I will do a review soon after getting all the issues resolved. Stay tune! Master Kelvin and a friend of Fishmilk will have their say too.
I have successfully installed the Alpha's mounting columns onto the LF's turntable. Strung a racquet already .
If you string only badminton racquets, the badminton fixed clamps may disappoint some of you. It has quite a bit of drawback compared to the Alpha flying clamp. However, the badminton fixed clamps are great for starting the stringing process.
Loadspreader is a must to avoid high-noon disease. I have managed to insert the Gosen loadspreaders into the head and throat posts.
They are the same one I had previously: http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41019
Alpha's tensioner pulls tighter than LF's. I wonder if Alpha's tension indicator is calibrated properly? Master Jerby told me that I might have to calibrate it, because of the way the tensioner was assembled.
Pete, if you are experiencing drawback with the clamps, clamp the string, then push the clamp towards the tensioner a bit and clamp off the base. I got this tip from Gaines on the tennis forums. Also it would be a very good idea to get something to check the tension. Mine came about 10 lbs too tight so I snapped a few packs of strings before realizing that it may be wise to go get a tensioner. I don't think load spreaders are really necessary on the throat. I stopped using it there after seeing pictures on shuttlehouse. Also the main reason is because, in order to get the 4 supports on the sides in the right position, you'd have to unscrew the 6 and 12 o'clock supports a lot to the point where they're hanging quite loosely. Adding the load spreaders makes it even worse, so I'm only putting one on the head now until something bad happens and I'm forced to learn my lesson.
BTW Pete, it looks like Alpha will be the new Stringway distributor, so whatever Tim couldn't do for you previously... you can now go to Mark! Sweet isn't it?
Interesting. So Alpha may be the new distributor. I read from the tennisforum that Tim will have his own line of stringing machines.
I understand the load spreader isn't necessary at the throat but for stability I add it in anyway. I just find the racquet is harder to rotate around with two Gosen loadspreaders. I don't think load spreaders are really necessary on the throat. I stopped using it there after seeing pictures on shuttlehouse.
I don't have any problems with the racquet rotating around except when I wasn't used to having a suspension support and I pulled a string behind a support. The support moved outwards, the racquet rotated and scared the living daylights out of me. Luckily the racquet was my own that is mainly in my bag to be lent out. However this happened WITH the load spreader on. I have done a few racquets without it and had no problems. Please get us some pictures Pete. I'd really like to see your hybrid machine.
If you don't have pictures by the end of July, I'll be in Vancouver for the first week of August and can take the photos for yah . Looking forward to seeing your rig. Making me curious with the state of my LF machine...Hope the rumours are true regarding Alpha being the distributor of stringway machines
Alpha is the new distributor of Stringway machines. Laserfibre will have its own stringing machine, all made in the U.S.A. The new series is called Quantums: http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?p=1498044
It seems the problem with Laserfibre's service originated from Stringway. The drama on the Tennis Forum reveals production issues at Stringway.
wooo... you placed that order with Mark from Alpha? Just curious...this would be something i'd consider ordering for my machine... Why do u need another flying clamp? is it for tennis?