate and veneers but these are tables that are specific to that and Connelly doesn't try and sell something as a hardwood that really isn't like the Proline's and Olhausen's out there. Watch out!
     Installation wise, the previous billiard technician wasn't too impressive. Loosely pulled on the Simonis billiard fabric which is a no no. Didn't properly fill the neccessary slate screw holes on the playing surface. Just a matter of attention to detail. Since we at Big Break Billiards hold ourselves to such high standards we normally tell the competition that if they want to be the man, well then, they have to beat the man. That man is Big Break Billiards!
     Problems solved and customer happy with an awesome in home pool table for him. Feel free to get free advice from us at info@homeandbilliards.com
     Pictures of table and job:

Used Connelly Ventana Pool Table.

     Yesterday we picked up a really old Connelly Ventana pool table for a customer. This poor pool table looked like it had gotten into a bar fight. Come to find out it had actually been in a bar before this customer had bought it a few years back. So it was nice to see that the visual abuse that the table underwent was due to poor customer care in the bar it was in.

     The rails looked as if the stain and finish was almost completely rubbed off. The leg trim was broken and needed reattaching. The pool table pockets, well, the pockets just were no longer there and needless to say he had gotten some new ones for it. The pool table cloth was thrashed and not very well taken care of thus needing replacement. Due to the great amount of direct sunlight and lack of pool table cover, the pool table cushions were rock hard and needed replacement.

     All these things that made this table look so terrible and probably play even worse, but that isn't what upset us going into this job. The billiard technician, or should I say slate monkey, that worked on this table did more internal damage to it than the customer ever could have to the exterior.

     Firstly, the rail bolts had been half replace by bolts that were entirely too long and need extra washers to shorten them. Not only that but the "other bolts" used had a much bigger head size to them. After further inspection we noticed that they were the kind of rail bolts that one would use on a cheap crummy import pool table. He is lucky that the billiard installer didn't slip up even more while tightening these bolts and push one up through the pool table rail and crack it altogether. Lucky.

     Next were the pocket screws. Not only were there all sorts of different sizes involved, but they were all extremely loose. This is just unacceptable and there is no reason they should be like this. Again, this could have caused the rails to have been cracked while putting them on or taking them off.

     Then, the cloth. Goodness. What can we really say about this? First off it was only half on there. Really? You staple only half of the bed cloth on and then blindly staple the pockets to a point that creates bubbles and wrinkles? Guess there is a reason this guy is no longer in business. This part was so irritating I can't even continue to talk about the cloth.

     Next was the worst part of all. This pool table installer actually cause the slate and entire pool table to become so undervalued with what had been done next that it is disgusting. Instead of having the proper knowledge on how to fill stripped screws to make them grab the frame again he actually went around the slate, drilled new holes all over the place and then put in tiny wood screws to use for leveling. Come on dude! He did this everywhere too. So instead of using the proper slate screws that are almost triple the length and thickness he thought it better to drill new holes and use an inferior WOOD screw. Keyword there being wood not slate screw. Bad pool table technician. The thing now needs additional work because of this guys stupidity.

     Lastly, well, that just about sums it all up really. Overall the guy was terrible and actually cost this customer more money just to get this pool table to a point it can be played on again. Remember, you get what you pay for. Saving a small amount of money now could mean loads more money down the road.

     Same name, better quality and the most experience with the trade. This is why our customers are loyal and choose Big Break Billiards over the cheap guys. Get it done right with us. It's your break, make it big!

Moving and Recovering a Connelly Palo Verde Pool Table

  Over the past few years it seems as if the market for pool table design has strayed away from the more french style decor. Most people have gone to more traditional or contemporary styles of pool tables. You might even think that a round leg french style is a bit out there for yourself as well. This style, though, is exactly what the Connelly Palo Verde pool table is all about.
  Once you have laid eyes on this Connelly Billiards pool table you will absolutely fall in love with it. Our customer did. The Palo Verde pool table is from the plateau collection by Connelly and it features a slim base frame with round french style legs.
  The one we moved for our Highlands Ranch customer was made from oak wood in a natural oak finish. We put brand new black pool table cloth onto it during the setup portion. As you will see below this pool table became the family gem in the basement. They are sure to have years of fun on their new Connelly Billiards pool table.

