View Full Version : HELP!!! - String Machine and Grommet
LazyBuddy
10-03-2002, 08:09 PM
Recently, one of my friends bought a string machine (Alpha Pioneer DC). He's a hard hitter, broken his string about once per 3, 4 months. And he has like 4, 5 rackets, so...
He asked me about the following several questions, since I have no experience about re-string a rackct :( , I guess I will post the questions here and let everyone here to help us out:
1. Is Alpha Poineer DC (he bought for about $475 + shipping in US) a good machine to use? I mean, seems Alpha Poineer FL (about $140 cheaper in US) has very similar functions. But he think the more $$$ spent, should at least make it easier to use.
2. Do u need to replace ALL gromment when u re-string? Or, just replace the "broken" ones? What is the standard for "broken" gromment???
3. For the same racket, are all gromments to be the same size? (we found out there are at least 4 different sizes) Or, depend on position, u need to use different size in different place?
4. How to determine the gromment size on ur racket??? (Since everything is in mm, hard to measure)
5. Is there any one out of these 4 types (A. size (2.1 x9.3) mm, B. size (2.6x6.0) mm, C. size (2.6x7.9) mm, D. size (2.1x13) mm) could be the "general use" type (I mean, no matter what kinda racket, u can just use that 1 type, since he does not want to buy all 4 types, I guess, such a waste)
Thanks a lot for everyone's help...
badrad
10-04-2002, 12:15 AM
Originally posted by LazyBuddy
Recently, one of my friends bought a string machine (Alpha Pioneer DC). He's a hard hitter, broken his string about once per 3, 4 months. And he has like 4, 5 rackets, so...
He asked me about the following several questions, since I have no experience about re-string a rackct :( , I guess I will post the questions here and let everyone here to help us out:
1. Is Alpha Poineer DC (he bought for about $475 + shipping in US) a good machine to use? I mean, seems Alpha Poineer FL (about $140 cheaper in US) has very similar functions. But he think the more $$$ spent, should at least make it easier to use.
2. Do u need to replace ALL gromment when u re-string? Or, just replace the "broken" ones? What is the standard for "broken" gromment???
3. For the same racket, are all gromments to be the same size? (we found out there are at least 4 different sizes) Or, depend on position, u need to use different size in different place?
4. How to determine the gromment size on ur racket??? (Since everything is in mm, hard to measure)
5. Is there any one out of these 4 types (A. size (2.1 x9.3) mm, B. size (2.6x6.0) mm, C. size (2.6x7.9) mm, D. size (2.1x13) mm) could be the "general use" type (I mean, no matter what kinda racket, u can just use that 1 type, since he does not want to buy all 4 types, I guess, such a waste)
dc and fl uses the same drop weight system and 6 points mount. the only difference is with floating clamps versus fixed clamps. personally a floating clamp works justs as well as fixed clamp. the 6 point mounting is a good idea and will hold your racquet more secure. if your friend plans to string at high tensions, 6 points will give him some peace of mind.
grommets - i only replace the ones that are split or cracked. you can see on the inside if the grommet no longer provides any insulation between the string and the frame. however, sometimes you can extend the use of a grommet by rotating the grommet 90 degrees, but depends on the extent of the damage to the grommet.
each racquet varies in terms of the specific sizes of grommets used. I normally just buy a bulk pack of grommets from my supplier, $5 for 200 pcs or so. mixed with 3 sizes. small (single string), double string, and double string +. most of the time i tend to use the single string and double string. if he is planning to do racquets for other people, he really should consider buying enough supplies in preparation for business. normally i just replace the ones that are exposing the string to the frame.
another possibility is to purchase tubing. these are string protectors than you insert the string through and the tubing makes contact to the grommet/frame. this is a general purpose method, not always recommended, but sometimes a quick and cheap alternative to protecting the string from the frame. i have some, but rarely use it, unless it is on some older racquets where the frame is starting to crack or cave-in (string is pulling through the racquet frame).
LazyBuddy
10-04-2002, 06:47 AM
Thnx for the information. Just 1 more question:
Which type (A, B, C, D) is for single string? Which one is double string? I assume that the ones with lager diameter (2.6 mm) should be the one for double, and the 2 with smaller diameter (2.1 mm) is for single string... Am I right?:confused:
Also, how to determine the length of the groment? seems each type of diameter has 2 sizes in length...
Thnx again.
badrad
10-04-2002, 06:40 PM
the three sizes i have are: 2x14, 2.5x10, 2.8x15 (mm).
for your size designations, a and d are single string. b and c are double + strings. but you also have to remember that it will also depend on the string you will be using. I have some junk line that are used for institution and schools. they are somewhere in the .8mm range, lucky if i can even stuff it into a single hole grommet. then the bg66 where you need to make sure the knot is big enough not to slip through the grommet. so this will have to come with some experience by your friend.
the length of the grommet, use the shortest one possible without it being flush to the inside frame. this will reduce the amount of cutting of the grommet to get it to a reasonable length. i typically cut the grommet to roughly 2-3mm from the frame. I use an razor blade to shorten the grommet. if you use cutters or scissors, the grommet will get crushed.
for corners, if you are determined to make a smoothed surface, i use an old hot glue gun with a small rounded nail stuffed into the nozzle. this gets hot enough to mold the plastic, but not hot enough to melt or burn the plastic grommet, this would happen if you use a soldering iron or similar.
