Old School Ektelon

Zhou

Hall of Fame
The Ektelon is in essence the predecessor to the Prince Neos. Almost identical machines. It depends on if it is upgraded or not.

I personally don't know much about the Neos/ Ektelon history so I hope another member on these forums can chime in.
 

mlewis721

Rookie
There are screws on the underside of the glide bar ends which allow you to adjust the amount of play they have on the base. Even if you don't go that route, I think you will find that most stringers using this type of machine will pull the bar flush up against the rail base while they are clamping the string so that there isn't that "travel" you are experiencing when you release tension. So, no... it isn't something to worry about, but it is something you need to be aware of (you already are) and address.
 
Oh I see. Like lifting up the bar before I clamp to anticipate the play. If the play is 1/8 of an inch, I can live with it. Otherwise, 1/4 is just too much.

Thanks.
 

Cfidave

Professional
It is almost impossible to get all the play out of the glide bars, and still have them glide smoothly, without binding. I have made what seems like a million adjustments, and it comes down to a compromise of some play, and smooth travel. I would say an 1/8" is about right, and the technique discussed above for clamping helps with that.
 

Cfidave

Professional
Thanks for the advice. I figure the Ektelon, with its play, will be better than the other machine using floating clamps that I wanted.


No question about it. The machine is rock solid. Mine is a later model H, but any of the Ektelons are capable of very consistent stringing. I also believe it has one of the best mounts ever made, and by far the fastest.
 

Snipergene

Rookie
I got ride of the base/cabinet thing.... It was just too big for my place in LA. I wanted a table top machine. So, I rigged myself a base made of PVC. Yes, it's hilarious.

I am thinking of getting rid of the base/cabinet. If anyone in West LA wants the base for their NEOS, I am willing to give it away for free.
Hey

I'm in West LA and I'll take the cabinet! BTW, my Ektelon has a decal on the lower part of the riser assembly just below the tool tray that says what model it is.
 

mlewis721

Rookie
So, I rigged myself a base made of PVC. Yes, it's hilarious.

Actually, that's pretty ingenious...especially if you didn't have to go out and buy any of it and there's no rocking when you use it.

Judging by the tip riser and the paint job I'm thinking you have an early H model. Is there a label on the tensioning track up near the brake handle?
 
There was some rocking, but I sanded the coupling down, and it fits perfectly now. There is no label on the handle. Thanks for the help.


To Snipergene, what's your email. I have a cover as well, do you want that too?
 

Snipergene

Rookie
There was some rocking, but I sanded the coupling down, and it fits perfectly now. There is no label on the handle. Thanks for the help.


To Snipergene, what's your email. I have a cover as well, do you want that too?
I'm happy with the cabinet.
 
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Snipergene

Rookie
There was some rocking, but I sanded the coupling down, and it fits perfectly now. There is no label on the handle. Thanks for the help.
I just looked at the picture. That tool try is the one that came on the model H. So unless it was retrofitted, you likely have the H. Great deal for $75!!!
 

Steve Huff

G.O.A.T.
Like mlewis said, you can adjust the tightness of the glide bars. Look on the bottom of the ends. There are little screws. You just loosen them and adjust it. Do just one end.
 

Snipergene

Rookie
Ninja, my email is .... Will you be picking up in West LA?

Sniper, let's arrange pickup some time this weekend.

Nice meeting you and thanks for letting me pick it up last night! I'm going to hide the cabinet from my wife a little longer.
 
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jim e

Legend
Nice meeting you and thanks for letting me pick it up last night! I'm going to hide the cabinet from my wife a little longer.

Your going to hide the cabinet from your wife? Or did you mean that your going to hide your wife in the cabinet?(a little longer).
 
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