Moving a Pool Table at Altitude

  Yesterday, we moved a Beringer Ambrosia pool table that we had sold to a customer almost two years ago. It was moving from the Jefferson/Como area over to south Fairplay. The overall move itself wasn't too far in between homes nor was it very difficult. That is, until you start moving the heavy pieces around.
  Jefferson/Como sits about 9800 ft high. The first home we got to (the pool table dismantle house) had easy access to the pool table. It sat on the ground level and was the first thing you saw upon entering the home. Not only that, we were able to pull up about 20 ft away from the door. This ended up being a cake walk.
  What we didn't realize was the new home where the table was going to be setup was well over 10500 ft in elevation. Not only that but we didn't get such a lucky walk. In fact we had to go around the house and up 2, count them 2, flights of stairs to the upper level of the house! At this elevation, for two Denver boys, it was like someone from sea level coming to Denver to move a pool table! But there is even less air up above 10,000!
  By the time we had gotten the frame up in place we were a bit fatigued. As if that wasn't bad enough we still had 3 pieces of slate that each weighted about 150 pounds apiece to go. After every piece we carried up, we needed a good sit down rest to catch our breath and keep the lightheadedness away.
  After a longer than usual carry into the home, we finally managed through it and got a perfect pool table setup in place from one of our very own Beringer Billiards pool tables. We forgot to take pictures of the table but managed to snap some while on the road of the scenery from the truck.

Perfect Practice Makes Perfect: For Pool and Billiard Playing

It’s no secret that being a good pool player means you need to practice. Then practice some more. But only perfect practice makes a perfect game.

There are actually, a great deal of things to prep and execute before taking a shot. First, you have to determine your object ball. What pocket is your object ball going to? What kind of shot are you taking, a bank or a cut? Next, you take a stance, keeping proper body position. Finally, use your non dominant hand to carefully bridge your cue and push a perfectly straight stroke. All that and we didn’t even cover English, placement, or combinations. 

There are few things harder than your stroke. So for now let’s focus on solid, clean, center mass cue ball shots.  Some 80% of shots on the table can be made with simple center shots on the cue ball. Once you master a center shot you can then practice the dynamics of what makes a good shot. Those would include the body position, aiming, angles, alignment, and stroke.
Practice those together and it will definitely help your game. Don’t grip the cue tight with your hand and always remember to pull back the cue slow and accelerate the cue through the shot.

The Differences in Pool Table Cloth

There are three types of pool table cloth on the market. In the industry we refer to them as worsted or woolen and the third uncommon is backed. So worsted, woolen, and back? What does this mean and what is the best choice for you?

             Worsted cloth is what is also known as “nap free” cloth or tournament grade fabric. There are a few different makers of worsted cloth with Simonis being the authority on the cloth since they have been around hundreds of years. Worsted cloth has a tight wool blend that has no fuzzy naps for inconsistency and pulls the tightest giving it the fastest most accurate play. It wears slower as well. This is what the pros play on.

            Woolen cloth is more common in home. Generally, there are more colors associated. It is a blend of nylon and wool and has what they call naps. These are small fiber bundles and when a ball is rolling on the cloth and slows down; then the ball may try to find the path of least resistance through that and will slightly wiggle. These inconsistencies are usually minute enough that most recreational users won’t notice. This cloth will wear faster and shows friction burns more predominantly.

            There is also a backed cloth, usually woolen, that has a backing on the bottom making it more durable and more resistance to chalk and dust build up. This is typical for commercial use.

            There has been some debate on the use of waterproofing chemicals on pool table cloth lately. We will recommend to most clients to use waterproofing on woolen cloth and non waterproofing on worsted cloth. Woolen cloth doesn’t have long enough life span for elasticity problems to occur over time.

Arcades | Arcades in Denver, Colorado

Remember Pac-Man, Frogger, and Centipede? What about some of the other classic arcade games; Galaga, Space Invaders, or Donkey Kong? Or maybe some of the newer ones like The Simpsons, X-men, Ninja Turtles? Everyone reading can relate to at least one of these games. These are nostalgic games from our youth. Imagine having all of those games.

We now carry a system called a Multicade (multiple arcade or multiple game arcade). Multicades are setup in either the old standup cabinet version or the sit down cocktail version.

They are available in either 48 games in 1 or 60 games in 1 for just the classic games from the 80’s. Generally, our classic multicades will contain some sort of classic game artwork. For example, we can make a 60 in 1 multicade look like Galaga by applying the artwork associated with that game back then.

There is also another multicade option available that features 1,315 games in 1! Every game you can think of. These are standup systems with 2 player-6 button function. Artwork is custom, so is ordering one of these bad boys.

We can also build to order any single game you might want to have for nostalgic purposes. Any single game system we build for you will have all new parts, fully refurbished cabinet, new matching artwork.

Garage door local delivery is included with any machine we build for you. With that we stand behind all of our machines with a 30 day warranty.

Our Pool Tables | Big Break Billiards and Connelly Billiards | Pool Tables Colorado

Big Break Billiards is Denver’s billiard company of choice for Connelly Billiards pool tables.

