Prince Neos 1500 fixed clamp closing unevenly?

[loosegroove]

I didn't notice the extent of it until today, but one of the fixed clamps on my NEOS 1500 is closing fairly unevenly. Not normally an issue as I usually do poly at low tension, but becomes more problematic when doing soft slippery multis at high tension, since one tooth will leave a bit of an imprint on the string when adjusted for the clamp to hold. I can't imagine there's anything I can do to remedy this?

 

[esgee48]

Can you take that clamp apart and then put it back together? Sounds like there may be some uneven machining involved. Was going to say 'Use a file' but you can also contact JC at Tennis Machines and see what he says on Monday.

 

[esgee48]

deleted - dup post

 

[loosegroove]

Can you take that clamp apart and then put it back together? Sounds like there may be some uneven machining involved. Was going to say 'Use a file' but you can also contact JC at Tennis Machines and see what he says on Monday.

Yeah I took it apart and reassembled to see if maybe some debris or scrap string was causing the issue, but to no avail.

 

[Rabbit]

@loosegroove - call JC @ tennismachines and ask him. Has the clamp always been that way?

 

[Wes]

Has the clamp always been that way?

Right. Has it always been that way?

Is it possible you maybe got the components from one clamp somewhat mixed up with the components of the other clamp?
Yes, I realize that, in theory, it shouldn't matter - but occasionally it actually can.

Have you tried this yet...
Take both clamps completely apart, but keep track of which pieces came off of clamp A, as well as clamp B.
Then, combine half of clamp A along with half of clamp B.
Repeat this with the remaining clamp halves.
See if things still seem misaligned.

 

[Rabbit]

@Wes @loosegroove - I ask because that’s my old machine!

 

[loosegroove]

@Wes @Rabbit Thanks, I was considering calling Tennis Machines. I think it's always been like this at least to a degree, but I've never paid much mind to it. Maybe the fact that I've gone from stringing in a dungeon to in front of full size casement windows has made me more aware of finer details. Or maybe it's gotten more pronounced. Today is the first day I've ever fully disassembled either clamp. I might try switching up parts for poops and giggles.

 

[Rabbit]

@loosegroove -please keep me apprised. I am willing to split the price of a new clamp with you or the cost of getting it fixed by JC

 

[struggle]

Sounds fishy. Doesn't even occur on Eagnas machines.

The Mighty 1500 has fallen..... Teehee.

Just kidding, can't be a huge issue, sounds odd.

 

[esgee48]

Yes, this is an odd one. Maybe the clamp was abducted, then returned the same night. The only thing I can think of that could misalign the teeth of a clamp would be if you dropped it and it landed on a concrete floor head first.

 

[Folsom_Stringer_Musa]

NEOS 1500 clamps has more small parts inside than gamma clamps. Clamps are heavy and sturdy though.
In terms of design, Gamma outclassed Prince.

For this issue, I would take the both clamps apart.
Compare the size\height of the black metal springs on both clamps side by side.
If they match (they should), then one of the spring might not be positioned/aligned correctly (possible).

Try to put it back and look/peek at the springs to see if they are properly in place.
I just don't see what else can go wrong here.

Sharing some photos of the faulty clamp would be nice.

 

[Folsom_Stringer_Musa]

Yes, this is an odd one. Maybe the clamp was abducted, then returned the same night. The only thing I can think of that could misalign the teeth of a clamp would be if you dropped it and it landed on a concrete floor head first.

Or if the faulty clamp was used as a hammer
If the clamp got dropped on hard surface, it should have some marking on the impact area.

 

[loosegroove]

@loosegroove -please keep me apprised. I am willing to split the price of a new clamp with you or the cost of getting it fixed by JC

Thanks @Rabbit , you're a true gentleman, but this is no longer your fish to fry. It's been what, 3 years now? Though seeing this is how you go about business, I may have to purchase a house or car from you .

Yes, this is an odd one. Maybe the clamp was abducted, then returned the same night.

How many times do I have to tell you guys there were no aliens involved? And no probing, definitely not any probing.

Or if the faulty clamp was used as a hammer

Similarly was never used as a hammer, hit with a hammer, lent out to MC Hammer...no hammer related activities.

 

[struggle]

The almighty one will surely have an answer. Where is he??

