Casters for Progression / Gamma X stands

[Dillon4787]

Hi all!

I did some digging through the forums and there is one thread in particular that touches on casters for my specific stand. The thread can be seen here.

The stand I have is here.

Because the original thread is somewhat old, some of those links are dead. They do list the proper metric measurements for the stem, but many of the caster sites don't detail that info, so I was wondering if anyone else has ventured into this. Gamma sells the wheels, which look great, but will run up to nearly $100 shipped for four wheels. Surely, there are more affordable options out there that work just as well, if not better, but I'm having a hard time being sure which threads will fit.

For reference, the casters are M8 125mm X 20mm -- per that thread.

There is a single amazon link with some affordable wheels in that thread, but they seem like plastic wheels and maybe there's something slightly nicer out there. I know we have a lot of Gamma users on the forum.

Thanks!

 

[alexmcnab]

I've had these in my amazon wish list for months, uk I know, may ship elsewhere. Can't confirm they fit but the specs are right.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B017A86...olid=1TG4I70NPP1DP&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07X636...olid=1TG4I70NPP1DP&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
And these on amazon.com

Oajen 2" Caster, Locking, Brake, Metric M8-1.25 x 20mm, Pack of 4: Stem Casters: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

Oajen 2" Caster, Locking, Brake, Metric M8-1.25 x 20mm, Pack of 4: Stem Casters: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

www.amazon.com

 

[Dillon4787]

I've had these in my amazon wish list for months, uk I know, may ship elsewhere. Can't confirm they fit but the specs are right.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B017A86...olid=1TG4I70NPP1DP&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07X636...olid=1TG4I70NPP1DP&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
And these on amazon.com

Oajen 2" Caster, Locking, Brake, Metric M8-1.25 x 20mm, Pack of 4: Stem Casters: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

Oajen 2" Caster, Locking, Brake, Metric M8-1.25 x 20mm, Pack of 4: Stem Casters: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

www.amazon.com

Yes, thanks for the reply! The first and 3rd ones I have seen and I’m definitely considering those, but they seem like maybe a cheaper plastic material and I feel like a rubber wheel with maybe a sturdier base would be better. Not a bad option, but definitely wanted to see what else was out there first.

 

[struggle]

I said screw the hassle and bought the "Gamma" casters. They are nice, have brakes, etc.

Yeah, i could have saved some $$ (and wasted some time searching) but these fit and are perfect for the purpose.

I don't regret my decision at all.

 

[mikeler]

I bought these 11 years ago for my Gamma X-ST:

Product ID: TWUN-75N-M20-BK
Product Name: Great Lakes Caster - Un-Hooded Twin Wheel - 75mm Black Twin Wheel Un-Hooded Caster with 8mm x 12mm T
Quantity: 4
Unit Price: 1.64

 

[Dillon4787]

I bought these 11 years ago for my Gamma X-ST:

Product ID: TWUN-75N-M20-BK
Product Name: Great Lakes Caster - Un-Hooded Twin Wheel - 75mm Black Twin Wheel Un-Hooded Caster with 8mm x 12mm T
Quantity: 4
Unit Price: 1.64

I looked that model up and brakes are a MUST. I seemed to find that model with the brake, which is great. Might end up going that route, but was still on the hunt for a slightly nicer wheel with perhaps a metal housing, not plastic, for durability purposes.

 

[Dillon4787]

I said screw the hassle and bought the "Gamma" casters. They are nice, have brakes, etc.

Yeah, i could have saved some $$ (and wasted some time searching) but these fit and are perfect for the purpose.

I don't regret my decision at all.

I'm sure they're great! The money is adding up, though. This is certainly an area where I can cut a corner without any drawback, so I wanted to explore it.

 

[Dillon4787]

.

 

[mikeler]

I looked that model up and brakes are a MUST. I seemed to find that model with the brake, which is great. Might end up going that route, but was still on the hunt for a slightly nicer wheel with perhaps a metal housing, not plastic, for durability purposes.

The plastic wheels have held up fine for 11 years. Most of my place is tile except for a shaggy rug right in front of my TV. That is where I do my stringing and so the rug works as the brake for me. Good luck finding your ideal setup, you'll be happy once you get some wheels on your machine.

