I am looking to buy a stringing machine and the only thing I know about them is that in my budget, I can only get dropweight machines. I plan on stringing once every two or three weeks for myself and theoretically three times or four times a week if I can get enough people in my community to come to me for stringing services. Is there a significant difference between a $200 entry level dropweight machine and a $400 mid level dropweight machine for what I plan to do? Should I go with the more expensive one or the cheaper one?
Is the difference between a $200 dropweight and $400 dropweight significant?
- Thread starter Rally
- Start date
If you are going to string 3-4 racquets/ week and charge for that then you should save up enough to get a decent machine, or buy used, as stringers do upgrade from time to time.
At minimum get fixed clamps as cheap floating clamps have drawback that causes tension loss. If you look and take a little time there are some used machines that go up for sale time to time.
If you are going to just string for yourself, then any machine will do.
If you string for others, be sure that you know what you are doing.
Be familiar with issues that can occur while stringing (how to deal with blocked holes, be sure no outside crossovers, stringing O Port racquets without a decent brake if machine does not have one, know how to obtain stringing patterns for any racquet that comes your way, proper knot tying, etc. etc.), and follow standard protocols to get consistent results.
You should also know different strings available and be able to recommend what would be best for that particular player. Put a cheap stiff poly string in a 2.5 players racquet and they will not be happy with it even if you string it properly.
String one bad job, and your entire community will hear about it.
You will also get situations that are beyond your control just get ready for it, example one time string an expensive all nat. gut set up (Wilson gut is now $55/set), and player returns a few days later with snapped string, you redo string job and no fee apologize etc. , then realize from another player that that individual picked up a stone and hit it to cause string to snap. This happens, and you need to deal with issues as such.
I started stringing since 1968 and have come across many issues, and yes it takes time as well.
Just be sure you know what you need to know before you start a business and charge people for your services. It is a little more than just picking up a $200 machine and open shop to string for others. If you do string for others in time, I would suggest that you join the USRSA as they have a digest that has most patterns, and their technical manual has protocols to follow so you will know what is acceptable practice, it sort of standardizes the craft and gives it credibility.
At minimum get fixed clamps as cheap floating clamps have drawback that causes tension loss. If you look and take a little time there are some used machines that go up for sale time to time.
If you are going to just string for yourself, then any machine will do.
If you string for others, be sure that you know what you are doing.
Be familiar with issues that can occur while stringing (how to deal with blocked holes, be sure no outside crossovers, stringing O Port racquets without a decent brake if machine does not have one, know how to obtain stringing patterns for any racquet that comes your way, proper knot tying, etc. etc.), and follow standard protocols to get consistent results.
You should also know different strings available and be able to recommend what would be best for that particular player. Put a cheap stiff poly string in a 2.5 players racquet and they will not be happy with it even if you string it properly.
String one bad job, and your entire community will hear about it.
You will also get situations that are beyond your control just get ready for it, example one time string an expensive all nat. gut set up (Wilson gut is now $55/set), and player returns a few days later with snapped string, you redo string job and no fee apologize etc. , then realize from another player that that individual picked up a stone and hit it to cause string to snap. This happens, and you need to deal with issues as such.
I started stringing since 1968 and have come across many issues, and yes it takes time as well.
Just be sure you know what you need to know before you start a business and charge people for your services. It is a little more than just picking up a $200 machine and open shop to string for others. If you do string for others in time, I would suggest that you join the USRSA as they have a digest that has most patterns, and their technical manual has protocols to follow so you will know what is acceptable practice, it sort of standardizes the craft and gives it credibility.
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Bad Old Man
New User
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
This is great advice and a nice primer for new stringers.
This is great advice and a nice primer for new stringers.
Do you have any machines that you recommend? And how long will a 6 mount take me to string a racquet? Is it 45 minutes like the 2 mount ones?
esgee48
G.O.A.T.
