How to Calculate the Stretch Index for Pool Table Cloth Installation

[@AverageJoesPool]

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[@martinemmerson2809]

First of all, I think all of your pool table videos are brilliant and very clear. A bit confused with this video which seems to imply stapling the table's sides first, but your previous cloth installation video says to staple the table's ends first. So is it ends first or sides first please?, and thankyou for all your videos.

[@AverageJoesPool]

Thank you for your comment! Just to clear up any confusion, we are currently putting together a newer and more advanced version of our cloth installation video, which will utilise the stretch index method. The stretch index can be very helpful when you are fitting high-end worsted cloths that have very little give (such as Simonis) as they can be very unforgiving. The new more advanced video is NOT designed to be a replacement for our original cloth installation video. Instead it is designed for people who want to delve a little deeper and/or are installing cloths such as Simonis. It's likely that 80%+ of cloth installations done on pool tables are done without utilising a cloth stretch index method, by a process identical or similar to the process shown in our original video, so it will remain relevant to the majority of people who want to do a DIY cloth install. But if you are installing Simonis (or similar top-end worsted cloths) then the new more advanced video (which uses stretch index) would definitely be a good option. You asked about stapling end to end on the original video vs side to side suggested by the Stretch Index video. The answer is yes... and no, just to confuse lol. To utilise the stretch index method the cloth must be marked and stretched from side to side, starting at the side pockets. You then stretch the cloth from the centre pocket outwards towards the corner so you are stretching length-wise almost immediately (but from the edge of the cloth rather than the centre, as in the original video). Then secure the sides, and the length is last using the stretch index method. So the process is definitely slightly different if using the Stretch Index method, simply because it HAS to be due to the requirements of the process. But you can use either method, original or advanced. You can pick and choose, watch both and do whichever you like the look of, they both work! Hope that helps! --- To help support us (for both you and others reading this) there are a few things you can do: 1) Please be sure to use our Amazon links in the Video Description! 2) Please Like our video's on KZbin (by clicking Like!) 3) Please ensure you subscribe to our KZbin channel! 4) Donations both needed and welcome! You can donate by PayPal - just go to www.paypal.me/thanksfixsavers - or alternatively you can click the SUPER THANKS icon under the video on KZbin! 5) Please help spread the word, the more people who know about us the better! Add links to our video's in forums, let people know about us. Thank you for your support!

[@martinemmerson2809]

Thanks a lot, I hope you can release the update soon in the next week or so as I will be receiving a new 9-foot table next week and will be assembling it myself from scratch. This is an exciting project but I have never undertaken anything like this before, so I am depending heavily on instructional videos like yours to help me get it done right. Thanks again for your great videos and great all-around information. @@AverageJoesPool

[@JohnThiessen-e7c]

Please provide the video on sloth installation using the stretch index soon. I just took delivery of my championship tour edition cloth and would like to install it correctly on my 9 foot table using the stretch index. Seems that it would be more accurate rather than estimating the amount that you are pulling on the cloth which varies each time you stretch it.

[@AverageJoesPool]

Hi there! We have already filmed the process, and it is - at the time of wiriting thsi message - awaiting editing (alongside other video's also filmed and awaiting editing). However, this will take some time and unfortunately it will definitely not be available within the next few days (or even week most likely) to be able to assist with your Championship Tour Edition cloth install. Sorry we could not help out on this occasion, just down to logisitics and timing. Hopefully our video's can help you in the future though 👍

[@JohnThiessen-s9d]

Are you getting closer to editing and releasing the video for employing the stretch index in recovering the entire pool table? Could you provide some written instructions if it is not going to be released soon?

[@AverageJoesPool]

Hi there! We have already filmed the process, and it is - at the time of wiriting thsi message - awaiting editing (alongside other video's also filmed and awaiting editing). However, this will take some time and unfortunately it will definitely not be available within the next few days (or even week most likely) to be able to assist with your cloth install. Sorry we could not help out on this occasion, just down to logisitics and timing. Hopefully our video's can help you in the future though 👍

[@stevemerritt2721]

since you've calculated the stretch index for Simonis 860HR at 1 9/16 inch, If I get the same Simonis 860HR, can I use the same stretch index or will I need to calculate a new stretch index?

