Somebody virtually slap me... Quick!!!

[rolleroh]

I really cannot thank everyone enough for PRICELESS feedback, advice, experience, and all the virtual slaps to the ear hole!!

After much internal agonizing & chasing countless used machines that have already been sold, I placed an order for a new Gamma 5003 2pt SC Mount machine from T*****Machines.com for $999.00, w Free Shipping & the standard tools/ accessories.

While I feel very comfortable that I found the best deal on a solid machine, I am both extremely excited & feel like throwing up whenever I think about it.

I am certain that I exhausted every opportunity to get a used machine from my short list, and also know the price I paid is $200 less than any other new 5003 2pt SC I was able to find, but just do not have the experience to feel completely confident in my decision.

Knowing my plan to start a hopefully thriving small business relies on a quality machine w the capability to work quickly, I guess there is always something to second guess if you allow yourself.

I'm sure when my machine arrives I will be like a 10-yr old on Christmas, but I am just wondering if I should have bought the Revo 4000 w Wise, or potentially a NEOS or 6004, just bc the 5003 is more of a 'dated' model opposed to a 'different' machine, but the 2-pt appears to be a 6004 w slightly different clamps being the only difference.

Ive rambled enough -- I'll post some pics & an update once I receive & put it together!!

[diredesire]

Originally Posted by rolleroh

I really cannot thank everyone enough for PRICELESS feedback, advice, experience, and all the virtual slaps to the ear hole!!

After much internal agonizing & chasing countless used machines that have already been sold, I placed an order for a new Gamma 5003 2pt SC Mount machine from T*****Machines.com for $999.00, w Free Shipping & the standard tools/ accessories.

While I feel very comfortable that I found the best deal on a solid machine, I am both extremely excited & feel like throwing up whenever I think about it.

I am certain that I exhausted every opportunity to get a used machine from my short list, and also know the price I paid is $200 less than any other new 5003 2pt SC I was able to find, but just do not have the experience to feel completely confident in my decision.

Knowing my plan to start a hopefully thriving small business relies on a quality machine w the capability to work quickly, I guess there is always something to second guess if you allow yourself.

I'm sure when my machine arrives I will be like a 10-yr old on Christmas, but I am just wondering if I should have bought the Revo 4000 w Wise, or potentially a NEOS or 6004, just bc the 5003 is more of a 'dated' model opposed to a 'different' machine, but the 2-pt appears to be a 6004 w slightly different clamps being the only difference.

Ive rambled enough -- I'll post some pics & an update once I receive & put it together!!

Only gripe(s) I have with the 5003 is the 6 point mounting system and clamps. The 6004 outside dominates the 5003's outside. Looks like you bypassed that issue altogether. The inside mount will do you just fine Just be careful not to torque the mounts down too hard at first, they will pop out if you torque down hard at first, from what I understand. Look around at threads in this subforum, I've posted in several. You're looking for a post by Gamma Tech that describes how to do it "the right way." Summary is: If you're muscling down the hold-down lever, you're doing it wrong.

The clamps are A-OK on the Gamma machines, I used them in a very, very high volume environment, and while the switch action would have been welcomed with open arms, I had to deal with the standard clamps. They're good, but not great. If you really torque them down (which isn't necessary!) they'll eventually loosen up, but adjustment is easy. I wouldn't want them in a professional environment, but for even the moderate volume home stringer, they'll be reliable and sturdy. Many people who work(ed) with crappy machines that came to work with me had a habit of really cranking them down. I think this behavior comes from low quality cone lock bases that frequently slipped.

Otherwise, great purchase. Even if you upgrade to the wise, keep the crank around in case you need it in a pinch. I personally don't think you'll regret your mount choice or your choice to get a standup machine. I'm all for portability, but IMHO a stand is miles better than a rolling cart, which is miles better than hunching over a temporary workstation/desk. You've got room to grow, and you can always upgrade clamps down the line, if you really want to.

[COPEY]

Originally Posted by diredesire

Again, this is a question about how well one knows themselves, but it's not always the right path to start with the lower end machines.

Very well said. I always encourage people to buy the most machine they can afford, but I throw in the little caveat that you have to be sure you're not the kind of person that will get tired of it after 2 months. I tell them if they're not sure, start with a low-end machine to test the waters. There's a kid I teach (high school, 17) who I taught how to string in order to save money (and my time). He could come over any time and string his racquets. His first experience with stringing was with someone standing over his shoulder, walking him through the entire process using a fairly nice machine with an electronic tensioner. Long story short, he's pretty much done, and this kid is a string breaker. I'm back to stringing his racquets with his parents footing the bill...for now. I suggested to him a while back to consider investing in a machine, but now that he's tried it (and under very favorable conditions) I guess he figured out it just wasn't for him. Fair enough.

