Opinions on this machine...

Discussion in 'Badminton Stringing Techniques & Tools' started by Tomsk, Apr 20, 2007.

  1. Tomsk

    Tomsk Regular Member

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    With my local independent sports shop closing (can't compete with the big chains), I've decided to start stringing my own racquets.

    Anyone got any opinions on the A07 Pro's Pro Shuttle Express at the bottom of this page - http://www.watdon.com/Manual.htm
     
  2. Tomsk

    Tomsk Regular Member

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    Just found a load of stuff on this site about the Alpha version. It looks like this one has been improved with a six point mount.

    I must remember to check for typos when searching.
    I must remember to check for typos when searching.
    I must remember to check for typos when searching.
    I must remember to check for typos when searching.
    I must remember to check for typos when searching.
    I must remember to check for typos when searching.
    I must remember to check for typos when searching.
    I must remember to check for typos when searching.
    :p
     
  3. Neil Nicholls

    Neil Nicholls Regular Member

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    It doesn't look like there is much scope for moving the side supports nearer or further from the 6 and 12 o'clock supports.
    It looks like they might be closer to 3 and 9 o'clock than is best.
     
  4. Pete LSD

    Pete LSD Regular Member

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    Very good supports! Like the Exthree AM-600. :)

    I think the support columns can be moved in and out by unscrewing the bolts. The Eagnas ST-250 has this feature.
     
  5. Pete LSD

    Pete LSD Regular Member

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    Master Jerry, I am sure you can mod the Wadon ShuttleExpress by wielding on twin rails for the swivel clamps :).
     
  6. jerby

    jerby Regular Member

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    how'd you knwo I'd read this? ;)

    putting on fixed clamps isn't that hard...if you know a welder, or handy-man :p
    though they're not thát needed, for starters the machine is great, I think...
     
  7. Pete LSD

    Pete LSD Regular Member

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    Dink it! Is your highly modded machine holding up? :D

     
  8. utopia_imminent

    utopia_imminent Regular Member

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    quite a good machine. the minimum recommendation to string badminton rackets above 26lbs.
     
  9. Tomsk

    Tomsk Regular Member

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    Well, I just received my machine today. So far I've just put it together.

    good points
    it comes in a case as illustrated
    a set of allen keys are supplied for assembly
    it's cheap
    W&D gave excellent service - I ordered a set of BG80, NBG95 and a 100m reel (only £5) of no-name to practice with. They threw in 10 sets of Gosen strng for free. Also they phoned me before dispatch to check my order.

    bad points
    no assembly instructions - but it's not hard to put together. Also I needed a small spanner (not supplied) as well to complete assembly
    it won't fit in the case without disassembly and disassembly requires an allen key
    when the ratchet is sliding it sounds rough, but otherwise smooth running.
    the tension scale is a bit vague - marks are approx. 1mm thick and 1kg is a movement of >2mm.


    I'm off to string a racquet now!
     
  10. Pete LSD

    Pete LSD Regular Member

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    Congrat! Please provide photos for us :D. It looks like a fairly simple and effective machine. What's a spanner BTW? Did you get a starting clamp? Did you order two extra flying clamps for a total of four? Oh, did you purchase an electronic calibrator?
     
  11. Tomsk

    Tomsk Regular Member

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    Finished!

    Only took 2 1/2 hours!

    Pre-stringing took longer than tensioning.

    Used only the tools supplied.
    Strung at 9kg ~20lbs

    Machine has not been calibrated (yet).

    A spanner is an adjustable wrench
     
    #11 Tomsk, Apr 30, 2007
    Last edited: Apr 30, 2007
  12. jamesd20

    jamesd20 Moderator

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    Only if it is an adjustable spanner:)

    I think it is just

    spanner=wrench
     
  13. Tomsk

    Tomsk Regular Member

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    [​IMG]

    About half way through tensioning the mains. I need more clamps. Didn't use the awl at all. The stringer is sitting on a cheap workmate (£10 from B&Q)

    If you ever wondered what the hook is used for on Swiss Army Knives. ;) - It's not ideal though, because it has a square profile and as such the corners can damage the string.

    The racquet is a Nanospeed 7000 that's about to retired as a spare - it recently had a nasty clash.
     
  14. Pete LSD

    Pete LSD Regular Member

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    Nice! Now take close up photos of the head and throat supports :p. You can use curtain hooks to pull strings.
     
  15. Tomsk

    Tomsk Regular Member

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    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Clamps are made of Aluminium
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    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
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    [​IMG]
    that's a box of 50 tubes of Yonex AS50 in the background :D (I'm responsible for my clubs shuttles)
     
  16. Pete LSD

    Pete LSD Regular Member

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    Thanks Tom! Wonderful photos for us baddie stringers :D.
     
  17. azn_123

    azn_123 Regular Member

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    HOLEy some priceyyyy shuttlecocks
     
  18. Pete LSD

    Pete LSD Regular Member

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    Longer lasting shuttles should offset the cost in the longer run :D.

    Anyway, back on topic.
    1. Tom, do you notice any movement of the frame when you tension the strings?
    2. How tight do you turn the knobs for the head and throat supports?
    3. How tight do you turn the knobs for the side supports?
    4. Do you notice any part of the machine getting in the way of inserting flying clamps (please refer to photo #9)?
    5. Were you able to adjust the distance between the columns?
    The only task left is for Master Jerby to figure out a way to insert the twin rail swivel clamp system :p :D.
     
    #18 Pete LSD, May 4, 2007
    Last edited: May 4, 2007
  19. taneepak

    taneepak Regular Member

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    I saw this machine about a year ago. I believe it is now being distributed w/w by an Austrian distributor. However, the design of the machine as a badminton-only machine uses side supports that are not optimal for badminton. Its side supports do not support the 4 corners of the racquet. They should have studied the ideal locations of the Easy-3's side supports before coming out with such a machine-a major design blunder.
    I pointed out this design flaw to the importer when it first appeared in Hong Kong a year ago.
     
  20. Kenyu

    Kenyu Regular Member

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    I've just bought an A03 XP-Plus and it's the best stringing machine i've used to date. Frances at Watdon.com is so nice and their customer service is second to none. Strongly recommend anyone in the UK buy from them.
     

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