Topic: Need Help Identifying a Table

[TRex23]

I'm a newbie, so bear with me please.

I wanted to get a foosball table for my kids and for us adults as well.  After doing a lot of research and reading tons of posts, I got the message that a used Tornado table is probably better than most new tables you can find in Sears, Walmart, Dick's, etc.

So as fortune would have it, I found a guy advertising a used Tornado table for $500.  He claimed that his wife originally paid $1,800 for it.  I'm still skeptical about that, but to make a long story short, I went over and looked at it and I bought it.  It's in great shape generally.  There's a small chip -- about the size of a postage stamp -- in the formica at one of the corners.  One of the rods is bent, but I understand that they can be straightened.  Other than that, it looks great. 

Now my question is, which Tornado model is it?   

It has a black marble finish on it, the men are yellow and black, and the legs have those boot type bottoms, though the guy said that you can't level the table.  He said that it is about eight years old.  He used it for maybe two years and it's been sitting in his basement ever since.

Looking at the current Tornado models, I figure that it's similar to the Storm II, but I'm not sure.  It has no name on it other than the Tornado logo in the middle of the playing field.  It is NOT coin operated. 

Any help I can get will be appreciated.  I don't know if it matters, but it might make a difference if I need to get replacement parts for it or if I decide to resell it.

Thanks in advance.

[jzf0fk]

i am a newbie too in foosball but i did buy an air hockey table recently by Dynamo (part of Tornado) and they were able to help me through and determine the model and age of the unit.  in fact, i got a manual as well as part numbers for certain parts.  so, it wouldn't hurt to call them.  James and Mike support dynamo and tornado products (per their webpage).  they are EST (i think) and they work business hours.  I think Mike is the senior of the 2.  good luck

 Mike Prendergast - (817) 299-3042     cell 817-907-9490
    E-mail mike.prendergast@valley-dynamo.com     
             
      James Hester - (817) 299-3038     
    E-mail James.Hester@Valley-Dynamo.com

[TRex23]

jzf0fk,

Thanks so much for your help.  I'll try to contact them tomorrow.  I'm excited about this table.  I think the price was very good.  I just would like to know which model I'm dealing with.  I'll post an update when I get further info.

T.R.
New York

[snake eyes]

Trex, nice buy sounds like a non-coin op Storm 2. Congrats you have purchased a good quality foosball table, and it was probly in the neighborhood of $1200.00 when new which is still a good deal at $500.00. I have this same table in my home only coin-op. Due yourself a favor and purchase some good quality (Tornado silicone lube) it will help they play considerably. Questions: Does the table have split bearing for the rods? Inside of the table have 2 pieces and the outside a nut? If so several foosball sites have parts menu info. just look for storm 2 model repair parts its that simple, they are expensive! but last. Hope this helps.

[TRex23]

snake eyes:

Thanks so much for your help.  I pretty much figured that it was a Storm II.  I was sort of hoping that it was a Tournament 2000 model that just hadn't been fitted for coin op, but I think you are correct.

One thing that bugs me though is the feet.  The Storm II has those round leg levelers.  This model just has a square foot with a boot.  Do you know if that means that the table cannot be leveled?  Also, if that is the case, can it be retro-fitted with those other type of leveling feet?

Anyway, I can't check on what type of bearings it has right now because I am storing it in my neighbor's garage.  It is supposed to be a surprise for the kids for Christmas.  But I am probably going to go an move it over to my garage today.

I will take your advice and get the lubricant.  And I will also call Tornado and ask for whatever help they can give me.

As far as the bent rod goes, I want to try to bend the rod back, but my wife thinks I should just buy a new one so that we know it will work fine. 

That brings up another question, but I'm not sure it's appropriate for this topic area:

I know I can find out how to change the rod, but can anyone suggest what tools I would need to have in order to do it?

Thanks in advance.

[snake eyes]

Trex, I am wondering if underneath that rubber boot and the square leg on the bottom if there is a threaded hole for you to put leveling feet on? Check that out and if it does you can buy those from a number of foosball parts websites. I absolutely would not attempt to straighten any rods that are bent (The steel weakens with more use and then all you have is a whole table of worthless rods.) You can buy them also at several parts websites= BEWARE they are expensive! Back 2 rods i have seen between $35.00 to $45.00 and the rest including 5 man rods around $42.00. Check your bushings too, bad ones if they are dirty or broken slow down your shot and who wants that?!! Ok as far as replacing men and handles, buy a 5/32 roll pin punch at you local hardware store, make sure it's one with a long shank to go through the hole on the man and poke out the other side. Important= Make sure you block the underneath of you man whilst hammering the pin out, this will further bend your rod that you just spent your paycheck on!!!  Foos On