I would like to invest in a machine and start to restring for myself and friends. But before I enter this, is it difficult to learn how to restring a racket? Where can I find instructions/ advices? Thanks!
you're in the right place for advice! All the stuff you need to know is on this board once you search and sift through old threads
It is not hard to do, and there are a few different ways of starting, tieing knots, and patterns, but its essentially very much the same once you get the hang of it. I suggest you invest in a good 6 point mount machine though. Here's one thread of a 2 point drop weight machine step by step thread: http://badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44504
Great! thanks for your encouragement btw, besides the 6 pt mount, what are the other criteria to look for when choosing a machine?
i'd just like to add in my own question:.. when im stringing the crosses, how do i make sure they are 100% straight on a drop weight machine? they dont tend to become straight during pulling.. i mean this in the sense of how the strings are relatively straight to each other when professionals do it, but when i've finished my job, you can clearly see the spots where i've clamped.
FIXED CLAMPS When you are waiting for the cross string being stretched, use your fingers to straighten the last row of cross string. FLYING CLAMPS When you are waiting for the cross string being stretched, use your fingers to straighten the second last row of cross string.
I know that when you allign the cross, pull it down (or up if youre doing top down) to the previous cross so its more "u" looking than "n" looking before you pull. That way its more consistant. I hope that makes some sense...
Do we bring all our machines to show and compare? Nothing lasting too late into the night or the S.O.'s will rebel!
Straightening like this is quite important for consistent tension. I've watched and listened to the motor as an ECP adjusts to lost tension as I straighten the crosses. One idea for easily straightening the crosses is to use a flexible plastic comb...
Ok, flexible plastic comb doesn't work. It's quite pathetic actually. Anyone coming to string-fest is free to take a couple of packs of Oliver XP-63 0.63mm string from me to try. It's thin like BG66. It's easy to weave and thread.
Well, since this post is about newbie to stringing, I might just post my question here. Do crosses always have to be at a lower tension than that of mains?