Dynamo Arctic Flash Air Hockey Table Maintenance

I found the following information on the Valley-Dynamo website about maintaining our air hockey table.

CLEANING:
Excessive dust on the surface of your table will slow the puck significantly. To prevent this, the table should be cleaned once a week -- more often if necessary. When cleaning the table, we highly recommend rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) to clean the plastic laminate surface. Liquid window cleaners are also acceptable. Always clean the plastic laminate surface with the air on to ensure that the cleaning process does not force the dirt down into the air holes. Use a small amount of the cleaning solution on a clean paper towel to clean off the dust and dirt.

Regular cleaning and maintenance of the playing surface can prevent the holes from becoming plugged. Once a year or so, check the condition of the air holes. If any debris has been forced down into the air holes, it can be removed with the following method: With the air
ON, use a Dremel Moto-tool or equivalent, with a 1/32" drill bit. Slowly insert the rotating drill bit into the hole. This will cause the debris to "ride" up the grooves on the drill bit and out onto the playing surface. Do not use a pushpin to simply push the debris down into your table.

When cleaning the table surface, do not clean off the side rails where the puck hits. The thin layer of dirt actually makes the puck bank properly and helps keep it on the table.

NOTE:
NEVER USE SILICONES,WAXES, OR ANY OTHER PRODUCT THAT COULD LEAVE A RESIDUE ON THE PLAYING SURFACE. THE USE OF THESE PRODUCTS WILL CAUSE A BUILDUP OF DEBRIS IN THE AIR HOLES.

LIQUIDS:
There should be no drinks placed on the table. Any liquid spilled on the surface must be wiped up immediately. Large amounts of any liquid can seep down the holes and into the wood, which will warp the playing surface. We recommend that you prohibit drinks from being placed on the table at any time. Side shields are effective in discouraging customers from putting drinks on the table.

TABLE SURFACE REPAIRS

BROKEN PLAYFIELD SURFACE:
The plastic laminate top is the best and most durable playing surface on the market, but it is not indestructible. Like any other piece of equipment, it is susceptible to vandalism or accidents. Any sharp- edged object can potentially cause damage to the playing surface. If this occurs, the playing surface is easily repaired without affecting the quality of play.

Clear epoxy should be used to fill any dents in the playing surface. If an actual hole has been created, insert a common plastic drinking straw lengthwise into the air channel before beginning the repair process. This will keep the epoxy from filling the air channel and blocking the airflow. Fill the dent with epoxy to the surface level and allow hardening, then sand off the filled area, if necessary, so it is level with the surrounding surface. Use a finegrade of sandpaper to avoid marring the surrounding surface. Any air holes that are plugged during the repair process can be drilled out with a 1/32" drill bit to reestablish airflow.

Note: After hardening, clear epoxy will show any irregularities in the playing surface. If you desire a professional appearance to your repair job, we recommend the use of a colored marker to touch up the area before applying the epoxy.