Connelly Billiards is a globally recognized American pool table manufacturing company. They have been around since the early 1980’s. Connelly has always carried and produced a beautifully designed and quality protected American made pool table.

About 7 to 8 years ago, they completely overhauled their table designs and began constructing their pool tables around an even more quality approach. Making tables that are above industry standard .Connelly is the only billiard manufacturing company that features a 4 rail bolt Rapid Rail system and also uses only domestic hardwoods with thicker frames and jointed corners alongside oversized slate from 1 to 2 inches.

Overall, Connelly pool tables have become the new standard in billiards worldwide, and with Big Break Billiards, your new Colorado authority!

Another Satisfied Customer: The Connelly Azteca Pool Table

     Back in December of 2010 we sold a brand new Connelly Azteca pool table to a wonderful family in Wyoming. They chose to have that pool table built out of hickory wood with an oil finish on it. Along with their accessories, they also had a drawer added, fringe pockets and brick color cloth.
     After weeks of us bugging them we got some great pictures of the pool table out of them and an even better testimonial. Thanks for being such great customers and supporting our company!

“We LOVE the table!!! It is a perfect match in our room.  Thank you again for such a great business experience.  The table is all that you said it would be.”  The Paull Family – Wyoming- New Connelly Azteca Pool Table

Here is how it came out:

Researching and Writing About the History of Billiards

     I recently submitted an article to Ezine about the history of billiards. Some of the things that I found out were extremely interesting. I'm not talking about the actual game or even the evolution, however, that was fun also. There are so many different side stories that make mention to billiards throughout history.
     Between 1300 and 1400 the game was first played outside like today's croquet games. This is believed to be the first form of billiards.    
     In the 1400's it is mentioned that King Louis XI had the first indoor pool table.
     While in the 16th century, Mary Stuart, the queen of Scotland between 1542 and 1567 was known to have her body wrapped in her billiard table cloth. Later that century, the English poet, Edmund Spenser, mentions billiards in his work, Mother Hubberd’s Tale.
      The 1600's was a period of widespread popularity giving way to the very first cue use and equipment advances. Even Shakespeare made mention of billiards during this time in Antony and Cleopatra.
      In the 18th century, there were advances in cloth material by replacing cotton with wool.
     The most influential time has to be the 1800's since this was the century that spawned all the modern technologies of billiards. The modern cue and cue tip were introduced. Slate replaced wooden playing surfaces and the vulcanization of rubber gave way to the cushion. Really the modern table was invented.
     I also touch briefly on small impacts in the 20th and 21st century while ending the article with some speculative thoughts about the future of the sport.
     Stay tuned as it will be posted all over the Internet for your reading pleasure! You can check out some other articles of mine by clicking here.

Recover | World of Leisure Pool Table

     When we hear World of Leisure we sometimes cringe. They haven't put out a decent pool table in years. One of the worst out there. However, they did make some, long ago, in the USA that turned out to be fairly decent tables. So, when we got to our job we were expecting the worst and hoping for the best.
     Turns out the clients had a very nice medium oak WOL table. The construction was great and the slate was phenomenal. They only hired us for cloth installation and ended up choosing black. Great choice on an oak table. They also setup, leveled, and waxed the table themselves. The extra cost in having us do it was not in their budget. We say it all the time. Don't try this at home. It never turns out great.
     To our suprise they did fairly decent with it. There were bad spots on the level and the wax job was done with candle wax. Please dont ever use candle wax! Beeswax is the way to go. There wasn't much we could do for the level at that point considering it really needed some Big Break love. We did fix the wax job for them though since it wasn't completely un-dented in the center screws area.
     Overall, the table came out beautiful and the customers were extremely pleased. We also did some retips for two cues and did some shaft work for them on those. Again, came out great and they loved them. Thanks guys!