 

[struggle]

I'm gonna put my next stringer on some sorta Segway kinda rig. Single set of wheels
just "hovering" underneath the machine. You can pre-stretch against it, O-ports...no
Problem!!

 

[First Serve]

I bought the Gamma wheel casters for my 6000 series machine. Got tired of dragging the machine around on the old "pads" located at each leg. The distributor in my case put the order into Gamma.

The wheels are fairly large so now the stringer is positioned higher but I am getting used to it. Trying to find wheels not from Gamma was a pain, (proper thread size) so I paid the premium for the OEM wheel casters.

 

[manirban]

I'm sure they're great! The money is adding up, though. This is certainly an area where I can cut a corner without any drawback, so I wanted to explore it.

Take one of the plastic feet off of your stand and make a trip to your local hardware store along with the metric size information - they will have a thread gauge and will be able to help you pretty easily. Even if they don't have the specific one in stock, you can then use the same info on a bunch of other online places and find the right fit. Luckily for me the stand that came with my old Gamma was discontinued, so the folks at Gamma were more than happy to provide the information. I think I bought mine from small local hardware shop but they were absolutely fine and hard rubber with at least 4x the load capacity I needed. And brakes are a must - just get them on all 4 wheels. Try to find the smallest diameter wheels that come in hard rubber, where 3 of the wheels will more than adequately take the load of the stringer - the larger the diameter the more you've raised the string bed up, and it may bother you (i'm short and my 3" dia wheels on my stand bothered me at first).

 

[Dillon4787]

UPDATE: For the culture....

I purchased THESE bad boys here for $16 total. All four have brakes and they installed easy and fit perfectly. They seem to hold the weight with no problem and they glide well. The brakes are "dual lock" which means they brake the rotation as well as the wheel. Thanks all for the help!

Amazon link - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VVHSDN7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Pictures:

 

[shadow01]

I purchased THESE bad boys here for $16 total. All four have brakes and they installed easy and fit perfectly. They seem to hold the weight with no problem and they glide well. The brakes are "dual lock" which means they brake the rotation as well as the wheel. Thanks all for the help!

Cool - thanks for this - I'm going to give these a try also. Last time I asked Gamma - they said they don't carry casters for this version of their stand (the $139.99 model) - and only carried them for their $169.99 model

 

[badmice2]

UPDATE: For the culture....

I purchased THESE bad boys here for $16 total. All four have brakes and they installed easy and fit perfectly. They seem to hold the weight with no problem and they glide well. The brakes are "dual lock" which means they brake the rotation as well as the wheel. Thanks all for the help!

Amazon link - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VVHSDN7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have these same ones on my Ghost. Works really well.

 

[alexmcnab]

@Dillon4787 how did you get on with a stem length of 25mm? I thought it needed 12 or 12.5mm
I've ordered these at 15mm but thought I would add some washers to take up the gap:-

TW 40mm Twin Wheeled Castor with Threaded Stem and Brake

This 40mm twin wheel braked hooded castor comes with an M8 thread that is 15mm long for simple attachment to equipment, display stands, office equipment and point of sale displays. For fitting options, wood inserts, tee-nuts and weld on nuts are optional

www.rosscastors.co.uk

 

[Dillon4787]

@Dillon4787 how did you get on with a stem length of 25mm? I thought it needed 12 or 12.5mm
I've ordered these at 15mm but thought I would add some washers to take up the gap:-

TW 40mm Twin Wheeled Castor with Threaded Stem and Brake

This 40mm twin wheel braked hooded castor comes with an M8 thread that is 15mm long for simple attachment to equipment, display stands, office equipment and point of sale displays. For fitting options, wood inserts, tee-nuts and weld on nuts are optional

www.rosscastors.co.uk

I did a basic measurement using an awl and then measured how far in the threads went. I originally saw people suggest 20mm length, but the 25mm worked great and it came with some extra nuts and add-on's.

The 25mm works well and I theorize that I could have maybe even gone longer with some washers if I needed to.

 

[mikeler]

Those look like pretty high quality. Congrats and enjoy your rolling.

 

[alexmcnab]

Update- In the uk - I've just got these and they seem great. Only £10.82 including 2 day shipping.
Only 15mm, but thats longer than the legs I took off. Will hold up to 120kgs!

