About Used Coin Operated Pool Tables
Probably the most common setting where you will find coin operated pool tables is in the neighborhood watering holes and pool halls. These tables are considered commercial quality and they are built for function and durability. You won’t see coin operated tables made of expensive hardwoods or featuring intricately carved legs, such as you might see on the billiard pool tables in the gamerooms of upscale homes.
When the family room becomes overrun with teenagers jockeying for their turn to shoot a game of pool, many parents might be tempted to trade it in for a coin operated pool table. This would either help to scatter the crowd and make it more controllable, or would help to build up the college funds for their kids.
Coin operated pool tables are meant to be purchased by commercial enterprises such as pool halls, taverns, bars and other public recreational facilities. In many states the sale of these billiard pool tables is subject to licensing and they cannot be sold for home use.
However, if you think that a coin operated pool table might make a good addition to the rec room, then there are usually many available in the second-hand market. Because these tables are so sturdy and built to withstand heavy use in public places, they are quite durable and last for decades. Buying a used pool table, either a coin operated or standard, can save you thousands of dollars and you can still expect to get many good years of use.
The various coin operated tables that are available on the second-hand market come equipped with either an electronic coin mechanism or a multi-coin mechanical mechanism. If you don’t have electricity wired to the center of your room, or don’t want a heavy duty extension cord running across the floor, then the mechanical type of mechanism might be best.
Coin operated tables handle the cue ball differently than the other pool balls. In many coin operated billiard tables there is a magnetic mechanism built into the table and requires the use of a cue ball that has a special magnetic core. When a ball with the magnetic core tumbles into a pocket, the magnetic detector separates it from the colored and numbered pool balls and delivers it to a separate opening. This allows for the play to continue, which would be impossible if the cue ball were held with the other balls that have already been sunk.
The other way that coin operated tables handle the cue ball is by using an oversized cue ball. The difference in size allows the cue to be separated from the other balls and is routed though a different series of chutes to deliver it back to the player.
Used coin operated tables are generally sold separately from all of the pool table accessories needed to play. Some of the pool gameroom accessories that will be needed are the cue ball and numbered balls, the pool cues or "sticks," the triangle ball rack, chalk and chalk holders, and the pool table cover.
Most companies that handle used coin operated pool tables will check them for operational problems and refurbish them as needed. They also should have a delivery service available so that experienced people will be setting up the table properly. Once the table is set up and the pool table accessories are unpacked you will be ready to enjoy many hours of play.
By Sports Info Editor
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