Air hocking tables are quite common these days but they are not as easy to maintain as you would think. You can easily get frustrated if you do not know how to take care of your air hockey table properly or if you are not properly equipped for the job. It is not like fixing a regular poker/table game where you can just use any old tool to pop up the surface and remove the scratches with some elbow grease. There are specific tools and techniques that you need to use when fixing an air hockey table. In this article, we will teach you some of the tricks that you need to know.
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The Main Thing Needed Is A Drill
There is no question that drills are incredibly useful and, for some tasks, they are the only option. Air hockey tables are made of thin metal so you will need a small drill bit to pierce the surface and add some air to the bladder. You will not need a huge bit as you would for sanding or woodworking tasks so practice on a dime before you go into detail removing enamel from chipped cups. Most drills come with an assortment of bits so you will never be short of choices. Be careful not to overuse drills as they will wear out quickly if used too often. Drilling a few times a week should be enough to maintain good air pressure in all the cavities.
A Few Brackets Will Help
There are three standard mounting brackets that you will need to drill holes in to securely anchor your air hockey table to the wall or other flat surfaces. Two of the brackets are designed for use with two-post tables and one is for single-post tables. Two of the brackets are designed for use with leg-stretching tables and one is for slant-front tables. For two-post tables, you will need to drill four holes to secure the posts to the wall. For slant-front tables, you will need to drill five holes. For leg-stretching tables, you will need to drill six holes to anchor the legs to the wall or other surfaces. After you have drilled the holes, you will need to countersink the edges for a nice clean look.
Larger Diameter Holes For More Air
Thicker walls on the air hockey table mean you can put more holes in them. Thicker walls also mean you can use larger diameter holes because the area inside the wall will have less space to fill up with air. The downside is that thicker walls make the table heavier and more cumbersome to move around. The best thing is that, as the diameter of the hole gets bigger, the pressure inside gets higher which makes it more stable. The bigger the hole, the more stable the air inside it is going to be. You should go for a larger diameter for your biggest table since you will be mostly using it for air hockey anyways. Smaller diameter holes should be used for slighter air hockey tables since they are more maneuverable and can make for some interesting tricks and turns.
Saw Blasting Is A Time Consumption Pro
Saw blasting is one of the most time-consuming tasks when it comes to fixing air hockey tables. This is because you have to remove most of the material off the surface to get to fresh metal under it. You will not be able to use this method if your air hockey table is entirely covered in plastic or enamel because sawing through these materials is nearly impossible. The good thing about saw blasting is that it is one of the most effective ways of removing material off a surface and exposing more metal underneath it. It is important not to rush the process of saw blasting since you can chip or crack your tiles or other surfaces if you do not take your time with it. A professional will be able to remove all the material off your air hockey table and give it a nice shine again. You should have this process done by a professional since it can be dangerous around sharp tools and other material that can cause serious injury or damage.
Using Sandpaper Is An Aging Process
Even after you have fixed your air hockey table, you will need to continue using sandpaper to maintain its smoothness. This is because the minute you stop removing material with sandpaper, the surface will start looking like it again. The only way to keep it looking brand new is to keep applying even layers of sandpaper until all the material is removed. This is a tedious process and there is no shortcut to becoming an expert sanding technician. You will not be able to do this by just buying any old piece of sandpaper because, eventually, it will all run out and you will have to start all over again. This is why it is best to get specialty sandpaper for this purpose.
There are various tricks that you can use to fix your air hockey table. With a little bit of elbow grease, you will be able to pop off the surface and give it a nice clean. Remember to always use the proper tools for the job and take your time so you do not end up ruining the surface of your prized possession. Always wear safety goggles and protective clothing when working with power tools or any other industrial equipment so you do not get hurt unintentionally. If you follow these helpful tips, you will be able to enjoy your air hockey table for many years to come and remember the joy that it brings to your friends and family when they come to visit you at Christmas time. Merry Christmas!