How can you tell if a pool table is slate?

Question

The pool table is a Frederick Willys. My husband could pick up the ends. It's a used table, so I don't know how old it is. I looked underneath and could see wood, but didn't know if there might be a single slate slab on top. Also, we felt no seams under the felt. Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

the only way to tell is to lift (seperate) the felt from the bed unless you can see from below. Some tables have sectional slate and others have a single slate. A good table mechanic can bondo and smooth out the grooves of the sectional slate therefore you cannot tell if it is one piece or multiple piece slate once covered by the cloth.

Answer 2

tap on the edge of one of the pockets and you can tell that way. You don't want this table if it is not slate because it will warp

Answer 3

you should still be ablt to see the slate under the table and or in or on the edges of the pockets where the felt was cut to put it on ....

Answer 4

could he pick it up with ease ?? if he can do it without any effort then it isnt slate , also try knocking on the surface like a door if it is light weight you should be able to tell , and that name is none of the known table makers so I am guessing a non-slate  surface of some type .......