I knew I was going to be into stringing for the long haul, so I sprung for decent machine. Unfortunately it wasn't the most machine I could afford; it was the most machine I could convince my wife to let me purchase without having to hear her nag me day and night!

Anyway, congrats on your purchase, and there's no need to hurl; you'll be fine I'm sure. As dd referred to, far too many home stringers start stringing for others sooner than they should, and I was one of them. On the positive side, it took me a while to build my customer base, so I didn't screw up too many racquets. Take your time, learn as much as you can, gain the experience you need (I'm not going to put a number on it--you'll know), and I'm sure you'll end up with satisfied customers willing to spread the word about a new local stringer with a great selection and good prices.

By the way, I may have missed it in a previous post, but what do the local pro shops charge for labor in your area? The ones here just went from $15/hr to $20/hr, so I'm quite certain I'll have a few more people ringing my phone in the future.

[McLovin]

Originally Posted by rolleroh

...but I am just wondering if I should have bought the Revo 4000 w Wise...

I'll let you know. I placed an order for the Alpha Revo/Wise combo last week & it is scheduled to arrive today. I probably won't get to stringing anything until tomorrow, though, as I have "kid taxi" duties most of this evening.

This will be my 3rd machine, as I mentioned earlier in this thread, replacing my Eagnas poo-poo after only 5 years.

It will be interesting to see how much time I save w/ this new setup. I've never really been focused on speed, usually putting The Daily Show or Colbert Nation on in the background while stringing & taking my time, but it has to be better than my current situation, constantly tightening the clamps so they don't slip.

[rolleroh]

Well guys, it looks like the stringing higher powers have different plans for me----

I received a 'Comfirmation' today stating they no longer carry Gamma machines!!!!!!
Also realized it is T*****MachinesNOW.com, not the same sans 'NOW',,,,,,

My card wasn't charged, but now I'm worried this was bogus!!!!

Anybody have any experience?? And should I now opt for Alpha+Wise???

AAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!

[COPEY]

I believe someone already suggested it, but why don't you wait until the end of the year (late Nov/early Dec) when TW does their gift card routine and pick up a nice machine then.

If that idea doesn't appeal to you and you want/need one now, pick a machine and pull the trigger anyway. I mean, eventually it'll pay for itself so I wouldn't get too hung up on whether or not you save a few bucks initially.

Still, your situation is nothing to get worked up about given the options at your disposal and the availability of the machine, albeit at a slightly higher cost than what you thought you were going to pay.

[tbuggle]

get a nice machine now and add the wise later. that's my plan (maybe, step one is covered and i'm happy).

[McLovin]

Originally Posted by rolleroh

And should I now opt for Alpha+Wise???

Well, I'm in the 'yes' column on that one:

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showt...13#post6870729

[COPEY]

The aforementioned combo certainly falls within the OP's financial wheelhouse, but I like jim e's advice with respect to an upright stringer as opposed to a tabletop. If going with an upright stringer puts the wise on hold for a few months that's fine in my opinion. Learn to string on a lockout then move to a wise; you'll undoubtedly appreciate the wise even more. Plus, if you ever have to return the wise for repair, falling back on the crank--although painful (been there)--is a better option than being sidelined altogether.

Just to be clear, there's absolutely nothing wrong with a tabletop, but for what you want to ultimately do with your machine I think an upright is the better choice

[rolleroh]

Thanks for keeping the suggestions rolling in---

I am actually having a bit of a problem w this 'company',,,
No 'charge' to CC, but they put an authorization on my account for the entire amount (prior to even verifying availability!!!-- I work for a bank & this is borderline unethical) that has been jamming me up a few days now.

To my surprise, they do answer the phone & offer to help- even though they do not know how,,,,,

This probably traces back to my seriously considering burning money in my fireplace......... errrr buying an EAGNAS machine as my stringing empire focal investment,,,,,,,,

Once sorted out, I'm taking a serious look at the new Alpha Apex Plus--- looks SWEET, & discussed w Mark G. today// he is putting offer together for me, so fingers crossed it is a solid deal & I'll pull the trigger

[COPEY]

Originally Posted by rolleroh

Once sorted out, I'm taking a serious look at the new Alpha Apex Plus--- looks SWEET, & discussed w Mark G. today// he is putting offer together for me, so fingers crossed it is a solid deal & I'll pull the trigger

Apex Plus? I own an Apex, never heard of the Apex Plus. I'll have to look into this. But yeah, the Apex is a really nice machine.

Ah ok - I see. It looks like they slapped on the base stand of the Axis Pro, gave it new clamps (to accommodate badminton racquets), different, new clamp base, dual knob adjustment....looks to be about it. Great machine though - love my Apex!