TW 40mm Twin Wheeled Castor with Threaded Stem and Brake

This 40mm twin wheel braked hooded castor comes with an M8 thread that is 15mm long for simple attachment to equipment, display stands, office equipment and point of sale displays. For fitting options, wood inserts, tee-nuts and weld on nuts are optional

www.rosscastors.co.uk

 

[jugheadfla]

This doesn't relate to casters but has anyone found anyone that possibly sells an attachment tray for this stand? Something that attaches below the machine on the stand for another tray? I have so many tools that the machine itself won't hold it all. Not sure if there is anything, just curious to see if anyone has found anything like that.

 

[JEDI MASTER]

This doesn't relate to casters but has anyone found anyone that possibly sells an attachment tray for this stand? Something that attaches below the machine on the stand for another tray? I have so many tools that the machine itself won't hold it all. Not sure if there is anything, just curious to see if anyone has found anything like that.

one of these Park Bike Stand trays should fit..

Accessories

Make your favorite bicycle repair stand even more versatile with compatible accessories from Park Tool.

www.parktool.com

the smallest tube on the stand is 1.75" Dia.(44.5mm) and the largest is 2.37" Dia.(60mm)

my bike stand has a dia. of 1.75" and I use the Tray 104 on it...

 

[shadow01]

Cool - thanks for this - I'm going to give these a try also. Last time I asked Gamma - they said they don't carry casters for this version of their stand (the $139.99 model) - and only carried them for their $169.99 model

got them. Installation was straight forward. (Just removed the feet and screwed these right in. Didn’t need any of the extra nuts or screws that came with it). They glide smooth and lock tight. Rolls fine on hard floor and carpet.
Having wheels is really nice!
thanks again for posting this!

 

[Dillon4787]

got them. Installation was straight forward. (Just removed the feet and screwed these right in. Didn’t need any of the extra nuts or screws that came with it). They glide smooth and lock tight. Rolls fine on hard floor and carpet.
Having wheels is really nice!
thanks again for posting this!

Awesome!

 

[struggle]

got them. Installation was straight forward. (Just removed the feet and screwed these right in. Didn’t need any of the extra nuts or screws that came with it). They glide smooth and lock tight. Rolls fine on hard floor and carpet.
Having wheels is really nice!
thanks again for posting this!

I'd suggest putting on the extra nuts as those are for locking the wheels in place at different lengths.

Useful on uneven floors. Perhaps you don't need them, but i do. Additionally, they will (perhaps) unscrew
on their own, so those extra nuts (when tightened against the "foot" will lock them in place better).

Just a thought (keep them, at the very least, just in case...)

 

[shadow01]

I'd suggest putting on the extra nuts as those are for locking the wheels in place at different lengths.

Useful on uneven floors. Perhaps you don't need them, but i do. Additionally, they will (perhaps) unscrew
on their own, so those extra nuts (when tightened against the "foot" will lock them in place better).

Just a thought (keep them, at the very least, just in case...)

I see. I had no idea what they were for and couldn’t figure it out. So I just ignored them. They didn’t come with instructions - easy way to explain how to use those extra nuts (I’m not very handy with those type of things)?

 

[Lex]

Another "Thank You" for posting this. I installed the wheels 2 days ago. I've hesitated for Years on searching for the right thread size, etc.

Thumbs up for the solution!

 

[shadow01]

I said screw the hassle and bought the "Gamma" casters. They are nice, have brakes, etc.

Yeah, i could have saved some $$ (and wasted some time searching) but these fit and are perfect for the purpose.

I don't regret my decision at all.

struggle - just to clarify - gamma told me that the casters they sell are not compatible with the specific stand being discussed in this thread. 2 different people at 2 different times told me this. But sounds like they do actually fit? (At the end I’m glad they told me that because it saved me some cash - but I did hate lugging the machine around - I would have easily spent the money).

 

[struggle]

struggle - just to clarify - gamma told me that the casters they sell are not compatible with the specific stand being discussed in this thread. 2 different people at 2 different times told me this. But sounds like they do actually fit? (At the end I’m glad they told me that because it saved me some cash - but I did hate lugging the machine around - I would have easily spent the money).

no idea. i put them on a 6004.

 

[shadow01]

no idea. i put them on a 6004.

Got it missed that part. So yeah for this particular model - I don’t think there is an OEM option.

