Ordering a Machine Soon- Need Advice!

[canny]

Hey im going to be ordering the Gamma progression 200 shortly and I know it comes with all the essentials but I was wondering what else should I order with the machine. Like if any of the tools arent really that good or if there better options or other things I should get with the order.

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Gamm...MMA-GP200.html

[Maui19]

You might want to get a starting clamp, and a set of flush cutters. While not absolutely essential, they come in pretty handy for a lot of things.

[Irvin]

Originally Posted by Maui19

You might want to get a starting clamp, and a set of flush cutters. While not absolutely essential, they come in pretty handy for a lot of things.

For sure starting clamp (at least one) and flush cutter aka side cutter. A bent nose plier will come in handy also.

[Woolybugger]

Can someone explain what a flush cutter could be useful for?

[Irvin]

Originally Posted by Woolybugger

Can someone explain what a flush cutter could be useful for?

Cutting the string. The reason for the flush cutter is to trim the string up neatly. Toe nail clippers will work but won't last as long. You can always get your bent nose pliers and side cutter locally or on line but get some good ones.

EDIT: something else you may want are some shears for cutting the string out of a racket.

[Steve Huff]

I prefer toe nail cutters as the flush cutters can scratch the racket if you're not careful. Irvin is correct though that toe nail cutters lose their sharpness more quickly and need replaced.

[Chotobaka]

Originally Posted by Irvin

For sure starting clamp (at least one) and flush cutter aka side cutter. A bent nose plier will come in handy also.

The Xuron bent nose plier is highly recommended. Very, very handy tool and high quality as are all of their tools.

[Lakers4Life]

Xuron are overpriced IMHO, Xcelite are just as good for less than half the price. Cresent sells a red handle version of Xcelite cutters and pliers at Home Depot for $16.


I recently bought a new cutter from Monoprice for $5. Though shipping is $5 but if you need cables that's the place to go.

[fortun8son]

Flush cutters and side cutters are not the same. Many side cutters just mash the string.

Craftsman makes a nice mini flush cut end nipper as part of a set with a cool bent-nose, too.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...71000P?cw=true

I've used these at work for years, came from tennis machines with an awl and a string mover.

[Irvin]

Well I guess you could go for a full flush side cutter

http://www.amazon.com/Duratool-Taper.../dp/B005GBJ8UG

[fortun8son]

Originally Posted by Irvin

Well I guess you could go for a full flush side cutter

http://www.amazon.com/Duratool-Taper.../dp/B005GBJ8UG

Wow, and they say Xuron is pricey!

[stringwalla]

Originally Posted by fortun8son

Wow, and they say Xuron is pricey!

WoW!!!, no need for that level/price of cutter.
Been using Xuron for 2 years, but been fine with any cutter/pliers for the previous 20 years. Don't sweat your tools. A good awl is the hardest to find. Cutters and pliers are everywhere you look-

[Lakers4Life]

$5 http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2

[The Meat]

Starting clamps can be pretty expensive, the flush cutters are a nice way to cut the tie offs.

But you just need needle nose pliers, clippers, and a tape measure.

[tbuggle]

needle nose pliers are useless in stringing.

well, maybe not useless........but highly unnecessary.
unless you want to wear an eye patch for the rest of your life.

have yet to use a pair, except for the curved ones, to fish string through a tight spot. even then, i feel like a dummy
when i have to do so.

but, i'm a dummy.

[Irvin]

Originally Posted by tbuggle

needle nose pliers are useless in stringing.

well, maybe not useless........but highly unnecessary.
unless you want to wear an eye patch for the rest of your life.

have yet to use a pair, except for the curved ones, to fish string through a tight spot. even then, i feel like a dummy
when i have to do so.

but, i'm a dummy.

Why isn't dummy spelled with a B? I would have to agree with you, the three most used tools I have in order of importance are 1) starting clamp, 2) bent nose pliers, and 3) side cutters.

EDIT: I have some bent needle nose pliers and the are not near as easy to use as standard bent nose.

[Maui19]

Umm, in deference to our forum hosts, I was trying to point out useful tools, not the place to buy them the cheapest. YMMV

[canny]

is the gamma starting clip better than the composite clamps? or an essential tool? Should I just go ahead and buy two?

[The Meat]

Originally Posted by canny

is the gamma starting clip better than the composite clamps? or an essential tool? Should I just go ahead and buy two?

You only need the two composite clamps that come with the machine, the starting clamp is only useful if you're doing an around the world stringing pattern or manually hand pulling the strings into a knot. Don't worry about the starting clamp until you actually have strung enough racquets and want to try the all around stringing pattern.

Edit: Here are images of how you can string without a starting clamp

[Lakers4Life]

You don't need a starting clamp, but it does come in handy. Especially when you need a bridge. With a drop weight, you'll definitely need a bridge when you come up short. I have at least two for every machine I use. One is useful, two are very handy.

When I first started stringing, I did not have a starting clamp. After I got one, it was big help. Then I got a second one, and boy it comes in handy.