The Concept Behind a Ruxton Table
“We build pool tables to impress you, not your friends.”
When I first started my business, my goal wasn’t to try and make the “best built” or “most attractive” table in the industry. What I wanted to do, was make the most “practical” or “consumer friendly” table for homeowners.
What I mean by most practical is this. Over the centuries, there have been hundreds of different tables made, and some of these tables have features that are a direct benefit to consumers. Essentially, what I did is take the best features and combine them into one table.
I borrowed most heavily from two tables: The Brunswick Gold Crown and the Valley Coin-operated pool table.
As much as I might have an issue or two with Brunswick, the Gold Crown (and this coming from someone who builds pool tables) is simply the finest pool table ever made. What I borrowed from the Gold Crown, was the hardwood poplar rail (with high pressure laminate) that bolts down to the table, bridge rests and leg levelers.
Valley, is the largest manufacturer of coin-operated tables in the world. In fact, annually, more games are played on a Valley than any other model table. From Valley, I borrowed their use of one piece slate and built-in triangle holder.
I would like to consider this “rocket science” engineering (we all know it isn’t) but, what I would call this is “practical” engineering, with the practical emphasis being advantages for the consumer. Let me give you the best (and most discussed) example.
We build one piece slate tables. Most of the rest of the industry uses three piece slate. With a three piece slate table, all of the advantages go to the dealer and the consumer is left with many disadvantages.
Want to move your three piece slate table across the room, into another room or across town? You can’t do it because the table has to be broken down and then professionally re-installed. As you have probably read in other sections, the cost for this service is expensive. With a three piece slate, the slates can separate which is another expensive service call. And lastly, if you ever wanted to sell your table, because the buyer has to pay to get it moved, you are going to get killed on the resale price.
When I first designed my tables, I made the choice to build them using one piece slate because, for consumers, there is what I would call a “practical trade-off” of advantages. Of course, a one piece slate is heavier, but it’s not unmanageable. I often describe the effort needed is about the same as moving a refrigerator. Yes, refrigerators are heavy and you wouldn’t want to do it everyday, but most everyone has moved one in their lives.
But this is where the “practical trade-off” begins to really benefit consumers and not the dealer. Now, the consumer has a choice to either spend the money to have someone else move the table or, with a little effort, move it themselves and save a bunch of money. And, if you ever wanted to sell it, you are assured of getting more money.
Unlike a normal dealer, when I sell a table to someone, only rarely do I ever see or talk to them, ever. The reason for this is because our tables do exactly what they were designed to do - be consumer friendly.
When I first started my business, my goal wasn’t to try and make the “best built” or “most attractive” table in the industry. What I wanted to do, was make the most “practical” or “consumer friendly” table for homeowners.
What I mean by most practical is this. Over the centuries, there have been hundreds of different tables made, and some of these tables have features that are a direct benefit to consumers. Essentially, what I did is take the best features and combine them into one table.
I borrowed most heavily from two tables: The Brunswick Gold Crown and the Valley Coin-operated pool table.
As much as I might have an issue or two with Brunswick, the Gold Crown (and this coming from someone who builds pool tables) is simply the finest pool table ever made. What I borrowed from the Gold Crown, was the hardwood poplar rail (with high pressure laminate) that bolts down to the table, bridge rests and leg levelers.
Valley, is the largest manufacturer of coin-operated tables in the world. In fact, annually, more games are played on a Valley than any other model table. From Valley, I borrowed their use of one piece slate and built-in triangle holder.
I would like to consider this “rocket science” engineering (we all know it isn’t) but, what I would call this is “practical” engineering, with the practical emphasis being advantages for the consumer. Let me give you the best (and most discussed) example.
We build one piece slate tables. Most of the rest of the industry uses three piece slate. With a three piece slate table, all of the advantages go to the dealer and the consumer is left with many disadvantages.
Want to move your three piece slate table across the room, into another room or across town? You can’t do it because the table has to be broken down and then professionally re-installed. As you have probably read in other sections, the cost for this service is expensive. With a three piece slate, the slates can separate which is another expensive service call. And lastly, if you ever wanted to sell your table, because the buyer has to pay to get it moved, you are going to get killed on the resale price.
When I first designed my tables, I made the choice to build them using one piece slate because, for consumers, there is what I would call a “practical trade-off” of advantages. Of course, a one piece slate is heavier, but it’s not unmanageable. I often describe the effort needed is about the same as moving a refrigerator. Yes, refrigerators are heavy and you wouldn’t want to do it everyday, but most everyone has moved one in their lives.
But this is where the “practical trade-off” begins to really benefit consumers and not the dealer. Now, the consumer has a choice to either spend the money to have someone else move the table or, with a little effort, move it themselves and save a bunch of money. And, if you ever wanted to sell it, you are assured of getting more money.
Unlike a normal dealer, when I sell a table to someone, only rarely do I ever see or talk to them, ever. The reason for this is because our tables do exactly what they were designed to do - be consumer friendly.