Hello everybody. I'm stringing for years now, hundreds of racquets. So I'm making this post to explain and show how I string, and on what I string. So advices can be given, and I can learn some things . So, here's the machine. Something like a Tyger StringEco 65, but table-top model: Let's String at 23Lbs: So, putting the racket onto the machine. NO Tightening of the North/South Supports (just to be touching the frame). Side Support Arms are moving individually. Just pushing them to be touching the frame, and then using the control to "tighten" them until I feel the first resistance. So it's absolutely not stressing the frame. Just touching it. On these 6 supports, it's only hard plastic, absoutely non soft, and slippery substance... Then we go for the mains, 4 on a side (tensioning each of course): Then switching to other side: And so on until finishing the mains... but not always possible to clamp near the frame (Possible on another machine?) So finishing the mains (again, not very close-frame clamping): (sorry for the bad picture) Using the awl gently to hold tension on the last piece of string before knotting: Using Pro Knot to finish mains on each side (2piece stringing so): Then beginning the mains (top->down style) with a Starting Knot (3 or 4 loops). Quite new to this (usually doing pro knot), so I don't know if it looks right: So, stringing the crosses from A7. Tensioning the first and second together. Then tensioning each of course: Still not easy to always clamp close to the frame: Pro Knot to finish the job: I will add further info later, and a video of a problem I have. I have to go training now
Your machine has nice side mounts and the fixed clamps look beefy too. Do you string with thinner string such as BG66 or thinner? The reason I ask is because your knots are very nice with BG65 and smaller shared grommet holes but I wonder if they will stay with very thin string and large shared grommet holes
Well I usually add a Half Hitched Knot above the pro Knot. (Something looking like the size of a triple half hitched). I never had problems with that, even with 0,68mm string (Only one job with BG66, so nothing is sure about it). I'm waiting for HiQua fly clamps and MBS ones (2 of each). I used to string with one, but I lost lot of tension. I'm also thinking of buying another machine, but not sure of what would be best. Pro's pro Comet 1 (471$ near home). Mine costed me 880$ (550€). Not sure it would be adequate to change. But I'm somewhat tired about some problems I'm going to explain later (it's already late here). Also, Pro's pro has advantages such as: One control to move 2side supports arms. Maybe easier access to stringbed. Spring assisted swivel base... Not sure it's a need. Maybe just the willing to buy^^
Those advantages listed are ideal but not necessary. It's up to you. Your machine, as it is, is quite good already. For me, I'd rather use the money and get a Wise Puller.
Well, I have also thought about that. But being from Belgium isn't an advantage for that. Ordering from W&D would cost me : 310£+ VAT (17.5%)=364.25£ So 713$ WITHOUT delivery costs. I think it's quite expensive, even if this seems to be very very great... Edit: About the problems I have. - When about half the crosses are finished, quite curiously, the 2 upper side supports get loosened. For about few millimeters. I don't know if it's normal, but that sounds weird :s -When finishing crosses (let's say the 2-3 last ones, maybe more), I had been surprised of seeing the frame Sliding or slipping... I made a videos of that... So the clamp is absolutely NOT moving, it's the racquet :-s http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7yoPp1rNy4
The problem you have is normal with shoulder supports that have narrow, rounded and slippery edges and surface. The Alpha DC Plus's newer shoulder supports and SP Tennis's shoulder supports have this problem.
Incidentally, the SPT Opus I returned had the same shoulder supports as the Tyger. http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41019&highlight=sp+tennis+opus The proper shoulder supports for badminton frames are these: http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41019&highlight=sp+tennis+opus&page=3
Thanks a lot Pete for the info (and the old topic ;-)). Where to purchase these supports? I don't see them on the silent partner website. The Silent Partner DG looks interesting but i think it would be expensive to ship it to Europe. Anyway, do you have anything to say about the way I string, or the relevance of switching from my machine to a pro's pro one? (Seems to have the same side-supports...).
From the photos, it seems like you do several mains on the same side in sequence. I always alternate between mains sides (L R R L L R R etc) for two reasons: 1. Results in the most even possible distribution of stress on the frame. 2. You only need to turn the turntable 180 degrees every two main pulls instead of after every pull. My way is just personal preference.
Well, I only string 4 on the first side, 3 on the next one, and then alternate LL RR LL RR. The reason I do this is to allow me to clamp the closer I can to the frame. By doing your way, there's already a clamp in the way... I don't know if it's best to always close to the frame, but stringing 4 on a side, and 3 on the other next, or to string your way, but clamping a bit further...
Aye, it does depend on how wide your clamps are. I can get mine side by side only when I reach the second main on each side - I have to stagger them on the first mains. If I could find clamps thin enough to get side by side I would jump on them. With regards to clamping as close to the frame as possible, I think you can get away with a loose couple of inches during the initial mains; any slack will be pulled through on the next main anyway.
Ok. Anyway, I've received my Hiqua and MBS Fly Clamps and will try them to see if tension is the same as with fixed clamps. So, I still haven't found - Prices for Tension Head shipped to Belgium (sent a mail, and waiting for the answer back) - How to improve the side supports (avoiding the frame to slip that way - Is it possible to put spring assisted swivel clamps on my machine. - What to think about Gamma machines (REAL constant pull, or system with a spring in?). Because I saw update system on their website...
- How to improve the side supports (avoiding the frame to slip that way Use the badminton specific shoulder supports. - Is it possible to put spring assisted swivel clamps on my machine. Ask the place where you bought your machine, or e-mail Eagnas . - What to think about Gamma machines (REAL constant pull, or system with a spring in?). Because I saw update system on their website Gamma machines are awesome in quality!
Ok, thank for the answers . The shop where i bought my machine isn't selling anything else than the machine . So no wonder to ask them. I was asking that about the Gamma because the setting button for tension looks like it's just a spring behind it...
Update: The answer from Gamma on my questions about their electric tensioner updater for manual machines: Hi Christopher, your machine is able to be upgrade with our Es upgrade. you'll need the low mounting bracket. The tensioner is a constant pull and it is controlled by a spring. there is about a 2-4 lb range that is needed for the stringer to repull tension. Could that be an alternative to Wise Tennis Head? It seems it's not very sharp on constant pull, at least for badminton uh?
You have the right idea re mounting of the frame, especially the N/S posts. The mains stringing pattern is frankly poor : it should alternate one pull on each side to ensure the internal stress is symetrical and the last main string should not come out from the bottom grommet #12; it should be grommet #10. Never use an awl because it has weakened that part of the string that the awl came into contact with through heat and friction. The starting knot doesn't look right. Try pulling the first cross string first, followed by the second. This gives you better crispness in your strokes. Otherwise, an excellent way of illustrating the key elements in stringing.
Well I don't understand what you mean by "re mounting of the frame". I'm now trying to tension mains LL RR LL RR... Well I don't know what's going wrong with the starting knot... I try to do it right with 4 loops but... I've also read about Dinkalot Modified Half Hitch, and also Pete's way with Half Hitch and Pro Knot... (Don't how Dinkalot's is made). I'm ok with you about the last mains, but the original stringing job (factory made so) of this racket wasn't like that so... I kept the same... Anything to say to compare Gamma's and Wise's tensioner?
I only use this knot tying method for tie offs, not starting knot. I use three to four loops for starting knots.
Hmmm Okay. Anyone tried this "bulky knot"? : http://youtube.com/watch?v=UT1cXy-6Wz0 Pete, any good news for me and the side supports?