Fixed clamped machines normally allow the stringer to string faster than floating clamps type machine. There's less fumbling around to find and position the floating clamp and clamp the string. If both machines have FC, they will both take about the same amount of time (all other issues being equal.)
Do double and triple clamps have any effect on stringing time? Also do you know the difference between a normal dropweight and an auto dropweight?
Steve Huff
G.O.A.T.
Jim is absolutely correct. And something he didn't mention was the fact that the more expensive machine will have a sturdier mounting system. It doesn't happen often, but you can break a racket in a cheap machine. I've seen them flex. If I'm stringing other peoples' rackets, I want the sturdiest I can afford. One of the posters just got a used Neos for $175. Granted, it was a steal, but these things do exist. You might have to drive a few hours to pick one up, but look for a better one that you didn't think you could afford.
esgee48
G.O.A.T.
Floating clamps clamp either 2 strings (double) or 3 strings (triple) and they do cause some delay. Not significant, but they add maybe 10-15 minutes to a string job. Fix clamps are on the turntable; nudge, clamp, lock. No fumbling. Regular DW require that the weight bar be horizontal +/- 5 deg. Auto DW do not have to be horizontal to pull the desired reference tension.
kabrac
Professional
Floating clamps do not add 10-15 more minutes to string a racquet. I have strung on each variety of machine: drop-weight, lockout, constant pull. I have used every type of clamping system from floating, glide rail, and fixed. Using floating does not add to the time it takes to string a racquet for me. What adds time is the tensioning mechanism and how the machine is designed/user friendly.
It takes me 7-10 minutes longer on the drop-weight simply because of the ratchet system to reach the desired tension. Not because it's an inferior machine because it uses flying clamps
Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
I think flying clamps do add a little time to stringing a racket but no where near 15 minutes. Depending on the clamps and how easy they are to operate, spacing of clamps and strings, patterns and other factors it may add a minute or so. Then again fixed clamps depending on whether they are double action, single action, number of teeth, track system, and other factors could reduce (or possibly increase) the normal time required to string a racket. All in all clamps make more of a difference in ease of use and quality of the job than they do time required to string.
Floating clamps are going to give you more drawback, especially the cheap ones with the low price machines. I'm sure some will comment that there clamps are fine, but...
Watch some of the videos online and you can see the clamps twisting after tension is released. each twist can vary a slight amount and as result a variance of tensions.
Others here may tell you floating clamps are fine, that's their opinion, but no one can fault you for a quality fixed clamping system as in my opinion a quality fixed system is the best, along with Steves comment on a sturdy mounting system.
I'm sure after a few jobs you may get the feel on what tension to increase to compensate, but with fixed clamps you should get a more consistent result, and this is what customers expect and should get, which is a consistent proper job.
If you string for others you really need to get a decent machine, if for just yourself and family then get the cheaper one to see if you like stringing and will stay with it.
If you plan on stringing 5+ racquets/week, your investment even for a quality machine will pay back in short order.
Another way to look at it is if you plan on 5+ racquets now, later once word gets out, that number should increase over time, and the better machine , the easier less frustration there is and the easier and more enjoyable it is, and the better the job you will do, along with cutting down the time spent stringing. In other words if you string for others get the most machine you can afford, as you will be happier in the end.
Don't get me wrong, a good machine does not make a good stringer. I have seen sloppy work at some big box stores that is just plane bad stringing on a good machine.
Even with a good machine you still need to string a consistent job, time after time.
Players will drop off 2-3 racquets and you will be asked to string them all the same, and each should be consistent.
No substitute for good technique, like straightening the cross strings while it is tensioned, not later that can cause variable tension loss, etc. In other words to string for others you need good technique, and a decent machine in order to accomplish a job that is expected of you.
This is just my opinion of course.
Watch some of the videos online and you can see the clamps twisting after tension is released. each twist can vary a slight amount and as result a variance of tensions.
