Question for Gaines

[stringzilla]

Gaines,

I just recently joined this site and saw your discussion about your machine and upgrade...I have a few questions if you don't mind...When you upgraded did you change out just the mounting table or did you replace with whole new machine? Also, did you upgrade through Alpha or Newtech? Is the Wise head you refer to an "aftermarket" electronic tension head and if so, how much was it? I have been stringing for about 7 years now and string for a local shop as well as myself...I own an Axis Pro(for about 3 1/2 years) and have also used the Gamma 6004 lockout and Gamma 1500 Electric..The Gamma electric is ok but we have had problems periodically with the locking mechanism for the bases on the clamps and I really do not like the winding mechanism for the tensioner..I have talked with Mark from Alpha several times in the past and he has always been very helpful but I do have a few minor issues with the clamps on my Alpha..

Thanks so much,

stringzilla

[Mike Cottrill]

stringzilla,
What are your minor issues with the clamps?
Thanks

[Gaines Hillix]

Originally Posted by stringzilla

Gaines,

I just recently joined this site and saw your discussion about your machine and upgrade...I have a few questions if you don't mind...When you upgraded did you change out just the mounting table or did you replace with whole new machine? Also, did you upgrade through Alpha or Newtech? Is the Wise head you refer to an "aftermarket" electronic tension head and if so, how much was it? I have been stringing for about 7 years now and string for a local shop as well as myself...I own an Axis Pro(for about 3 1/2 years) and have also used the Gamma 6004 lockout and Gamma 1500 Electric..The Gamma electric is ok but we have had problems periodically with the locking mechanism for the bases on the clamps and I really do not like the winding mechanism for the tensioner..I have talked with Mark from Alpha several times in the past and he has always been very helpful but I do have a few minor issues with the clamps on my Alpha..

Thanks so much,

stringzilla

I replaced the entire upper end of the machine. Basically, the only thing that was left of the Axis Pro was the stand, turntable brake and the tension head arm. Mark at Alpha provided the parts I needed. We thought we could re-use the turntable mount(the part under the turntable that rotates) and the clamps from the Axis Pro, but they had to be swapped out too. He didn't need my old turntable and frame mount, but I traded in my clamps. The Wise electronic tension head replaces the crank tension head. Here's a link to their website; www.**********.com . It does just what they say it does and it's just as easy to install and setup as they show on their website .

[stringzilla]

Gaines,

thanks for the response...I do have another question however..With the amount of $$ it has taken to upgrade machine, did you save over just buying an Alpha electric machine that was set up from the factory???Are you just as happy with how your upgrade has turned out?

Thanks

Stringzilla

[stringzilla]

Mike,

I have had the machine for about 3 1/2 years and have no real complaints, just a few minor things..I talked with Mark today from Alpha and I think he is sending me the fix ....Here are the issues that you asked about..

1 - I somehow have managed to break the return spring for the locking mechanism on the clamp base twice...Not difficult to replace but saw no real reason for the break...

2- The movement on the locking lever for the base is suppose to stop about half way across total range of moverment when correct...I have one clamp that after being reset, lasts only one string job before it requires 3/4 of total movement before locking the base...
Mark is sending me a brass ferrell that goes inside the base that works in conjunction with the set screw that he says should fix ..

Stringzilla

[Gaines Hillix]

Originally Posted by stringzilla

Gaines,

thanks for the response...I do have another question however..With the amount of $$ it has taken to upgrade machine, did you save over just buying an Alpha electric machine that was set up from the factory???Are you just as happy with how your upgrade has turned out?

Thanks

Stringzilla

You'll need to get a quote from Mark on this. I am not sure if this is a standard offering for them. It was kind of an experiment and I am not sure if the price I paid is representative of what it really would cost someone else. The cheapest electric machine from Alpha that would be comparable to mine costs about $2000(the Saturn). I have about $1500 in my machine, so I think it was well worth it and I still have the crank tension head as a backup.

[Mike Cottrill]

Gaines,
Sounds like Mark did not charge you anything to upgrade. ~950 for Axis Pro and $495 for the Wise. Nice of Mark.

[stringzilla]

Gaines,

I had a conversation with Mark today..Currently, it would not be worth me trying to upgrade just the mounting table..the fact that with the wise head purchase, you still have crank head is nice...that has always been a concern of mine..what happens if something goes wrong with the electric..

Stringzilla

[zeniththepinnacle]

I have the laserfibre ms200dx and am thinking of getting a flying clamp to help start the tensioning of the first main and cross strings.
Which flying clamp should I get. I am uncomfortable using a starting clamp.

[Gaines Hillix]

A starting clamp is actually easier to use than a flying clamp when you are in a situation where only one string needs to be held. A flying clamp is designed to hold two strings and if you are only going to clamp one string a scrap piece of string has to be used in the other set of teeth. Most people seem to like the Laserfibre flying clamps and the RAB/Alpha starting clamp is the best one for the money.