I have heard of a lot of gimmick driven marketing techniques but this takes the cake. A shuffleboard distributor who carries boards made in China has invented a new term and in his statement sounds like he’s claiming plywood is better than Butcher block construction. He claims that three layers of wood stacked together are better than a True Butcher block construction. We can all agree that shuffleboard manufacturers have been making boards since the 40’s with butcher block construction. We can also agree that if a board is not properly made and not properly maintained it can split and crack. However, if it happens at the glue joint then it was not properly made. The old Antique Rock-Ola board’s glue joints were not that good, especially when compared to old American boards. If the board was left in an environment that was not humidity and climate controlled the boards often would have failure at the glue joints. American boards on the other hand are another case all together. This is a picture both of the side and end of an American board that was built in the late 40’s. From the tape measurement beside it you can see it’s no longer 3” thick and has been refinished a few times throughout those years. Back then they did not use the Polymer and so they would often refinish the board
American Shuffleboard made in early 40's
American Shuffleboard 70 years old no cracks
Now if I was trying to make up some claim about a new way to make a shuffleboard top I could also show you some pictures of some old Rock-Ola boards that are split and cracked. However for over 75 years in America the standard was “edge glued butcher block” construction, not what you see below.
Cross Laminated 3 ply Strain Isolating board construction? This board looks warped notice the gap under the level
Notice the gap under the level. This board is warped down the length by about ¼ inch. Is this not what the distributor who uses a contract manufacturer claims specifically won’t happen? In our experience, this is a recurring problem with this type of board. If, as the distributor also claims, it is stronger and the pressure of the climate adjusters is isolated from the surface layer, then would it not just make simple common sense that it would also be more difficult to get the wood to conform and shape evenly when you have three layers of wood stacked on top of each other? I have heard from professional players that have played on these boards that they are all convex and you cannot get them flat.
This is an example of three ply laminated boards. How are they made? Well you see the two stacks of wood below these are actual pictures taken at the factory in Beijing that makes boards like this. They are the only factory in the world that makes boards like this. You see those stacks of wood sheets? They are made in Harbin China and sent in large sheets, 4 foot wide by 10 foot long, and they are glued together at this factory in stacks three sheets high to make a board. The board is then cut to size. They have been making shuffleboards like this for about 7 years at this factory in China. The USA has made shuffleboards the traditional Butcher block method for about 80 years. Which method do you think has withstood the test of time? Granted that with the advent of epoxy polymer coatings the surface of the wood underneath isn’t going to suffer from impact and friction but the quality of construction remains critical. To see how real shuffleboard time tested Butcher block tables are made see this video taken in McClure Tables Shuffleboard Factory
How Shuffleboards are made in China Strain-Isolating
Stack of sheets of 1" China Birch used to make Shuffleboards
These pictures were taken at the actual factory. This wood is harvested from both old and new growth Birch trees in Northern China. Soon it will become the top layer on a 3-ply laminated strain isolating Board? Wow, why not call a plywood manufacturer and ask if their plywood is stain isolating? This top layer used on the boards is birch. The centers layers are often of a softer and different type of material and often do not work together as the grain is running in all directions making it very difficult to shape to the proper desired play with the climate adjusters. See below two pictures of two types of boards side by side
3 Ply Laminate Strain Isolating? Time Tested a few years Made in China
True Edge Glue Butcher Block time tested for over 75 Years Made In USA
Notice how the wood is running vertical across the width of the board you have 3 stacks of wood glued together on top of each other to make a 3 inch thick playing surface. The width of each of the boards is not uniform so you have boards that will work against each other to accomplish what exactly? As this distributor is claim to keep from a board glue joint failure to occur. However it also will make the board virtually impossible to tune and adjust with the climate adjusters to the correct shape
Notice each board is running horizontal up and down. This board is made with 3 inch thick boards, each laminated side by side. Every board is the same width and they are all working together. When you shape or bend the board to fine tune with the climate adjusters, the wood is moving together. You do not have opposing sizes, shapes, and even grain directions of the wood. A board made with true butcher block construction tested for over 75 years in USA can be adjusted and properly maintained to the correct shape.
