Upgrade kits for Ektelon, Toalson, Gamma and other machines

A few weeks ago diredesire offered a chance to start a thread about my products that upgrade older stringing machines. The products generally fit Ektelon models C, D, DE and H as well as Gamma and Toalson 4000 machines.

The most popular upgrade is the Two Point Upgrade that replaces the original mounts on the Ektelon Models C, D and DE. The new mount eliminates the troublesome U-shaped original and allows these older machines to mount virtually any size of modern racquet. It has been tested on a 135 sq in Weed, but would probably handle even larger racquets. Several customers have used the upgrade on the Model H machines as well – especially on the throat mount end. The Two Point could also be fitted to other machines if needed.

The second most popular upgrade is a Swivel Clamp Upgrade that replaces the glide bars and clamps on Ektelon models C, D, DE and H as well as Gamma and Toalson 4000 machines. It is a heavy duty clamping system with minimal clamp drawback and comes with everything needed including the string clamps.

The third product is Adjustable Glide Bars that allow the glide bars to pivot to match racquets with fan shaped string patterns. It has been popular with stringers that see a lot of racquetball racquets.

Also available are extended glide bar kits for the Model D machines which make the existing glide bars longer to allow the clamps to reach the frames on oversize racquets.

All of the products are manufactured in my machine shop in Texas.

A link to the website can be found by clicking on my user ID at the left side of this post. The webpage has more info (including prices) about the products as well as email and phone contacts.

Thanks again to diredesire for the opportunity to start this thread.

Thanks for posting, D110,

Just to be clear, this is not a promotional thread -- this thread is meant to be for discussing design approach/intentions/decisions, manufacturing, etc. It's a good opportunity for TTW members to discuss things with the source.
Pics for reference (from the source, rehosted on imgur):

David, very impressive work.

I can attest to the quality and durability or the parts David makes. I have used the 2-point upgrade and the swivel clamps in several machines.

I have a Gamma 4000 and am thinking of getting the swivel clamp conversion. I am definitely interested in the 5 tooth clamp upgrade, but what about the arm upgrade? How important is that?

Thanks

anubis said:

I have a Gamma 4000 and am thinking of getting the swivel clamp conversion. I am definitely interested in the 5 tooth clamp upgrade, but what about the arm upgrade? How important is that?

Thanks

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The Two Point Upgrade is not needed if you are happy with the current racquet mounting system. A number of customers have upgraded their 4000 machines with the Two Point Mount because they were having problems with the racquet slipping on the hard plastic mounting surfaces used on the Gammas.

The Two Point Upgrade is not needed if you are happy with the current racquet mounting system. A number of customers have upgraded their 4000 machines with the Two Point Mount because they were having problems with the racquet slipping on the hard plastic mounting surfaces used on the Gammas.
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Racquets do tend to slip on those hard plastic mounts but i have been using pieces of overgrips on the plastic mounts and they seem to work well for me.

I have the swivel system upgrade from David, and it is working very well so far. Very well fabricated upgrade. highly recommend it.

Beautiful

I love this David.

I have the Ektelon model D with the H upgrade, and drool over the prospect of adding the swivel clamp upgrade.

Though that would cost more than twice what I paid for the machine myself...

ChadW said:

I love this David.

I have the Ektelon model D with the H upgrade, and drool over the prospect of adding the swivel clamp upgrade.

Though that would cost more than twice what I paid for the machine myself...

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You got a great price on your Model D, especially considering that it has the Model H upgrade.

The swivel conversion does include string clamps and the clamping components are industrial grade and will outlast the stringing machine. That is what drives the cost. It is a good value for someone looking to replace worn out glide bars/clamps. The swivel upgrade does provide advantages when stringing ATW or 50/50 patterns and is designed to provide minimal string drawback so string tension would be a bit more consistent.

Quality Product & Excellent Service

I had been looking for a used crank machine as a backup when I ran across a post on a machine not far from where I worked. Individual had no photos, didn't have too much information but in discussion we ended up trading future stringing towards the machine. Ended up with a 1988 Toalson Model D stringing machine, that needed a good cleaning and some rust removal but appeared otherwise in good shape. Once I got around to cleaning the parts, assembling it and testing it soon discovered that the only real issue was that it only came with two of the plastic adaptors and they were totally worn out. As a result, there was no way to keep a racquet in place for stringing.

Was going to attempt to mold my own replacements when I ran across this post and decided to see if David could provide me with a fix. We traded some information & measurements back and forth, the end result of which I purchased one of David's Two Point Upgrades.

Have to complement David and his product, both top notch. I'm extremely pleased with this upgrade and would highly recommend anyone looking for a way to extend the use of their machine to contact him. Was originally thinking I'd sell this and look for a later model, but I'm enjoying the machine and the Two Point System and would have a hard time justifying selling it off.

Peppershaker said:

I had been looking for a used crank machine as a backup when I ran across a post on a machine not far from where I worked. Individual had no photos, didn't have too much information but in discussion we ended up trading future stringing towards the machine. Ended up with a 1988 Toalson Model D stringing machine, that needed a good cleaning and some rust removal but appeared otherwise in good shape. Once I got around to cleaning the parts, assembling it and testing it soon discovered that the only real issue was that it only came with two of the plastic adaptors and they were totally worn out. As a result, there was no way to keep a racquet in place for stringing.

Was going to attempt to mold my own replacements when I ran across this post and decided to see if David could provide me with a fix. We traded some information & measurements back and forth, the end result of which I purchased one of David's Two Point Upgrades.

Have to complement David and his product, both top notch. I'm extremely pleased with this upgrade and would highly recommend anyone looking for a way to extend the use of their machine to contact him. Was originally thinking I'd sell this and look for a later model, but I'm enjoying the machine and the Two Point System and would have a hard time justifying selling it off.

Click to expand...

This thread is not for promotional purposes. It is about design discussion only. If/when it deviates I will have to close/delete it. Please keep the testimonials separate.

I’m scratching my head here. I want to tell you that @David 110 created a great piece that helped me give new life to an excellent but outdated Ektelon Model DE w/ the original mounts. Instead of ending up in a salvage yard, it’s going to string a handful of racquets this evening!

NICE DESIGN!

On a separate note, there’s been many discussions on the merits of various machines, clamps, etc which are also not sold by TW. I’m VERY THANKFUL for this forum and the community because it’s increased my knowledge on a variety of topics and I always purchase, when possible, from TW. You should too! They’ve got great customer service!