 

[struggle]

Gather my last response deleted due to relevant content. @Rabbit

 

[Dillon4787]

Since I've gotten a few messages since posting in here, I figured I would update that I lock, unlock and roll these wheels around on a daily basis and I don't know what I'd do without having them on my stringer. This is one of the better decisions I've made and they're still holding up perfectly.

 

[wollumeg]

Since I've gotten a few messages since posting in here, I figured I would update that I lock, unlock and roll these wheels around on a daily basis and I don't know what I'd do without having them on my stringer. This is one of the better decisions I've made and they're still holding up perfectly.

I was actually just looking at this thread today. Thanks for saving me some time! Since the gamma brand casters appear to be sold out everywhere I needed to find another option. I went with your suggestion and they should be delivered later this week. However, in reading this thread I don't know if this will work for the GAMMA XLT STRINGING MACHINE FLOOR STAND (SKU MXLFS10) since I didn't see anyone specifically call that stand out. But my fingers are crossed since it appears Gamma only sells one type of caster they must be able to work on all model stands they sell so I am hoping the same is true for the casters you had recommended.

 

[Dillon4787]

Awesome! I would think that you’re correct, but definitely keep us updated, so any other gamma users can have this info going forward. Best of luck!

 

[USMC-615]

Without clarification and sometimes a world of confusion for specific model stands when people talk about what casters fit what Gamma stands, if you are looking for casters for Gamma’s ‘Progression/X-Stringer Stand W/Caster Legs’ (model MPXF4000) aka the Premium Stand, or the ‘Gamma XLT Stringing Machine Floor Stand’ (model MXFLS10), 6004 models, and I would assume 5003 model stands as well, they seem to be the same as the 6004’s…you get one choice only and that’s buying the Gamma casters at $19.99/each. These stands’ legs run a basstard thread…it’s a 1/2”-12 BSW (British Standard Whitworth). Don’t even waste your time if here in the US thinking you’re going to find that thread in a caster anywhere trying to save a dollar…nobody has them here. And don’t even waste your time thinking NC 1/2”-13 or a metric equivalent will do it. About the only place you even hear this 1/2”-12 BSW thread pattern mentioned here in the US is hardware use with decades and decades old plate printing machines/roll printing machines, etc that were mfg’d in Europe and what handful are still in use here. The powers that be at Gamma years ago saw this money-maker opportunity with this oddball thread and jumped all on it. Is what it is.

 

[wollumeg]

Without clarification and sometimes a world of confusion for specific model stands when people talk about what casters fit what Gamma stands, if you are looking for casters for Gamma’s ‘Progression/X-Stringer Stand W/Caster Legs’ (model MPXF4000) aka the Premium Stand, or the ‘Gamma XLT Stringing Machine Floor Stand’ (model MXFLS10), 6004 models, and I would assume 5003 model stands as well, they seem to be the same as the 6004’s…you get one choice only and that’s buying the Gamma casters at $19.99/each. These stands’ legs run a basstard thread…it’s a 1/2”-12 BSW (British Standard Whitworth). Don’t even waste your time if here in the US thinking you’re going to find that thread in a caster anywhere trying to save a dollar…nobody has them here. And don’t even waste your time thinking NC 1/2”-13 or a metric equivalent will do it. About the only place you even hear this 1/2”-12 BSW thread pattern mentioned here in the US is hardware use with decades and decades old plate printing machines/roll printing machines, etc that were mfg’d in Europe and what handful are still in use here. The powers that be at Gamma years ago saw this money-maker opportunity with this oddball thread and jumped all on it. Is what it is.

I can confirm what you say is accurate. I went to hardware store and they said essentially the same thing. I did not get the casters from A M A Z O N to save a money however, I cant find the Gamma casters in stock anywhere in the US. I guess I will need to lug the machine and now new stand around for a bit longer.

 

[USMC-615]

I can confirm what you say is accurate. I went to hardware store and they said essentially the same thing. I did not get the casters from A M A Z O N to save a money however, I cant find the Gamma casters in stock anywhere in the US. I guess I will need to lug the machine and now new stand around for a bit longer.

If memory serves, last time I emailed or spoke with Ewan he said Gamma casters would be avail at some point now in September...and that may be pushed to October, I have no idea. Just keep an eye on the Gamma site.