This same marketing person also claims the board is made out of select kiln dried Maple playfield. We showed you a picture from the factory in China that makes these boards. In the Chinese language most factories refer to China Birch as in Pinyin Zhong Guo Feng Mu (中国枫木) literal translation in English China Maple, so the translator will tell the buyer or distributor the wood is maple. However, if you speak the language and are familiar with the terms and slang that are common in the factories you know this wood is China Birch or Zhong Guo hua mu (中国樺木). In fact, I would estimate in the Game Table industry over 90 percent of the factories say that China Birch is China Maple. If you speak the language and correct them they will confirm yes it is Birch. However, in other industries like the Furniture industry, if you asked them if the wood is China Maple they will look at you like you are crazy and say, “China does not have any maple, we use China Birch.” If you are a distributor and want to advertise something as maple then it is your responsibility to confirm and know the source of the wood.
Today in Business many people have become like our elected officials. Are the politicians corrupt and willing to say or do anything to get elected or is this reflection of our society. Will a shuffleboard distributor make false claims just to push or sell his product? I hope America is better than this. If you believe in honor, integrity and honestly then we would be proud to serve you as one of our customers. If you want to be sold a bill of false goods then believe what may sound like a good story and buy a 3 ply laminating strain isolated shuffleboard made in China.
To understand the various claims on the Internet by people who sell shuffleboard tables you really have to do your research and not believe what you see. Ask if they actually have a factory and do they make their own boards or just distribute tables that are either all or at least in part made by contract manufactures. Often these are made in China and they will use symbols and words that can be misleading. We do custom make shuffleboard tables here in a small shop in Michigan. Each one is handcrafted one at a time. We make our boards and can do even special tables to your request. We recently made a custom table out or genuine recycled Barn wood. This wood was taken in Michigan from old barns and then reclaimed to use for custom furniture. I have not had time to post this shuffle board table on our web site yet but this is a link to a model made out of re-manufactured barn wood. Having the right group of skilled craftsmen allows McClure Shuffleboard Tables to custom make tables like this one pictured below to your needs and taste. If you want original reclaimed barn-wood, or re manufactured barn-wood, perhaps a table out of Cherry or Mesquite wood. If you can dream it we can make it here at McClure Shuffleboard. We just added some new pictures of more recent pictures of the Dakota shuffleboard tables see update to our photo album below
We first started this table with the first photo shot here 100 year old plus reclaimed barn wood. This was taken from barns torn down through out the USA. We hand pick and select the wood then craft into a custom shuffleboard. This was made for a customer who had a lodge in Colorado that was also made using a lot of reclaimed barn wood. The beams in the home match perfect with this shuffleboard. It is like it was made to fit into this home. We thank our customer for providing us of these pictures of the finished product in his home. It was a pleasure to make and craft this table for his needs. We are working on two more of these tables right now and should have some more pictures of them in a few weeks
Michigan is where all the maple wood is and where some of the best furniture manufacturing craftsmen in the world are. That is why we make shuffleboard tables proudly made in the USA in Grand Rapids Michigan
Bikinis is adding yet another location in DFW area and their first Arlington. Then the next one will be one in Dallas.
McClure Tables is proud to feather their product in such a fine establishment as Bikini’s sports bar. If you are in or near DFW stop in and check out the beautiful girls at Bikinis and the McClure shuffleboard Table.
Bikini’s Sports with a view custom logo
Here is the new logo on the shuffleboard top for Bikini’s Sports bar & grill with a view. This board was poured just last week and we have it packed and shipped today to the Arlington Bikini’s location. This will be the fourth McClure table that Bikini’s has purchased but the first one we have done with their own personalized logo. McClure tables now manufactures all boards and tables in the USA in their own factory and they can offer custom logo’s and graphics on any McClure Shuffleboard table they make. The Owner, Todd McClure, will travel to Dallas this week to personally over see the set up and installation of this McClure Board. Unfortunately they will not be open yet so little does he know it won’t be the scenery he is expecting. However he does have family in the area and will visit his sister and brother in law while in Dallas. Perhaps if he has the time he will take a tour down to Austin and San Antonio to see the Bikins girls at the sports bar that are open. Would hate to see him waste such a trip and not see the true ambiance of Bikinis sports bar.
