The load spreaders get bent out of shape because of the lateral force acting on the frame during the tensioning process.
I also moved the support columns further apart so that the side supports contacted as close to the first main-cross intersection as possible.
last picture is kinda sad, all the retired parts that didnt make the cut prolly got enough to make another machine
I will take a series of photos of the entire Alpha machine in operation. Stay tune!!! More mods are coming too . This is baddie stringing paradise 101 .
The top side supports reached their rotation limit already: the black side supports can't be rotated. They are no longer at right angle to the frame. The next mod will allow more freedom of side support rotation.
Yes I realized Pete. I just wanted to note that because a lot of people learn from these forums and I've gotten PM's about this before so I wanted to point out an example for others to follow. :O More mods? Do we get a preview or are you gonna make us waaaaaaait our impatient heads off?
Well, the parts aren't retired yet . The LF support columns will require custom modification to in incorporate four external side arms and supports.
July 31st to August 7th. My Saturday (August long weekend) is completely booked due to my sister's wedding. Any other time should be good...but my "vacation" is quickly filling up...gonna be bz bz bz.
I tried to install the SPT side supports on the Alpha side arms. Unfortunately, SPT side supports don't fit in as well as I hope. Will try to modify them later.
I have gone back to 100% Alpha setup. The Alpha mount on LF turntable has an important issue. The track or groove of the LF turntable is too wide for the stud of the Alpha mount. As a result, the Alpha mount rotates during the last half of the cross tensioning process. This issue only turned up two weeks ago. I checked all the knobs. They were absolutely tight but the washer LF washer was bent. I will figure a way increase the diameter (width) of the Alpha mount to fit the wider groove of the LF turntable. Seriously, I wish someone will make a six-point mount for the LF/SW turntable. Also, the proper way to clamp with the Alpha badminton fixed clamps is to position the badminton string half way between the top and the middle of the height of the teeth. It seems that the spacing between the teeths are narrower between the top-to-middle part. Also, that area get most of the diamond dust. The string slips if the bottom part is used for clamping.
Good to know that, Peter! I have always been wondering why the string slip every time I start. I had to tighten knob on the clamps every time I start on a job.