 

[loosegroove]

I did disassemble the clamps and switched around parts, getting slightly varying results. The culprit seems to be the main piece containing the shaft, as that was the common denominator.

 

[Rabbit]

I bet JC has replacement parts/clamps. IIRC, they weren't that bad $-wise.

I was right, they are $105/clamp and currently in-stock. My offer stands!

 

[struggle]

I bet JC has replacement parts/clamps. IIRC, they weren't that bad $-wise.

I was right, they are $105/clamp and currently in-stock. My offer stands!

That is very "stand up" of you.

 

[loosegroove]

Talked to JC and seems there is not much that can be done. He suggested I could try new springs and/or handles, but in my "Swingers: Fixed Clamps Edition", I deduced that those were not the offending factors. Anyone happen to know the shaft diameter offhand? I don't have digital calipers.

 

[Rabbit]

@loosegroove - you could always send it in to JC and see if he could repair it. I bet the turnaround would be quick.....and he is very reasonable.

 

[Folsom_Stringer_Musa]

Talked to JC and seems there is not much that can be done. He suggested I could try new springs and/or handles, but in my "Swingers: Fixed Clamps Edition", I deduced that those were not the offending factors. Anyone happen to know the shaft diameter offhand? I don't have digital calipers.

It shows 12.30mm on my Calipers.

Gamma clamps would fit nicely with very small gap.
I used Gamma, Eagnas clamps on prince machine for testing. Both fits but not the other way.

 

[loosegroove]

It shows 12.30mm on my Calipers.

Gamma clamps would fit nicely with very small gap.
I used Gamma, Eagnas clamps on prince machine for testing. Both fits but not the other way.

Awesome. Thanks!

 

[Wes]

Sounds fishy. Doesn't even occur on Eagnas machines.

Yep, sounds fishy.

Maybe the clamp was abducted, then returned the same night.

There was definitely an abduction.

How many times do I have to tell you guys there were no aliens involved? And no probing, definitely not any probing.

Thou doth protest too much.

Yep... there was definitely probing.

Similarly was never used as a hammer, hit with a hammer, leant out to MC Hammer...

Yeah... but what about being leant out to Bobby Brown?

...no hammer related activities.

Ok, perhaps there were no hammer related activities.
However - were you using it, at some point, in conjunction with an anvil?

I feel like I'm on to something big here. Wouldn't be surprised to see a lot of these turning up.

 

[loosegroove]

Yeah... but what about being leant out to Bobby Brown?

And so what if I did? That's my prerogative!

 

[Wes]

And so what if I did? That's my prerogative!

That's the way that you want to live - it's your prerogative.

And who else did you loan it out to?
Tone Loc?
Vanilla Ice?
Young MC?

Bust-A-Move? More like Bust-A-Clamp.

 

[Rabbit]

Who is this Bobby Brown and why did he need one clamp?
I think probing with the clamp voids the warranty unless you were going to China and it was used for an anal swab?

 

[loosegroove]

I think probing with the clamp voids the warranty....

Well next time you can come over here and try explaining that to the aliens.

 

[Wes]

Well next time you can come over here and try explaining that to the aliens.

Sure, that sounds easy.

Try as you might...
Those aliens don't understand a word of English (or any other Earth based languages).

Surely, you fellas have heard the entertaining extraterrestrial accounts by Colleen Rafferty, no?
"Yeah... once again, my experience was a little different..."

 

[LocNetMonster]

@loosegroove

Did you end up buying new a clamp?

 

[Rabbit]

Those aliens don't understand a word of English (or any other Earth based languages).

I would suggest you watch the documentary Men In Black...there are three roughly two hour episodes. Lots of aliens speak English.

 

[loosegroove]

@loosegroove

Did you end up buying new a clamp?

I have not. The original clamps are no longer available. So if I'm to get a replacement, it's either have mismatching clamps (which I'm too OCD for) or splurge on a new pair (and Tennis Machines currently only has 1 in stock anyway). Unfortunately Prince shaft diameters are a less common size, measuring I believe 12.3mm, so options are more limited. I stuck some typical 12mm in there and there was a ton of slop.

 

[LocNetMonster]

Have you tried Clarke Distributing in Texas? I just ordered a pair of used guide rail clamps from them.