LazyBuddy
10-05-2002, 05:26 PM
Great thnx from me and my friend... Ur information really helped us a lot.
I agree, now, it's come to the point for some practice to gain experience.
If possible, do u know where (any website) we can find some instruciton for how to string a racket??? Since both of us are absolute rookie for re-string racket.
Thnx again.
badrad
10-05-2002, 06:30 PM
a few sites:
badminton specific: http://www.prospeed.com.my/Step.htm
this one has nice illustration, one animated gif but shows a tennis racquet. NOTE: reverse the mains process if you look at this site, since tennis racquets have an open throat, while badminton has a t at the throat.
http://www.stringforum.net/strtips/guide.htm
i might suggest: invest in some real cheap packs of string - or a spool of el-cheapo. most string suppliers will have some bottom end strings for school and beater racquets. (like $.50 or $1 a pack or $20 a spool - does 20-22 racquets).
go to a local school or comm center and ask if they have old racquets they would like strung up. usually you will find they have a whole bunch of crap racquets stuck in a corner that no-one uses because the strings are all busted but it costs too much for them to repair.
make them a nice little deal, like - $5-6 bucks a racquet, helps pay for the cheap string, and you get a little money for learning your trade as well. in addition, if you happen to screw up and break a racquet or mess up the string job, they probably won't even notice....
but whatever you plan, do yourself a favor and spare your best racquets or your friend's best racquets any grief and damage by waiting until your skill level is at least past competent. :D
TOmike
10-05-2002, 07:08 PM
heh, great advice.. i'm not even trying to string and i found your post most intriging :P
badrad
10-05-2002, 07:30 PM
buy yourself a little magnifying glass. i have a couple - 10X and 50x, which i carry around with me. helps when taking a look at frames for damage or cracks. also lets you take a closer examination and exploration of strings composition.
also cool and cruel for burning ants....
LazyBuddy
10-06-2002, 10:16 PM
Originally posted by badrad
also cool and cruel for burning ants....
I like the "burning ants" part... ahahhahha...
Thnx for all suggestions... (From me and my friend)
fascinating post, learning a lot about grommets and stringing here. :) Just started stringing myself and I actually did go to my local high school and strung 10 racquets for them, made about $50 USD and gain some good experience. Think I just became the high school's preferred stringer. :D
LazyBuddy
10-07-2002, 10:51 AM
Good for u, jwu... I still remember ur post about "purchase a stringing machine" about 2,3 weeks ago. Now, ur more like a pro already.
cool...
Can u tell me where u got ur string machine (brand, model, $$$), and ur grommet? So far, we only find Hi-Qua have grommet to sale.
Also, did u have any other resource for string instruction besides the above ones? Guess me and my friend are open to any resource now... Don't want to screw up rackets, before we get some confidence... :p
haha hardly a pro at all, I'm still a little scared to string my own "good" racquets. Besides the two sites badrad gave you, there really isn't much out there, believe me, I've looked. :D Same thing for grommets, I haven't found them anywhere else besides Hi-Qua. I know the founder of Hi-Qua so kinda get a good deal from them. Just keep practicing guys and good luck. Oh a piece of advice I got from other stringers, when doing iso-shape racquet, use 2 string method, this way you won't warp the head.
LazyBuddy
10-07-2002, 02:07 PM
U got grommet from Hi-Qua? Which type u get? (A,B,C,D)?
Lazy I just have B and D because they are the same thing as A and C and if it's too long just file it down. There is also that buy 3 get 1 free deal :D if you wanna get one of each.
badrad
10-07-2002, 09:25 PM
i normally get my grommets from black knight. they sell bags of grommets (500) but can't remember the price i last paid (around $4). they are canadian site, but you can do the math if it's any cheaper or more accessible.
the catalog number is BK108
http://www.blackknight.ca/eng/access.htm
badrad
10-07-2002, 11:57 PM
Originally posted by jwu
Lazy I just have B and D because they are the same thing as A and C and if it's too long just file it down.
Just wondering... you file down your grommets?
no I haven't and judging from your comment I don't think I should :D , I was just thinking that the grommets mentioned (a,b,c,d) only differ in length.
badrad
10-08-2002, 07:32 PM
i was actually referring to to the word 'file'. :)
sharp clippers or razor is preferred since you want to shear the grommet to your desired length. using other tools, there is to much of a chance to crush and flatten the grommet. I was just trying to picture how filing would work.
Originally posted by badrad
i was actually referring to to the word 'file'. :)
sharp clippers or razor is preferred since you want to shear the grommet to your desired length. using other tools, there is to much of a chance to crush and flatten the grommet. I was just trying to picture how filing would work.
I see...:rolleyes: yeah I was referring to clipping (trimming) to the desire length and then maybe "file" :p the grommet down so it's smoother so it won't hurt the string. Hope that makes sense and wondering if it's ok to do o wise one. :D
badrad
10-09-2002, 12:23 PM
ah... velly good glass-hoppah! you may now pass...:D
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