Others here may tell you floating clamps are fine, that's their opinion, but no one can fault you for a quality fixed clamping system as in my opinion a quality fixed system is the best, along with Steves comment on a sturdy mounting system.
I'm sure after a few jobs you may get the feel on what tension to increase to compensate, but with fixed clamps you should get a more consistent result, and this is what customers expect and should get, which is a consistent proper job.
If you string for others you really need to get a decent machine, if for just yourself and family then get the cheaper one to see if you like stringing and will stay with it.
If you plan on stringing 5+ racquets/week, your investment even for a quality machine will pay back in short order.
Another way to look at it is if you plan on 5+ racquets now, later once word gets out, that number should increase over time, and the better machine , the easier less frustration there is and the easier and more enjoyable it is, and the better the job you will do, along with cutting down the time spent stringing. In other words if you string for others get the most machine you can afford, as you will be happier in the end.
Don't get me wrong, a good machine does not make a good stringer. I have seen sloppy work at some big box stores that is just plane bad stringing on a good machine.
Even with a good machine you still need to string a consistent job, time after time.
Players will drop off 2-3 racquets and you will be asked to string them all the same, and each should be consistent.
No substitute for good technique, like straightening the cross strings while it is tensioned, not later that can cause variable tension loss, etc. In other words to string for others you need good technique, and a decent machine in order to accomplish a job that is expected of you.
This is just my opinion of course.
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Irvin
Talk Tennis Guru
If you use floating clamps as designed I agree with you, but on the other hand flying clamps will give you drawback too. The reason a flying clamp draws back more is because the clamp naturally twist as you remove the pulling tension, and when you apply tension to the next string the clamp will twist back and the tension equalizes on the strings on both sides of the clamp. But that does not happen when you string the last main on a 2 piece string job. Another reason and use for a starting clamp is so you can hold the last main on one side and free up both flying clamps. If you put two clamps right next to each other of that last main the clamp twist is almost completely eliminated elimating drawback.
And if you use a flying clamp right up against a fixed clamp you drawback on fixed clamps is almost completely eliminated too. Of couse you could buy a triple clamp instead of the starting clamp at about twice the price. I would prefer to have 2 more starting clamps in lieu of a triple clamp though.
And then there is a third option - string 1 piece instead of 2 piece and you can almost eliminate drawback all together. I do not condone stringing all rackets 1 piece, and I still think it's easier for those starting out to use 2 piece.
kabrac
Professional
I cannot reiterate this enough,
You either approach the stringing process of stringing a racquet as a Craftsman and give a Damn about your work, or either you Do Not.
A top of the line stringing machine will not make you give "more of a damn" about your work or make you any more of a Craftsman. Having a more fancy machine with all the bells and whistles will speed you up and get your time down and may be more comfortable to work on, but you either are born with the gift of working with your hands and being Detail Oriented or you are not.
I read an old article on here describing how the process of making g a Samurai sword. The detail that goes into it. These Craftsman used simple tools and their bare hands to complete these works of art. Some of the swords took months to finish to get it just right. Where as swords today can be made on an assembly line and be mass produced. And just like racquets that are mass produced there are variances in weight, swing weight, balance, even length. My belief is the more trust you place in a machine to do the work for you, the more "hands off" the final outcome will be, which means you have less control and say so in the final outcome of your work.
I know professional stringers on tour use high end electronic machines to work with, but you must understand that even if you were to take that machine away and replace it with say a drop-weight, these professionals could still do an excellent job because they are True Craftsman, and that is why there are so few of them. They are the best of the best, and rightfully so, as they have earned their place there to perform THEIR ART AND CRAFT for other professionals.
Everybody has their preference for machine. I love Stringway s simplistic but also professional approach stringing, even though I do not own a Stringway Machine. I do own their flying clamps and they are of UPMOST QUALITY.
