Anyone dislike MP Hercules 680

[Pleepers]

I hear so many valid complaints about Eagnas, I've been looking at the MP Hercules 680. Mostly because of the linear gripper (I string with poly), 6pt mounting, and fixed clamps.

Has anyone had any bad experiences with this machine?

What are people's thoughts about the round drum/gripper when stringing with polyester? Does it deform/damage the string much?

I'm debating between this and the Silent Partner Swing. Thoughts???

Thanks -I really appreciate it

 

[tichinko]

I have this machine and I don't have major complaints. Overall my level of satisfaction is pretty high although this is my first stringing machine and I don't have anything to compare to. It produces very consistent results and everything functions well. The linear gripper works fine regardless of the type of the string. The frame fixing is very stable, it does not allow any frame deflection/movement. The clamps work fine and the adjustment from one string to another is very easy. The only thing that I wish was made better is the clamp base - clamp stem fit, it allows a bit more flex/movement than I would have allowed as a mechanical engineer. If this parts had come to my desk for inspection I would have rejected them and requested thighter fit but this most likely will make the machine more expensive, the way Laserfibre is. This might sound scary if you are not able to see by yourself what I am talking about but in reality I understand it is considered minor thing. I have heard from people on this board with much more expensive equipment that their clamps flex/move as well and this is considered normal or at least something that makes the stringing on one machine dificult to reproduce on another just by adjusting the tension to the same number. Please correct me if I am wrong.
The manual is almost useless. Search this forum and the Net for better free info. You might want to purchase starting clamp.