Pocket Yard Pool Table

While at the hardware store getting some supplies I noticed this carpet and decided I was going to make a pocket yard pool set (makes it more challenging then a standard pocket pool set) in the altoids can I had left over from my last project.  I decided that it should be a classy game with gemstones for balls and brass for the pool stick ball rack.  We only used 4 pockets as not much room to play with any more.

As for supplies we used

Carpet sample (free)
7 Gemstones (we used 6mm beads)
copper rod
Flat copper wire 

Step 1: Create the table

Cut the foam base to raise the pool table up to the correct height.  Then trace around the tin and cut the carpet out to fit into the tin as well.  After making sure it is a good fit take it back out and cut the pockets for the balls.

Comments

[dkbilliards]

What an awesome little table! Using some worsted wool might work for getting a flat surface. It has a much smoother finish than the standard woolen cloth. You can learn more about billiard cloth at http://www.dkbilliards.com/faq/#tab=cloth-colors

[ThatKnottyguy]

If you dont want to use a copper rod a good alternative is wooden skewers, cut and sanded.

[bbgun_sniper]

nice man thats awesome portable pool table y couldnt i ave thought of that?

[vicvelcro]

As of 3:30am EST, the last video in the last step can not be viewed because it is set as 'private' on the host end.

[backyardengineer]

I will take a look at that tonight... sorry about the delay I have been busy at work.

[TheRealPeregrinus]

Hey, That's pretty fun. Why did you choose carpet for the surface, it seems like it would be kind of coarse?

[backyardengineer]

Honestly I did that because I thought it looked cool. But it turned out that it was a good feature as it makes you have to hit the balls harder to get them to go in the holes. I helps make up for the small size:)

It also makes the game a little more challenging as the pool tables flaws change every time you play it. I almost want to cover a full size pool table like this.

[TheRealPeregrinus]

As long as it works. Probably good that it isn't too smooth if the balls would roll too easily.

[backyardengineer]

It really worked better then I expected. I wish I had done something to level the table though... Maybe for the next version.

The video was after some practice you have to hit the beads a lot harder then normal on a small pool table.

[Pickles5000]

Green felt might work to provide a flatter surface??

[urbanwoodswalker]

AWESOME! The perfect gift for the guys on my list. Only, I hope it works....as they really love to play pool!

do you think smaller gemstone beads might work too? I guess i just have to make and see.

I hope you work on a design for mini darts...cuz I like to play those ~~~:-)

[backyardengineer]

Let me know if they do work, I only tried the 1 size. Good luck and let me know how you like it. As for the darts I will have to think about it, sounds like a good project when I get caught back up again so I can play.

[urbanwoodswalker]

I will. I have seen pocket dart set...sold at the bookstore...it was magnetic...so to create darts with rare earth magnets and use the altoid tin as target and game box...sounds doable.

Or even real darts (pins?) with a cork target....its all seems like a good project challenge.

[Akask]

Would airsoft bb's work instead of the beads?

[backyardengineer]

I do not know. Part of me says that they would be too light. But as for size they would work. I do not have any to try so let me know if you do.

[lordofducttape545]

what if you used metal bb's? my friend has some and they are quite heavy. for bb's i mean

[backyardengineer]

I would think that they would work.

[lordofducttape545]

SWEET!!!

[sunshiine]

Kewl! Thanks for sharing this! Have a nice day!
sunshiine

[backyardengineer]

Thank you, I was hoping somebody would copy me but not yet I guess:)

[dajsgames]

Very cool! Certainly going to build this tommorow. You have my vote, trully original. Hope you get that new camera you want!

[backyardengineer]

you should post some pics when your done:)

[dajsgames]

Will do, I just have to find those beads! :)

[backyardengineer]

Micaels or Hobby Lobby would be where I would suggest looking. I stole them from my girlfriend personally :D If you were close I would give them to you.

[punkhead58]

Damn, this is epic; I would patent this if I were you. Then again, perhaps I will first! Muahahaha!!!

[backyardengineer]

I will tell you what, if you want to I will change the agreement so you can try to patent it. I just get to keep mine:P And you have to vote for me :D

[punkhead58]

I will tell YOU what, check out my instructable, and perhaps vote for me in the survival contest (I entered it, but it hasn't been added yet), and you will have my vote.

[punkhead58]

I am also entered in the contest, but my main entry is in the Survival contest, so perhaps I will vote for you. After all, I do love pool.

[backyardengineer]

I saw that, I was impressed that you have a more thought out survival pack, you can not survive out of an altoids tin.

And our votes don't pick the winner so you can vote for whoever you want without hurting your chances :)

[SHIFT!]

Please post a video!

[backyardengineer]

My camera sucks but I posted a small video of us hitting one ball.

[fallenofyesteryear]

lol is that why you entered,to get the new camera(grand prize at the time)

[backyardengineer]

Yes I did :D

Might as well be honest my camera sucks I could use a new one.