You can try out a McClure shuffleboard while you are at Bikinis enjoying the best view in any sports bar. McClure Shuffleboard Tables are used in several clubs in the USA and even featured on the Strip in Las Vegas. You can view just a few of the places where you can see a McClure Shuffleboard here
Doug Guller, founder of Bikinis Sports Bar & Grill recently purchased McClure Tables with rave reviews of the service given by this outstanding provider of shuffle boards. He stated, “As the Founder of the fastest growing sports bar & grill, we initially purchased Champion tables, but after contacting Todd McClure we have now switched to McClure Tables. The personal service, high quality, and price fit well within our business model.” He added, “Like McClure Tables, Bikinis Sports Bar & Grill is a very fast growing company with a commitment to higher quality & better service than the competition. If you are in Charlotte, NC, Austin, TX or San Antonio, TX, stop by & play shuffleboard on our McClure Table. To visit our new restaurant openings, go to www.BikinisSportsBarandGrill.com“.
Reality TV changed not a big fan but many people watch and in the 1990s reality TV was here to stay and Survivor was one of the main catalysts, isolating a bunch of random dudes and good-looking girls on a tropical island to complete challenges for themselves and their tribes all in the name of cash and other prizes.
The world’s most exotic reality TV show has had many challenges over the years. The contestants have tested their endurance, strength, agility, speed, problem solving, teamwork, dexterity, willpower and, now shuffleboard…
In a recent episode of the latest series Survivor – Redemption Island, the show proved yet again the excitement of the game of shuffleboard. Now Shuffleboard can be a TV star…
Matt, Mike and Julie compete in this shuffleboard challenge to see who gets to stay on Redemption Island.
A shuffleboard table provides a game that can easily fit along the wall of any home Theater room. Many home owners are faced with the choice of what to do with their bonus room? Should you add a pool table or make a game room or home theater room? Well often they cannot do both the room is not large enough for a game room and proper home theater viewing. Pool tables have to go right in the middle of the room and need 5 feet around all sides for the pool cues. Another problem with a pool table is that age and skill can restrict the fun and level of game play. With a shuffleboard table your problems are solved. You can put a shuffleboard table along the back wall, or perhaps behind the home theater seating area. Shuffleboard only requires enough room for the table about 3 feet and then a couple feet on each end to stand behind. Regardless of age or skill level players from 6 years old to 90 can all have fun on a shuffleboard table?
Rather you are planning on building a new custom shuffleboard table from scratch, or updating an old table to give it a new lease of live, this can set your games room apart from everyone else’s! If you want a custom Shuffleboard Table from scratch or your own design McClure tables can build any style to suite any taste. If you have an old table you need the top refinished then starting as low as $850 we can refinish a table and pour the polymer. If the top needs some repair or you want to add a custom logo this can run additional cost.
If you have a company logo, family crest or any artwork you want inlaid into the shuffleboard table top then McClure Tables can do this for you. Just provide us with a camera ready art work and we will get a logo produced and installed to customize your shuffleboard table. .
You do not have to limit your creativity to a custom logo; we can produce any style or design of table. From making tables with logs that are hand peeled with a draw knife to using old recycled barn wood we can build anything you can dream. Perhaps you want something more contemporary if you have a picture of a favorite pool table, game table, dining table or even end table, just send us a picture and we can design a shuffleboard table cabinet to match your designs.
Whichever direction you decide to go with your creative ideas for custom shuffleboards will most certainly add to the fun you get from having a shuffleboard table as part of your recreational activities. Doing creative things everyday will help you make the most of the experiences that you enjoy! A nice game of shuffleboard during the game half times or between movies is a great recreational idea for a home theater room. Do you know more shuffleboard tables go into home theater rooms than game rooms with a pool table?
