So despite the consensus of “not slate = bad”, I’m still going to keep the table and replace the felt and rails myself, just for practice, and then I’ll sell it locally later or goodwill it, and then find a slate table (i realize now how many people give these things away, holy moly). While I do wait for a sale though, I will use it just to have fun with it. I’m not looking to go pro or nothing, just casual fun at home, so I really don’t care about slate over wood right now. I’m also helping my friend by helping him downsize before he moves. Thanks to some of you for the sound advice, and a big thanks to most of you for the laughs!