The Connelly Azteca Pool Table In Granby Part 2

     There's nothing like walking out the door at 5:15am in -20 degree temperatures. First off, any exposed skin will likely be frost bitten within minutes. Nevertheless, we had to get to Granby, Colorado to move a Connelly Azteca for a customer of ours.
     Being at the shop to clean out the truck's back and bed was the worst. Winter gear coat, base layers, two pairs of gloves, and a balaclava and beanie on yet still cold enough to break through it all. After we loaded up all of the tools and materials we needed we set out. The drive is typically only 2 hours or so from the shop, however, we planned it to be about 3 or so considering the conditions.
     We only made one stop on the way up there to throw the truck into 4wd and to see if we could get the windshield washed off. The roads were amazing. CDOT we thank you! Phenomenal driving conditions considering the weather we had just had and were having. Anyhow, the stop was short. Threw some water on the windshield but that didn't last. In about 5 seconds it froze. Actually made the situation worst. Nevertheless, we fixed it and continued on.
     Berthoud Pass wasn't all to bad at this point. The road up was great and the road down leading into Winter Park was a little worst but overall in great condition. Can't thank CDOT enough for their efforts on the roads.
     By the time we arrived to the pickup house in Granby, it was probably 9:00am. Up there we were showing a still -20 degree reading. The house we went into was vacant and there was no heat, but let me tell you. Outside was -20. Inside was probably somewhere in the 40's. It was as we stepped into a warmer.
     The dismantle of the pool table went smooth. We decided to pick up pace to keep as warm as possible. Wrapped and loaded it all up and were ready to get to the next house with it in about 30 minutes.
     The next house wasn't too far away. We were able to back up in the driveway and take the pool table in through the front door. It was going in the basement that had just enough space in the main area to hold this beautiful heirloom. The walk down was tricky with the frame but we managed to negotiate it without a problem. We were afraid that the slate was going to sweat so bad due to the really extreme temp change it was enduring, and it did, but not to a point that slowed down the setup. After placement we proceeded with recovering the table in a brown color cloth. The client was extremely excited and happy with the color. The Azteca was a light oak and the brown color really popped on the table. Running through an easy level and finishing off the table we finally headed out of there around 11:30am or so. Not too bad in those conditions. We are still efficient even when our boogers froze to our nose as soon as you walked outside.
     Leaving Granby it was hovering around the -5 temp (which, believe it or not, felt great comparatively). Roads were even better at this point so the drive back was just fine. We made better time back than imagined. Overall, this turned out to be a decent mountain job. We also got some nice snowy mountain views. The customer was happy and really excited about his pool table. Great day in Colorado! There are a couple pictures below.

Latest Customer Testimonial: The Connelly Prescott Pool Table

“Hi guys.  I am attaching a couple pictures of the pool table again.  It is absolutely stunning.  We are so glad that we upgraded the felt.  We get a lot of compliments of it. Thanks again for all of your help.  You guys were awesome!!

 We will definitely send anyone we know in need of a pool table your way.”

Thanks

Tammy

The Connelly Azteca Pool Table In Granby Part 1

     We are suppose to head out to Granby a little later today to move and recover a Connelly Azteca pool table. This trip would entail us getting over Berthoud Pass in this artic cold weather. With it already snowy and ice packed on the roads, is it worth it? Do we reschedule? Is a high of -4,in Denver and -10 in Granby, for the day worth risking a long drive through the mountains over a nasty mountain pass? Probably not and we shall see how the day plays out. As of 5:20am on February the 1st 2011 there is no closure of Berthoud Pass but the online cameras show the roads are snowy and ice packed. This could mean trouble. Lots of trouble. Too much trouble for even the 4wd truck we use that typically will get us through anything. I think a reschedule is in order. Nobody should be outside today with temperatures like this. Esspecially to move a pool table.
     As of 8:00am we have cancelled this job to Granby. Albeit, we now have an irritated and upset customer. We can't resonably be expected to move a 900 pound pool table in temperatures that dip into -25 with wind chills and a snowy mountain city. This just isn't safe for the customers table nor our technicians.
    It's now half past 8 in the morning and this job has been rescheduled for tomorrow. We are leaving around 6am tomorrow to trek out to Granby and move this pool table. Part 2 will have more tomorrow.

Pool Table Resale Value

     Resale value is something to keep in mind when buying, or owning, a pool table. In a great deal of ways, a pool table can be related to a car in most cases. As soon as you drive that new car off the lot it depreciates in value tremendously. Same is true for your table. However, just because it depreciates doesn't necessarily mean it's worthless after you buy it.

     It’s important to mention that there are differences between the qualities of each particular brand. Generally, you can distinguish them in two categories: mass manufactured and domestic heirloom. Now, typically a mass manufactured table is a less quality cheap price product while a domestic heirloom would be a customized solid wood product.
     Brand recognition does play a factor in the resale value at the domestic heirloom level. Most of the time, however, the more common the name the more common the table meaning the less you can get for it in the long run. This is only due to “popular” styles flooding the market. Something a little more brand recognized will still depreciate a great deal, but you are still going to get more than half your money back even with a “common” model.

     The mass manufactured, or “import”, table typically depreciates by over 80% after the initial installation. Usually these models will need more work done on them before a realistic resale is proposed. On average, you can expect no more than $500 in the resale of one of these billiard tables.

     When people go out to buy a used pool table, they trust the brand names over the others by huge margins. These tables are built to last. In most cases, the only thing they will need to pay for besides the table is the professional moving cost and maybe new pool table cloth.