Fix Xpider bases/rails on a Superstringer T50

Super85

Regular Member
Grabbed my stringing machine-dream thing and ordered a couple of Xpider bases. Was not prepared for the rails to be included and thus changed my plans on how I would get the Xpider bases to fit my T50 rails. The Xpider rails has much finer and smoother surface so I will try to take the whole complete pack with the rails on the T50.

[GALLERY=media, 1503]F6B221F3-A921-4BC9-B40F-D72E6EFBD926 by Super85 posted Dec 13, 2019 at 2:44 PM[/GALLERY]
 
First thing is to remove my old rails and then try to figure out how to put the new on.

[GALLERY=media, 1504]10B68C7E-6BAA-4F4A-91F2-FE95F724C062 by Super85 posted Dec 14, 2019 at 7:27 PM[/GALLERY]
[GALLERY=media, 1505]AF37175A-48EF-4B04-B6C0-B544225BE39A by Super85 posted Dec 14, 2019 at 7:27 PM[/GALLERY]

And with this I will have to drill some new holes and cut in the base plate to make some movement space for the swivelclamps
 
[GALLERY=media, 1509]591C9F51-E486-460D-A578-EAD2C5C02971 by Super85 posted Dec 14, 2019 at 7:27 PM[/GALLERY]

After drawing out the placement, it is time to drill new holes for the rails.

[GALLERY=media, 1506]CC5A70EB-22F5-403F-A90F-5F3363091D82 by Super85 posted Dec 14, 2019 at 7:27 PM[/GALLERY]

And then figure out how much I need to cut out for the new swivels to be able to move full way.

[GALLERY=media, 1507]C3BF6A1B-3BD8-4292-AC55-D394D3A9979A by Super85 posted Dec 14, 2019 at 7:27 PM[/GALLERY]
 
With a jigsaw and some old handfiles, there is now room for the new Xpider bases to move freely.

[GALLERY=media, 1509]591C9F51-E486-460D-A578-EAD2C5C02971 by Super85 posted Dec 14, 2019 at 7:27 PM[/GALLERY]

Also had to make some room for the nuts on the bottomside.

[GALLERY=media, 1510]CB7C7BF4-F800-460E-BE10-A8065315DE60 by Super85 posted Dec 14, 2019 at 7:27 PM[/GALLERY]
 
Fill up the visible holes that will no longer be used with some 2k fiberglasputty.

[GALLERY=media, 1511]2C74A927-B281-42C8-8BB4-31F654203CA7 by Super85 posted Dec 14, 2019 at 7:27 PM[/GALLERY]

After some sanding, and fix the new rails.[GALLERY=media, 1512]96C1115E-70B5-431F-8BFB-EC3A2F66858B by Super85 posted Dec 14, 2019 at 7:27 PM[/GALLERY]

First layer with aluminiumbase coat.
[GALLERY=media, 1513]F281C3CA-DBD7-4FC3-B427-377CDBC0DA50 by Super85 posted Dec 14, 2019 at 7:27 PM[/GALLERY]
 
I was actually a little bit worried that the project would not be possible and 550 € would end up in the garbage, but got immediately positively set when I saw the rails, then I was sure it would go the way.

[GALLERY=media, 1514]4DBA4889-2FF8-4D9C-8413-6C41310CF678 by Super85 posted Dec 15, 2019 at 1:03 PM[/GALLERY]
 
Like this when I think afterwards, if this swap was worth the effort of 550€, then my conclusion is that it was it for me...but the rescue was the accompanying rails that made it worth. I could probably get them worked on my old rails, but I hadn't got out the best performance and the smooth agility that makes it worth it... and makes it to an upgrade for me.

Now I can easily spin and move the swivel 360 degrees by just holding the handle on the stringclamp, with the AEF bases I had to move them with both hands otherwise they got stuck in the rails and this is what I got tired of lately even though they do the job with approved.

I was just lucky that they were included in the purchase... because it was nothing I asked for or had any knowledge of. Stupid... but in the end, happy me! :)




but at the same time I get a little anxious when I do not know what to upgrade anymore ...:confused:
 
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but at the same time I get a little anxious when I do not know what to upgrade anymore ...:confused:
Well your profile picture, for a start! :D

I would probably upgrade the stand for the machine, with more storage for grommet boxes, more string reels and other tools, make it yourself!
 
Well your profile picture, for a start! :D

I would probably upgrade the stand for the machine, with more storage for grommet boxes, more string reels and other tools, make it yourself!

Yes, you can always improve that. Now I have a small work desk right next to the machine that I put everything on.
 
Fantastic work!
Looks really neat.


How about moveable towers S70-style?

I do not have that need right now when I only always have strung badminton. Right now, I'm really happy with the racket mounting-position as it is.
 
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And a tilting function.

That would be something to develop further on, however I am perfectly in height position just below the handle with the gripper, and the string is tilt downwards just a tad because that was something I had in mind when I made the mounting bracket for my Wise when I bought the T50 and I have placed the Wise closer to the turntable than the original position.
 
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I did something today...saw some subplates for the bases. For those who have been paying attention have understood that the screws on the outside are ending up outside of the table,

[GALLERY=media, 1516]A2A01C7B-2A8D-4034-A6A8-B1440C0F5671 by Super85 posted Dec 17, 2019 at 11:34 PM[/GALLERY]

and I want them to be tightened as a balance for the rails so this was the solution for that.

[GALLERY=media, 1517]D6F35767-B1BF-4668-B67F-18952B36A44E by Super85 posted Dec 17, 2019 at 11:34 PM[/GALLERY]

Soon I will cover the plates with some wrap.
 
They got a carbon fiber suit!

[GALLERY=media, 1518]FD510E6C-926C-4EB5-AC22-46DFCA7817A6 by Super85 posted Dec 18, 2019 at 3:51 PM[/GALLERY]
 
Now I can easily spin and move the swivel 360 degrees by just holding the handle on the stringclamp, with the AEF bases I had to move them with both hands otherwise they got stuck in the rails and this is what I got tired of lately even though they do the job with approved.
I want to solve the same problem with my AEF bases too, but without spending 550+. What is different about the xpider bases that makes them move so much smoother?
 
I want to solve the same problem with my AEF bases too, but without spending 550+. What is different about the xpider bases that makes them move so much smoother?

I think the inner side on the rails plays a big part...the Xpider rails are as smooth as like the surface of a saucepan. Also the rail washer to the bases is CNC-milled without any sharp edges, and the bases themselves are massive and covered underneath with some kind of matte gun-paint.

My thoughts was to try to make own rail washers to the bases in PTFE plastic to reduce friction in the rails.
 
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