Do any of you keep a log of your string jobs? I started to keep on online in a spreadsheet. here are the fields that i use: Date/Time Machine Racket Brand Racket Model Serial String Brand String Model Tension Main Tension Cross Knots Pattern Notes Customer
i use it because i want to find out and remember how each racket was strung. if i do find that the racket plays well or badly, this can help improve the string quality. if i were 10 yrs younger, i wouldn't need it as i can probably remember all off the top of my head...
You probably will need to write down how tight you push the shoulder supports into the frame too : affects the stringbed stiffness and shape of the frame The list can go on and on .
I keep a little database of rackets, strings, tensions, customers etc. I could probably get by without it's still a good thing to have.
Log books are a great idea, i had the idea a while ago but too lazy to get around to it. Ill probably start it when/if I string more rackets. I think the parameters i would use are racket-make/model, string brand/model, tension mains/crosses, and a notes section for differences. Overall I think i always try to string the same way no matter the string pattern. Right now im still fiddling with 2 vs 4 knot. I just put some ashaway mp on two rackets used 2 knots on one and 4 on the other and got the exact same pitch when i ping them. Usually its slightly off.
just go to docs.google.com and then log in using your google email account. you can create spreadsheet like you would in Excel.
i have been keeping records of my stringing on my logbook and i found it totally convenient. everytime i break a string, i know exactly how to either re-produce the feel of the stringing, or to make small adjustment to it. or if i have a customer, i can tell them what tension and string they used before and let them decide if they want to make adjustment. and i can tell that Janet breaks strings as often as me... very very convenient.
Some even ask me to provide them with the serial numbers of their rackets . Yes, I do keep a log book for all stringing jobs done. Data collected can be very useful. Some players do not remember when/how their last stringing job was done. Some will ask/say things like; * When was my last stringing done? * What tension was used? * What string was used? * String it this time like before. * String it this time with higher/lower tension * String it this time with thinner/thicker string * etc, etc ...... And when players lose their rackets, some even ask me to provide them with the serial numbers of their rackets; so that they can find out who has pinched their rackets. .
Hi I keep a logbook almost exactely as kwun has described. I use a MS Excel file. I have only one column to describe the pattern (only if it is a non yonex pattern, eg babolat satelite) the knots and notes. Since I have 1 machine, that field does not exist also. I have 1 column to register how much i was paid for each job. This log book, in my case has 2 major advantages: - to answer the questions as chis-ccc described - to help me decide when to buy the next string reels, as so far I don t have an accurate idea for how long will a reel last with the string that remains there.
i added a new column to my logbook: income. now i know i am 1/7th of the way through to have the machine pay for itself. (not including rackets done for me and janet)
And that column (€ or $ ...) is also useful to control those guys who "try to forget" to pay and also to know who didn't pay yet (majority in a good faith spirit though) since many grown up people and specially children manytimes don t carry cash counting to pay the job at the moment the string snaps (unpredictable), so they ll pay in the next training day.
I've kept a much simpler version of log the past 2 years. I only record down the date and string model. This log is mainly for my inventory control purpose, so I know when a particular type is about running out, and I can reach my wallet again. :-D
well it certainly was hardwork but with that record saved in the logbook, purely from clients alone i have already paid for both my machines and more. and that's not counting the money saved from not having to pay labor for my and my wife's stringing. nowadays i don't even ask my frequent clients what string they need, i just ask them if they want the same string/tension as before and they usually just say, "OK". then i look it up from the log.