Stringing Machine problem

[defrule]

My machine came today, I got it set up but when I was trying to pull tension I couldn't do it.

It's a dropweight system with the a bit like the Eagnas Combo 710. I put the string into the ball bearing dripper then the manual says to lift the tension arm above horizontal and let it drop and repeat until it lies in horizontal position.

Now my problem is the piece that grips the string just follows when I lift the arm up.
It moves along with the weights when being dropped it's locked to follow that direction.
I can lift the tension arm up without moving the gripper but I need to hold the gripper to do so.

Help, this thing is brand new.

Jack, I am not clear on the problem description. Under normal conditions, the arm/weight and the linear string gripper move together. If the arm/weight goes below horizontal, the arm/weight can be repositioned upward with the string/linear gripper remaining stationary in that last position (holding tension on the string) while you raise the arm/weight to complete the pull to reference tension (this is the action of the clutch with the ratchet allowing this to be done with one hand). Also, under normal conditions the linear gripper can be rotated CW with the weight/arm stationary. If with ratchet engaged and the weight/arm below horizontal, when you raise the weight/arm the linear gripper rises with the arm, you probably have a broken clutch spring (& when try to string, the arm/weight is lowered and the string gripper does not move).

This is the problem I'm having, the string/linear gripper moves up with the arm instead of holding position keeping tension.

 

[origmarm]

Firstly what kind of stringer is it?

Secondly for me this is normal clutch operation, you should hold the gripper with one hand (to keep it in the same position) then raise the arm and let it fall. Repeat until horizontal.

Like on page 3 of this document:
http://www.sptennis.com/manuals/Swing.pdf

 

[rich s]

.......I can lift the tension arm up without moving the gripper but I need to hold the gripper to do so.........
.....This is the problem I'm having, the string/linear gripper moves up with the arm instead of holding position keeping tension.....

That is how ratcheting/clutch type drop weight machine work. You hold the gripper when you lift the arm and the gripper follows the arm as you release it.

Sounds to me like your machine is working normally.

 

[dancraig]

http://www.eagnas.com/maxgen/linear.html#GRIPOP

 

[defrule]

My machine has the extra horizontal grip thing like this.

I thought that horizontal gripper rotates down with the weight but locks in place so you can move the weight up without needing to hold it down?

Should I be hearing clicks when I pull tension?

I've tried holding the gripper down but I'm finding it hard to move the weight up and keep the gripper still.

Quoting a bit more, "this is the action of the clutch with the ratchet allowing this to be done with one hand"

 

[rich s]

........I thought that horizontal gripper rotates down with the weight but locks in place so you can move the weight up without needing to hold it down?

no, the gripper rotates when the arm is lowered down due the clutch in the drop arm/gripper assembly. There is no ratchet that prevents the gripper from rotating counterclockwise when you lift the drop arm.

........I've tried holding the gripper down but I'm finding it hard to move the weight up and keep the gripper still.

You don't have to keep the gripper perfectly still when you lift the arm. If the gripper moves while you are holding it, but you are able to lift the drop arm that is what matters.

It doesn't get much simpler than this: http://www.eagnas.com/maxgen/griprach.html#RATCHOP

 

[defrule]

I see, guess it's more complicated than I expected.

Found a link that works to the exact model.
http://www.stringforum.net/mforum.php?show=tyger_stringeco45&model=Tyger StringEco-45

Any tips on how to get the tensioning right? I can't seem to get it decently horizontal. I'm finding it hard to make small movements to the weight holding the gripper down.

 

[rich s]

It will take you more than one or two "lifts" of the drop arm to achieve a horizontal orientation.

If the tip of your drop arm is approx 1.5" above or below a perfect horizontal position you will still achieve 99% of the reference tension.

 

[defrule]

I've been spending time trying to get perfect horizontal lol.