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  1. kato669

    Is it worth buying a guide/ pathfinder awl?

    +1, this is the preferred method, 97% of the time this works. For remaining 3, I'm glad I have the pathfinder Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
  2. kato669

    Is it worth buying a guide/ pathfinder awl?

    Use it all the time. Good tool to have Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
  3. kato669

    Is it worth buying a guide/ pathfinder awl?

    Use it all the time, good to have Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
  4. kato669

    Best way to start mains

    Yes but double pull in this case is more of a physical action than double pulling the same tension twice on each string. In the Yusuki method, If you pull two strings at say 50 lbs, each string in theory gets 25 lbs of tension each. So when you pull the actual reference tension singularly, you...
  5. kato669

    Good Machine?

    If you are new to stringing and on a budget, Eagnas is a good place to start learning to string. You'll get more technology and features for your investment. Just be aware you'll not have the greatest(call in/verbal via Eagnas) tech support. If you are mechanical and open to getting help on...
  6. kato669

    Worst commentators

    Agreed. Boris by far the worse Given English is not his first language, I give him slack there but he doesn't really come up with very interesting insight at all, which a commenter should be able to do
  7. kato669

    YOUR THOUGHTS: What string is very playable but also cheap????

    Like Gosen ogsm as a hybrid string but not as a full job. Have to agree with topspin cyberflash though string life is not great but price/benefit is high
  8. kato669

    1 Piece vs. 2 Piece

    There, all things being equal, should be no differences or advantages other than your/customer preference. I find myself doing 80% two piece to 20% one piece. Learning and doing both well would be great but two piece only is perfectly fine
  9. kato669

    ST-101 Pathfinder Tool

    Never had a problem with the Gamma pathfinder awl. Just put some lube on it (chapstick or the like) and it should work with no problem. If it's really tight you can try using your standard awl w/lube to work a path out first for the pathfinder awl.
  10. kato669

    The "What's Wrong With Her?" Thread

    Maria win at RG? Are you serious? I don't think Sharapova can even slide on clay. I'm no expert on her skill set by any means but from what I recall, she doesn't have a feel for the surface. Another (early) April Fool's joke?
  11. kato669

    How hard is to break a knot?

    I've broken a string at the knot before. All with lower priced gut strings (Gaucho, Global, etc.). Learned the hard way you have take it easier than you would a syn gut when tying knots. However, it's just as easy to shank the shot and break a string, especially at the knot area (for...
  12. kato669

    String labels

    You can use stringjob.com to keep detailed records of your jobs (if you wish). The website also interfaces with a couple of label printers (I have a Brother QL-570, which I got from A..zon for under $100..you can find them used on CL and Fleabay). You get a pretty professional looking label...
  13. kato669

    Can I harvest gut from old racquets?

    I agree with all of coachrick's points. However, will you have enough leftover string to pull the last few crosses plus tie a knot again? It will be a puzzle and challenge to do it. Good luck and let us know how it goes.
  14. kato669

    Videos for stringing a wood racket

    Hi Irvin, Great videos. One quick question..was there a particular reason you elected to use your lockout tension head instead of your Wise 2086? Just curious.
  15. kato669

    what is the BEST black colored poly???

    Try Genesis Black Magic. Comfortable, good power & control
  16. kato669

    workaround star 5 overshoot?

    I sent you an email via your profile (you can send from my profile now too...for some reason, it was deactivated..re-activated now)
  17. kato669

    workaround star 5 overshoot?

    If you're not being facetious, I'm interested. Contact me via my profile (there should be an option to send an email to me).
  18. kato669

    What to do with half a set left?

    1) Wrap remaining half set around a cylindrical object (baby wipes canister or small coffee can). 2) Take coil and drop into a ziplock sandwich bag 3) Label bag and open when necessary Works great.
  19. kato669

    PP-600 starting clamp Question

    I have the clamp and it works well. It's slipped once (due to user error...didn't clean it). Keep it clean (clean about ever 5-6 jobs, with rubbing alcohol) and you'll have no problems. Been using it for about 1.5 years. Don't worry, get it! Btw, others have differing opinion...click on...
  20. kato669

    Beginers Corner

    I agree with Irvin...just practice on one of your own racquets. Unless you really screwed up the mounting (which if you follow the many instructions here and YT videos on the forum stickies, you shouldn't have a problem) You're going to have a hard time with a Walmart/Target cheapie racquet...
  21. kato669

    Air Tensioner Video

    ^^That is very cool Wiley...was necessity the mother of this invention or did you just do it purely for the tinkering fun?
  22. kato669

    Where to buy starting clamp?

    While technically this is probably true, I've read about many posters who go directly to BabolatUSA for string machines (Star 5 in particular) so I would think stringing accessories, can possibly be purchased directly from them too (since the retailers in my area definitely don't carry this...
  23. kato669

    Where to buy starting clamp?

    I honestly don't know (out of my price range, got kids :wink: ) but I do know they sell tool kits so I'm guessing they sell clamps too. Again, they would be the place to start since I haven't seen them being sold in tennis retail stores (at least not here in the USA anyways)
  24. kato669

    Where to buy starting clamp?

    What is your price point? You can order an babolat clamp directly from them (contact babolatUSA in colorado). It is a pretty expensive clamp regardless but it's the Mercedes of starting clamps and built like a tank so with the status you get quality. I have both a gamma and an eagnas clamp...
  25. kato669

    Have I lost my marbles? need to tinker

    Definitely. I re-greased the spindle on my stringer a few months ago. now when I'm doing crosses the *&($( thing keeps moving too freely now! Drag/Friction works well in this case.
  26. kato669

    First Time Stringing Gut...

    Definitely. Especially if you're using a lower tier/priced gut (like Global or Gaucho). I found learned the hard way that you can't tug too hard on the knots..broke < week later..multiple times. Ouch!
  27. kato669

    How often do you change your strings?

    ^^Ditto. I have my own stringer and feel my arm is worth the $4-$7 I spend on a fresh hybrid string job. (I buy reels too) :) Plus when poly goes bad, there is no feel whatsoever. The syngut or multi cross compensates a bit, but can't do all the work. May sound like a lot of money or...
  28. kato669

    Improving speed?

    ^^Agree with the suggestion cut a "tip" on the string. In fact, if you've crushed the string trying to push it through, cut about an inch or two (if you can spare it), then cut a fresh "tip" and push it through. Use chapstick or other wax-type product to add some lube to it. Get your pliers...
  29. kato669

    Constant pull vs Lockout

    Yes, you could just edit the text file and add your string. Or you can just change the value on screen to the values you want to use. TW doesn't have anything to do with Freqmess (other than a forum to discuss it). Maybe Marc stopped supporting the Windows 98 version (which is what the...
  30. kato669

    Constant pull vs Lockout

    No problem. Try the first link (english version seems to download fine) on the files section. Yes, the second mirror link underneath the first one seems to be a dead link. Also, instead of the palm of your hand, try a dinner spoon or the handle of a butter knife :). These make pretty good...
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