When I do my best, as I always try to do, and after the stringing has been completed.....the racquet comes off the machine, Its like i can see and feel "The Man Upstairs" looking down at me and giving me a wink
and a nod....saying, "Well Done". To me that feels A LOT BETTER than stringing multiple frames a day on a high end electronic and feeling like some sort of badass
I have strung with fixed, flying and glide bar, and I have experienced more drawback and had to fool with the clamps more on a fixed. Even cleaning them regularly didn't help all that much. My second favorite would be the glide bar clamps with regards to the Prince Neos 1000. Very simple, effective, and efficient. If it weren't for swapping out glide bars for mains and crosses it would be my favorite to work with. I just love good flying clamps and experience little draw back. With Stringway s Triple, I see little to no drawback.
I also prefer 2 or 4point over 6 as far as mounting goes. As of yet, I have never experienced any frame distortion or cracks.
The more moving parts and things you have on a machine, the more that can go wrong. Too many parts that are not necessary, in my opinion, to do a better job.
These are my opinions and some absolute facts I have experienced with regards to working with different machines. I DO NOT KNOW EVERYTHING AND SAYING I AM RIGHT, but I believe I am doing what is right and right for my customer by giving my best and giving a damn about my work.
We should all be on here to read and learn from others to make us more knowledgeable about OUR CRAFT, not I'm right, you are wrong, end of discussion.
Thank You
You either approach the stringing process of stringing a racquet as a Craftsman and give a Damn about your work, or either you Do Not.
A top of the line stringing machine will not make you give "more of a damn" about your work or make you any more of a Craftsman. Having a more fancy machine with all the bells and whistles will speed you up and get your time down and may be more comfortable to work on, but you either are born with the gift of working with your hands and being Detail Oriented or you are not.
I read an old article on here describing how the process of making g a Samurai sword. The detail that goes into it. These Craftsman used simple tools and their bare hands to complete these works of art. Some of the swords took months to finish to get it just right. Where as swords today can be made on an assembly line and be mass produced. And just like racquets that are mass produced there are variances in weight, swing weight, balance, even length. My belief is the more trust you place in a machine to do the work for you, the more "hands off" the final outcome will be, which means you have less control and say so in the final outcome of your work.
I know professional stringers on tour use high end electronic machines to work with, but you must understand that even if you were to take that machine away and replace it with say a drop-weight, these professionals could still do an excellent job because they are True Craftsman, and that is why there are so few of them. They are the best of the best, and rightfully so, as they have earned their place there to perform THEIR ART AND CRAFT for other professionals.
Everybody has their preference for machine. I love Stringway s simplistic but also professional approach stringing, even though I do not own a Stringway Machine. I do own their flying clamps and they are of UPMOST QUALITY.
When I do my best, as I always try to do, and after the stringing has been completed.....the racquet comes off the machine, Its like i can see and feel "The Man Upstairs" looking down at me and giving me a wink
and a nod....saying, "Well Done". To me that feels A LOT BETTER than stringing multiple frames a day on a high end electronic and feeling like some sort of badassI have strung with fixed, flying and glide bar, and I have experienced more drawback and had to fool with the clamps more on a fixed. Even cleaning them regularly didn't help all that much. My second favorite would be the glide bar clamps with regards to the Prince Neos 1000. Very simple, effective, and efficient. If it weren't for swapping out glide bars for mains and crosses it would be my favorite to work with. I just love good flying clamps and experience little draw back. With Stringway s Triple, I see little to no drawback.
I also prefer 2 or 4point over 6 as far as mounting goes. As of yet, I have never experienced any frame distortion or cracks.
The more moving parts and things you have on a machine, the more that can go wrong. Too many parts that are not necessary, in my opinion, to do a better job.
These are my opinions and some absolute facts I have experienced with regards to working with different machines. I DO NOT KNOW EVERYTHING AND SAYING I AM RIGHT, but I believe I am doing what is right and right for my customer by giving my best and giving a damn about my work.
We should all be on here to read and learn from others to make us more knowledgeable about OUR CRAFT, not I'm right, you are wrong, end of discussion.
Thank You
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