[@AverageJoesPool]

In theory, yes it should be the same, especially if it is the same color. You may have a touch of variance between batches, but it should be so close that it makes no odds 👍

[@TheCLUBJV]

I ended up purchasing the Boshen Worsted cloth off Amazon that you recommended as a cheaper option in another video. That cloth only stretched 1”. Does that mean my stretch index is 1/4”?

[@AverageJoesPool]

Yes, the Boshen cloth is an excellent budget choice. We've used it with good results, looks nice too. A touch darker the Simonis Tournament Blue but still a nice shade. When it comes to cheaper cloths you are likey not going to get the same wool to nylon count. For example Simonis is 90% wool and 10% nylon, whereas Boshen is 60% wool 40% nylon. So it will behave a little differently. This test is ideally for top-end higher wool count cloths (Simonis, Championship, Andy etc). That said, 1" does seem small! Did you give the cloth a really good pull with both hands (100% strength), and did it spring back ok (thinking maybe because of the lower wool count)?

[@Scubfan18]

Is this the same process if I have to glue it? Do you have a video on that? My slate has no wood to staple to. Thanks

[@AverageJoesPool]

The process is different for glueing, and unfortunately we don't have a video for that yet.

[@Scubfan18]

@@AverageJoesPool ended up paying someone but saved $200 doing the cushions myself thx!

[@G1234-l7v]

How do you guys deal with big rises in humidity. Even on a quality Refelt job. Worst case scenario installing the cloth in the dry cold winter then warm wet summer in a garage it gets bunched up and needs to be redone.

[@AverageJoesPool]

If the cloth is fitted properly then changes in humidity should not make a huge difference, and it should not bunch up as you mentioned. It sounds like the cloth may have been fitted a little too loosely to begin with perhaps? Hope that helps 👍

[@strnpool2063]

Does this process still apply to a Napped cloth as opposed to worsted

[@AverageJoesPool]

No, this process is best utilized only for Worsted cloths. Napped cloths tend to have more stretch to them than the tighter-woven worsted cloths, and they also tend to be a little easier and more forgiving to install and so the stretch index is seldom used/needed for napped cloths. Hope that helps! 👍

[@stevewalker9027]

Hey Joe. I think I didn't hit enter when I tried to comment. I just did this test with CPBA tournament blue cloth, and could only get 1 5/16" stretch. I'm 200 plus pounds, and pulled with all my might. Does a calculated stretch index of 9/16" sound correct?

[@AverageJoesPool]

No, that does sound too short. Typically you should get 1 3/4" - 2 3/4" on worsted cloths. Then minus the 3/4". You didn't mention which CPBA cloth you have, and they do vary quite a bit on wool content. Their richest blend is the Royal with 85% wool, then competition with 70% wool, and then the MG-700 at just 50% wool. It could be that the cloth is not pulling back from its stretch point (so you pull, mark the cloth, but when you release it does not go back very far). Either that or maybe the cloth was not fully secured on the opposite side and was able to pull free just a touch? It's definitely worth running that test again from scratch and seeing if you get an identical result the second time. Best of luck 👍

[@kunigundeheinzelmann6125]

@@AverageJoesPool Unfortunately I've had the exact same experience with the CPBA MG 700 (50/50 - Wool/Nylon). I installed it nonetheless stretching just a bit by feel and I have visible stretchmarks now under certaiun lighting-conditions. fitting the side-pockets was expectedly hard as well, especially since the pre-cut cloth would just barely fit the table with hardly any material left over.

[@Jezza99963]

does this method apply to napped cloths as well?

[@AverageJoesPool]

This method is designed for worsted cloths. Hope that helps 👍

[@LamarRenfro-li6fc]

How much cloth is hanging over on the clamp side?.

[@AverageJoesPool]

For the stretch index test, just lay the cloth out evenly so the overhang is the same on each opposite side. Hope that helps 👍 ----------------------------------------------- To help support us: 1) Please be sure to use our Amazon Links! 2) Please ensure you LIKE our video's, and SUBSCRIBE to our channel! 3) Donations always welcome! Hit the SUPER THANKS option below the video on KZbin! Thank you for your support!