Did you know that McClure Shuffleboard Factory can customize your shuffleboard with a personalized logo or graphics? If you provide the art work they can have a company logo, brand or even family name or crest made and installed on every shuffleboard table they make. They will have the artwork produced into a decal, and then apply to the wood shuffleboard top before they pour the lifetime polymer finish. The finished product is a personalized board with your club name, company logo, family name or brand right on the top playing surface.
McClure shuffleboard can also refinish old tops and customize your board with a logo like this. For quotes on the cost to refinish a top and pour the polymer with or without a log depends on the condition of your shuffleboard plank. Call McClure Shuffleboard at 800-565-0977 to discuss options and cost. If you want a custom logo on any new a McClure Shuffleboard simply add custom logo to the drop down menu during checkout. They charge $150 for the custom logo; they will have the art work produced into a decal and apply on the board. You must provide color ready art work. For your own custom logo like this example below contact McClure Shuffleboard for more information.
When you are looking for something special in a Shuffleboard Table then McClure Tables can build one to your special needs or taste. They are small enough to offer custom designs and styles but large enough to produce the entire shuffleboard Table in house. They start with press up and glue our own boards and pour the polymer. When it comes to the cabinet design and style they can make almost anything you can imagine. This table below was recently made out of Cedar logs and hand crafted by one of our bench carpenters. We use a draw knife just like they did hundreds of years ago to strip some of the bark off the logs leaving behind just enough for character.
McClure Shuffleboards are all made in Grand Rapids Michigan a town with a rich history of fine furniture making. In fact at the turn of the century Grand Rapids was known as the furniture capital of the world. Some of our craftsmen have worked for companies like Baker Furniture or John Widdicomb Furniture. We are more of a small shop of craftsmen than a mass production factory. This allows McClure Shuffleboard the ability to make custom tables like the Montana. We have another order for a Shuffleboard we make out of reclaimed Barn wood that comes from old barns that are torn down. Some of this wood is hundreds of years old and has a rich history and character from the circle saw cut in the wood. McClure Shuffleboard makes each table one at a time with old fashioned pride and craftsmanship.
We are thinking of adding a new page or feature to our blog or even to our Facebook. See your shuffleboard table in production. We will take various pictures of the table during the manufacturing. You can see your table as we build it for you. We are thinking of add this feature as Private or Public where the customer can choose if they want to share with everyone or just their friends. I think Facebook maybe a better place to post what do you think? Post comments here
We recently took this picture to have a customer choose what style of trim he would like on his custom 18 foot Tournament Shuffleboard Table made in Michigan by McClure Tables
Shuffleboard Table in Productioin Shuffleboard In Production choose Trim Style
McClure Tables has now opened up a factory in Michigan bringing the work back to the USA. We have a small staff but they all are very experienced wood workers. My manager Mark Standcliff worked for Widdicome furniture and Stickley before joining McClure tables. We have a very rich heritage of wood workers and fine furniture makers in Michigan. Many consumers have voted with their pocket book and think only the lowest price means the best value. Throughout the years many of these furniture factories in Michigan have struggled and closed their doors. We are so proud to offer these craftsmen an opportunity to continue to pursue their passion and trade woodworking to make our McClure Shuffleboard Tables in the USA.
We are now making all McClure brand tables in the USA here in Jenison Michigan. We can custom make any shuffleboard table size or style one at a time hand crafted good old American Quality. Many people do not know Grand Rapids was once the Furniture captial of the world. It is this rich talent of local craftsmen we draw on to make the finest shuffleboard tables in the world. We are not the fastest growing or largest manufacture of shuffleboard tables and games but we are simply the best at what we do. Generally from the time your order is placed until it is shipped either myself Todd McClure or my manager were involved in all production stages. From Select the wood to make the cabinet or build the Shuffleboard Play surface. We are all very hands on and love what we do. Shuffleboard Tables is our passion we recently made one out of reclaimed barnwood and can build almost any style shuffleboard if you can dream it we can make it.
