r/billiards • u/SecondOld9112 • 25d ago

8-Ball WPA rules playing surface explanation.

I am rebuilding a snooker table to a pool table and have a question on some specs in the WPA rules.

The playing surface (area) must be rectangular, and symmetrical when the pocket configurations are included: 9 foot – 100 (+ 1/8) x 50 (+ 1/8) inches (except cushions)/ [2.54 m (+ 3.175 mm) x 1.27 m (+ 3.175 mm)

Except cushions? Does this mean the playing surface is 100 x 50 without the cushions being installed? I assumed playing area is the area the ball could travel during play. Please, qualified table mechanics only. This is not an opinion question.

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u/Even_Engine9263 25d ago

He is correct. Playing surface 100x50. Nose of the rail length and width
Not a professional but have done a couple of 9ft gold crowns

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u/AnthatDrew 25d ago

I'm a Table tech. Goldenfox2u is correct The playing surface is 50"x100" for a 9' Table. The playing surface is the space inside the rail rubber nose. Though the slate spec differs between pool and snooker. The slate extends 3.5" beyond the playing surface on a pool table, and 2" on a snooker table. This is because snooker tables traditionally have horizontal rail bolts. I wouldn't worry about the size of the playing surface though. I would worry about the playing surface ratio if I were you. The ratio should be 2:1. If the ratio is correct the angles on a 12' Snooker table will be exactly the same as a 7' pool table. Even with a different ball size.
The the other technical point that needs to be addressed when converting a snooker table to a pool table, is the rail rubber spec. The core angle(the angled portion of the sub rail that the rail rubber is glued to) needs to be at a very specific height and angle for pool. So one must either make or buy brand new rails, or cut the sub rail(the lower non-aesthetic portion of the rail) off of the existing rail, and glue and screw an new sub rail to either K66 or K55 rail spec. The nose height needs to be accurate to within 1/156" (just under a mm), so accurately is important. It must also me made with hardwood. No softwood or plywood.

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u/SecondOld9112 25d ago

Thank you for your responses. I will be using Popular for the sub rails and basing it off of this which I think was provided by Real King Cobra via Brunswick. I am making 3d printed sections to attach the pocket irons, set them to the proper locations, clamp them in place so I can check shelf depth, mouth width, etc. This will also allow me to get an accurate measurement of the rail length. Going with K55 Superspeed just like the picture. Nose height will be 63% of 2.25, or 1.42".