Jaycee, I need your help

[M0rgan77]

I have been looking at buying a stringing machine for the last few months for under 500 $. I don't string that many racquets so I was thinking of getting a portable drop weight machine like the klippermate. Then I saw the eagnas flex machines for under 500$. The were upright crank machines with decent claps (or so it would seem) for a good price. Then I heard a lot of bad things about these machines. I read the reviews on this site and they were all positive. I need you advice on wich machine to get. I'm so confused :confused: .

[Jay Cee]

@ M0rgan77

Well mate, that's a lot to ask me for. I have already said many times that I have great respect for Stringway machines (sold by Laserfibre in the USA) but the real problem is your budget.
The only machine that would fit the price is the MS200 ECO with the travel cradel and flying clamps. As much as this is a relatively light weight and interesting "personal machine" but the cradle is quite difficult to adjust to different frames and it is not what I would recommend unless it is strictly for retringing your own racquets, where once set up for your frame, it is easy to use repeatedly. It has been conceived exactly for that, and if used as such, it is a great little machine. ;)
To really take advantage of the Stringway technology you need to go up to a higher price range. The MS200TT is a fantastic table top machine, but out of your price range. The ECO models are OK but they don't have the locking system which efficiently limits the tedious job of lifting the drop weight from table level, up and back again. Even so, the ECO models with double or single action clamps are quite expensive. So, unless you can purchase a second hand machine (there a Stringway M.50 on sale on this forum, this could be a good solution) it will be hard to find you a good Stringway machine within your budget. :(

Personally I do not like Eagnas machines, they offer a lot for a cheap price, but despite the apparent valeur for money, I don't think that the quality is good enough. :(

I prefer the Silent Partner machines and their service is probably much better. Their drop weights are fine, for example, there is a model with 2 Flying clamps, you can do a good job on the SP SWING, but prefer it with the 6 point mounting. For about double the price you could take the SP e-stringer CL which has dual double action fixed clamps and the additional price to have a motor is reasonable. This machine has been recommended by Eric who has one and has shown photos of it on a posting. (thanks Eric ;) )

So my friend, the choices are still the same as all I have said in previous postings, either you save up i bit longer like Double Fault (Hi DF :) ) or you go for a good deal on a used Stringway, or finally go for one of the 2 possibilities with the SP. If you do that, take the drop weight, it's good to learn all the principals of stringing on a drop weight, and if later you want to change, it's a cheap machine and quite easy to sell. :)

Hope this helps you out.
:cool:

[M0rgan77]

Thanks Jaycee. Do you know where I can find the prices for the Laserfibre machines?

[Double-fault]

M0rgan77
Give them a call, Toll free 1 888 895 2350.
:D
Hi JC :)

[M0rgan77]

Wow! Thanks DF.

[eagle]

Hi Jaycee,

Does the Stringway/Laserfibre require calibration and how often?

Also, what accessories/tools would you recommend to go with the ECO model?

Thanks,
eagle

[Jay Cee]

Hi Eagle,

With what clamps would you take the MS200 ECO ?
Dual fixed clamps (singe o double action?) or flying clamps ?

In any case I think that you would be supplied with a paire of needle nose pliers and one to cut the string, plus an awl - that is the strict minimum to be able to string.

I strongly suggest a good starting clamp and a ranging tool (both from RAB available on GSS is the best) plus a good paire of flat pliers to pull on the strings after you make the knot. To cut the strings out of the racket buy snipping pliers (secateers) from a gardening store (the ones they use to cut roses.) Fiskars have a good one for about US$10-12.

Thats about it.
:cool:

[eagle]

Hi Jaycee,

I'll be getting the flying clamps. I take it calibration varies depending on the clamps used then, not just the type but also the quality?

Found the starting clamp at gss but couldn't find the "ranging" tool. Is there another name that this tool goes by?

r,
eagle

[Jay Cee]

Sorry Eagle,

I forgot to tell you, a drop weight machine should be correctly calibrated at time of manufacture. Once this is correct it is and will always be absolutely correct. Laws of physics mate, not like these damned electric machines that get their wires crossed up from time to time. :(

So it a nutshell, you don't need to calibrate a drop-weight machine. ;)

The RAB tool is called a setting off tool, in any case it is a blunt (rounded-tip) thing that is very usefull to straighten the strings when you have finished your string job. Looks very "Pro" when done well (just don't tell JB, he will probably buy the last one in stock before you have time to order it. :D ).

As for the Laserfibre with flying clamps, see if they can supply it to you with a "cast Alu cradle with 085-T98 mountings" It's about the same price as the travel cradle, but it is really better for regular use. The travel cradle is better just for personal stringing. Check it out, despite the 4lbs extra weight you will probably appreciate this cradle more, it's very strong and will last a lifetime. :)

Bye,
:cool:

[eagle]

Hi Jaycee,

Thanks a bunch. Really appreciate your willingness to share your wisdom.

r,
eagle

[M0rgan77]

Yhea thanks! :)