The number is not helpful to determine how it was made except at Sears. If you cannot tell by examining it from the bottom, the price alone will give you an idea. Sears does not sell any slate pool tables at $1000 or less. If the table cost $1400 or more, it is almost certainly slate. If it is between those prices, it could be slate or a composite.
The Woodcliff series of pool tables are Sears Sportcraft models that do not have slate.
No. The best slate for a pool table is recognized as fine milled Italian slate. Any material other than slate may not meet regulations for deflection and surface quality. The finest tables generally use 1 1/2 inch Italian slate.
The major advantage of a slate bed pool table is that it provides a more true and even run of the balls. On other surfaces the balls are more likely to deviate from straight lines. Slate tables will also allow the balls to react better to spin.
Neither. Their popular tables are built with a composite surface that is claimed to be nearly as good as slate. They also do make at least 1 model that uses slate.
Some are slate and some are not. These are generally low end tables, and even the slate versions have little resale value.
Most billiard mechanics use beewax or a water putter.
The best selection of pool tables from a major retailer is Sears. You can buy it online or pick it up at the store.
The playing surface of a slate pool table will give the best and truest playing surface and will not deteriorate over time, whereas an MDF base may warp slightly. Slate pool tables can be sourced at many sports shops or from specialist stores such as Home Leisure Direct.
Pool tables can be purchased at many stores. Sears and Sports Authority both offer many styles of pool tables one can choose from on their website. Home Leisure Direct has many to choose from as well.
The slate has no resale value for pool tables, except to someone who has badly damaged slate (from dropping it, etc.). Most landscapers use slate regularly and are equipped to handle it. If it cannot be sold as replacement pool table slate (it must be in excellent condition of course and a matched set), the major landscaper is the best customer.
Yes, there is no difference between the Mizerak pool table and other slate pool tables. It is expected to get new felt due to normal wear.
Yes. While technically possible, the frame and slate would both be custom made. Conventional tables are not made with 4 piece slate.