 

[struggle]

Drill and re-tap is always an option, although in the end it may not really save you much if you aren't already tooled up for such.

FWIW, the Gamma casters are nice. When i bought mine several years ago, i decided the seemingly "extra" expense really isn't extra at all.

 

[USMC-615]

Drill and re-tap is always an option, although in the end it may not really save you much if you aren't already tooled up for such.

FWIW, the Gamma casters are nice. When i bought mine several years ago, i decided the seemingly "extra" expense really isn't extra at all.

The Gamma's are nice casters.

That's what I was going to do with mine, drill/re-tap until I started looking at prices for 5/8" x 3" or 4" threaded stem locking casters...more expensive than the 1/2"-12 Gamma casters. Can step up to 3/4"-10 threaded stem casters for about $20 a caster, but you're sitting at Gamma money going that route and don't have to fool with anything other than playing the wait 'til they come back in stock game, which seems to be the routine more often than not.

 

[malagabee]

My order was placed with ************* 2 months ago and still waiting the eta November. They sent a usps tracking number that just says “Drop ship”. Don’t know what it means. For the time being my machine stays in 1 place and I’ve no need to move it anyways.

 

[jim e]

That means the person you purchased from does not have the item, but orders from another business, and that business ships item to you. The person you ordered from is middle man that makes little extra profit on items he orders for customers, so he has no inventory.

 

[malagabee]

That means the person you purchased from does not have the item, but orders from another business, and that business ships item to you. The person you ordered from is middle man that makes little extra profit on items he orders for customers, so he has no inventory.

Thanks. This makes sense. T E most likely also get it from Gamma Gamma’s source. They r the same price anyways.

 

[struggle]

Thanks. This makes sense. T E most likely also get it from Gamma Gamma’s source. They r the same price anyways.

Yes, they drop ship from Gamma/source, just like TW does.

10 years ago, my Gamma 6004 ordered through TW came directly from Gamma.

My casters. i spoke with John (former @Gamma Tech) and ordered them direct.

Got them quick, BUT i'm sure supply chain is an issue now compared to then.

 

[USMC-615]

I need another set as well and in the same boat like everyone else waiting on these things to come back in stock at Gamma.

 

[struggle]

I'll say this regarding the Gamma OR just casters in general on these machines.

Make sure to use the lock nuts once you get it situated where you are going to use it, etc.
Otherwise they WILL wander out of the threads
(as opposed to getting tighter). It could potentially wallow out the threads if you let them get too "loose" (extended).
Keep them buried as far as you can pending the varied surface etc and lock those nuts.

****mine did this and caught them in time. Each time you move the machine, the casters rotate.....if not locked,
they will start rotating loose. I know well about such, but ignored it thinking, meh....

 

[Torps]

Got the casters @Dillon4787 linked to in a prior post for my standard Gamma stand.. They screw right in without modification and wheels lock down nicely. Haven't strung a racket yet so I'll see if that effects anything.

 

[Dillon4787]

Got the casters @Dillon4787 linked to in a prior post for my standard Gamma stand.. They screw right in without modification and wheels lock down nicely. Haven't strung a racket yet so I'll see if that effects anything.

You’re gonna love em!

 

[malagabee]

Wish they have the casters for the premium stand in stock. I paid in August and still waiting. Last I heard is end of January ETA.

 

[USMC-615]

Wish they have the casters for the premium stand in stock. I paid in August and still waiting. Last I heard is end of January ETA.

I'm waiting on the things to come back in stock as well to finish off an X-ELS setup. After this rodeo, I'll never purchase another premium stand from Gamma again...I'll simply fabricate, weld and build one in my shop that has nothing to do with such an oddball turd 1/2"-12 BSW (British Standard Whitworth) caster thread.

 

[malagabee]

I'm waiting on the things to come back in stock as well to finish off an X-ELS setup. After this rodeo, I'll never purchase another premium stand from Gamma again...I'll simply fabricate, weld and build one in my shop that has nothing to do with such an oddball turd 1/2"-12 BSW (British Standard Whitworth) caster thread.

Exactly. I’ll gladly get my money back if they don’t come through after 5 months. I don’t need to roll my stringer anywhere anyways it’s just a convenience and not a must.

 

[loosegroove]

For those using their machines on carpets, those round furniture sliders work pretty dang well.