still in progress, just thought i'd throw up some pics. Its currently about half done, gotta work on tensioning unit and the base, but i figured one step at a time. Its sitting in a moving box at the moment cause im finishing college and moving out.
Just some suggestions. 1) How are you going to adjust the 4 side supports? 2) I worry about the wooden mounting system. It might not hold at higher than 20 lb. 3) Search the stringing tech forum, someone made a home made machine before. Good luck.
I agree. Not only how to adjust the 4 side supports. The main problem is how to adjust all the supports, as each racket does come with different frame size/length. Also, you need to spread out the pressure around the head and throat. Just 1 single pole will create too much stress on the contact point, if work with 20+ lbs.
pretty cool. and nice handy work! but i think there is a fundamental flaw. think about this. let's say 20lbs is a typical tension for stringing the mains. we have 22 mains string. that means potentially there can be nearly 100's of lbs of force the 12 and 6 o'clock supports need to take. and what you have is a little wood dowel, i think that may come off or snap as you go about tensioning the main strings.
I think it'd be a lot easier to just do a two point hold down machine. Given you know what you're doing at 25lbs or under you should have no problems.
im changing the top and bottom mounting points to bolts of some sort. thanks for the advice. im focusing on those 2 mounts first and the other 4 as a complimentary support.
In my opinion wood is not good material for this. Look here: http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38605
As different rackets have different shape (i.e.length and width of the head frame), you need to make the top and bottom posts to be adjustable to fit all the racket head length.
Probably not that much force, but quite significant. Don't forget the stress is transferred through the frame of the racquet. So the dowel only takes the residual force. Which I agree, can be substantial for a small timber dowel. Also, with timber, it is more likely not to last as long due to the wear and tear of using it. Might be an idea to consider metal parts where wear and tear are likely to take place. Good work though mate, I was looking into making my own one a few years back but opted for one off the shelf in the end. Have you considered using fibreglass to make the main part of the machine? Will probably take longer to make, but will be stronger and last longer. I work with composites (carbon/glass) a lot when making car bits and you'd be surprised at how many things you can make with composites.
Agree.It might not be able to hold high tension.If it's just a trial,then it's a good one already,but i'm just not so sure it's use-able.Should we call it,"prototype?"..Good one though!
R2 i never thought about "glassing" it but its a great idea. I have a small experience with fiberglass, so maybe i'll give that a try. In any case ive decided to buy a commercial machine so this project may never finish.
Its finished, now beginning testing Im done with building the stringer, i still have yet to receive my fish scale to calibrate it. If you notice the weight bar is simply a threaded rod, im going to start my tension measurements at 20lbs and mark it with a sharpie and then go up in 1lb increments. After that im going to test/practice stringing my iso60 lite before hopefully working my beloved w7 and ti10 In the pictures you can see some eagnas flying clamps and some cheap eagnas eb80 strings i picked up while i was there, i figured i needed some cheap strings to test on, mite as well give these a go. i know a lot of you said wood was a bad choice...it could be, we'll see but believe me when i say this, it holds the racket solid as a rock. After securing the racket and trying to move it i can barely manage the move the frame at all. We'll have results shortly...
Good job for DIY. However, I don't think this machine can be adjust to fit all type of rackets, as they come with different head shape / sizes...
You might want to make the 4 side supports adjustable for different type of racquet. Also, it might be difficult to mark the weight scale on the rod because it will get ereased every time a nut thread over the rod. Overall good job and good luck.
the only 2 rackets i usually swing are w7 and ti10 both iso. Also most people i play with that mite want me to string for them also use iso. I dont even know anyone with a oval to attempt to fit a mounting pattern with Im still waiting for that dang scale to arrive. I guess its coming from china. As for the weight markings coming off, i tried towards the end of the rod and ran the screw over it repeatedly and to my liking it didnt scratch any of the marker off i caaaant waaait :crying:
Even they are all ISO, they still come with different head length. Therefore, you still need your machine supporting posts (head and throat) to be adjustable to perfectly fit the different rackets. If the racket is not mounted properly or tight enough, it's a risk to get a bad string job, or even damage the racket.
