As requested by Master Pete, I am posting up some photos of my Yonex ST-250. I got it as a used unit from a fellow member in October 2008, I managed to ask a friend to help me carry it back from the USA. I've been stringing rackets ever since. The unit comes with it's own wheeled carrying case making it easier to carry around (unit is quite heavy), everything are neatly stored away in the styrofoam box. Machine only requires simple assembly with the supplied allen key. The kit comes with the machine itself, 2 Awls, 1 needle nose pliers, 1 diagonal cutter and 2 flying clamps. I ordered 2 more flying clamps and a grommet remover to make things easier. This machine's finish is excellent, no rough edges and it has a nice clear-coated silver finish. Stringing machine is extremely enjoyable with this machine, but there are 2 things I dislike, first is the head and throat mounting post tends to move slightly from side to side when stringing crosses (even when adjusted at the tightest), this problem is slightly lessif you keep checking that all the side supports are tight while stringing. The second thing is the release handle of the tension head does require quite a bit of strength to release, even though it is padded with rubber, it still hurts the hand. Here are the photos...
Very nice machine, Master Dan! The latch cage (the hook like thing in the last photo) may require adjustment, as per our conversation last night. It barely catches the lock-out pin.
Thanks for the photo.. i think someone posted some pictures of the machine somewhere in the forum before.
The third last photo shows the spot (hole) above the crank handle. It is for adjusting the tensioner brake.
This is sort of off topic but I noticed that your machine doesn't have any fixed clamps. I was wondering how you start the mains without a fixed clamp? Probably a newbish question, but wanted to know as my machine has fixed clamps.
There is not much we can do about the first problem. This is a common problem with most six-point suspension machines that have center posts attached to the support columns at one point. Contrast that with the Opus: http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41019&highlight=opus The Opus's center posts are attached to the support columns at three points. Eventually, you will get used to pushing the lock-out pin back into the latch cage . It's quite a workout initially. The amount of effort you put into pushing the pin indicates that the machine is still in excellent condition. The spring of the tensioner brake is still in good shape.
Can you show a picture of how the 4 bolts attach the tensioner to the gear horizontal rail. I always see the handle side but never how it attaches since for some reason mine always gets loose. thanks
Here's the photo of the tensioner. You mean the bolts coming loose? If that's the case, buy some removable strength threadlock and apply to the thread of the bolts.
The bottom roller (wheel) seems not tracking against the rail. I had this problem with the Eagnas version of ST-250. Alpha and other brands have four rollers instead of three. Seriously, I think Yonex should change to a different OEM from the current one.
it has a slight space(1mm) between the bottom roller and the rail, it just looks worse from the angle of the photo.