 

[Folsom_Stringer_Musa]

I have not. The original clamps are no longer available. So if I'm to get a replacement, it's either have mismatching clamps (which I'm too OCD for) or splurge on a new pair (and Tennis Machines currently only has 1 in stock anyway). Unfortunately Prince shaft diameters are a less common size, measuring I believe 12.3mm, so options are more limited. I stuck some typical 12mm in there and there was a ton of slop.

Both Eagnas (PN 1012) and Gamma clamps will fit inside in Prince 1500.
Prince 1500 shaft diameter is larger which make alternate clamps fit easily.

 

[loosegroove]

Both Eagnas (PN 1012) and Gamma clamps will fit inside in Prince 1500.
Prince 1500 shaft diameter is larger which make alternate clamps fit easily.

True, but I'm not a big fan of the extra wiggly jiggly, so I prefer to get clamps with shaft diameters that are closer to spec.

 

[loosegroove]

Have you tried Clarke Distributing in Texas? I just ordered a pair of used guide rail clamps from them.

I think all the those clamps are 12mm which are a smaller diameter than I'm looking for. Thanks for the suggestion though. Have you gotten your glide bar rails yet?

 

[LocNetMonster]

I think all the those clamps are 12mm which are a smaller diameter than I'm looking for. Thanks for the suggestion though. Have you gotten your glide bar rails yet?

USPS says they'll deliver them on Thursday.

 

[loosegroove]

Well after this thread was bumped, it inspired me to take the clamps apart again and examine things more carefully. Turns out I think one of the clamps (the main piece containing the shaft) was machined a little imperfectly. When you rest the 2nd plate of teeth onto the primary piece without all the springs etc, it should lay perfectly flat. However with one clamp, the plate will wobble like a table on an uneven floor, and continues to be the case if you switch plates from the unoffending clamp. The good news is I've come up with an easy temporary fix, utilizing 2 layers of thin metal tape as a small shim. I'm not sure how long it will last before the tape becomes too compressed, but a quick trial run showed a marked improvement.

 

[LocNetMonster]

I've come up with an easy temporary fix, simply utilizing ...

Congrats. Concoincidentally, I did the same. I accidentally stumbled onto a temporary fix for my issue, which actually works quite well and may become a permanent solution. Of course, the discovery comes after I ordered the clamps .. LOL

 

[Wes]

Well after this thread was bumped, it inspired me to take the clamps apart again and examine things more carefully. Turns out I think one of the clamps (the main piece containing the shaft) was machined a little imperfectly. When you rest the 2nd plate of teeth onto the primary piece without all the springs etc, it should lay perfectly flat. However with one clamp, the plate will wobble like a table on an uneven floor, and continues to be the case if you switch plates from the unoffending clamp. The good news is I've come up with an easy temporary fix, simply utilizing a small shim made up of 2 layers of thin metal tape. I'm not sure how long it will last before the tape becomes too compressed, but a quick trial run showed a marked improvement.

@loosegroove,
What you said above instantly had me thinking "could a machinist possibly fix the issue by 're-surfacing' that area?"

 

[loosegroove]

@loosegroove,
What you said above instantly had me thinking "could a machinist possibly fix the issue by 're-surfacing' that area?"

I was wondering the same thing. I don't have any local machinists in my Rolodex though so would have to do some searching.

 

[Wes]

I was wondering the same thing. I don't have any local machinists in my Rolodex though so would have to do some searching.

Well, keep us updated as to how things develop in finding some sort of resolution.

 

[LocNetMonster]

Have you gotten your glide bar rails yet?

Actually - and I missed this earlier - I ordered a pair of clamps, not rails. Got 2 NEOS clamps today and they fit the bar perfectly with no gap like the TOAs. They seem a lot nicer in design, too.

 

[loosegroove]

Actually - and I missed this earlier - I ordered a pair of clamps, not rails. Got 2 NEOS clamps today and they fit the bar perfectly with no gap like the TOAs. They seem a lot nicer in design, too.

Cool, glad it's working out. I'm not sure why I misread that!? Makes more sense...I was kind of surprised they had replacement rails.

 

[Folsom_Stringer_Musa]

Actually - and I missed this earlier - I ordered a pair of clamps, not rails. Got 2 NEOS clamps today and they fit the bar perfectly with no gap like the TOAs. They seem a lot nicer in design, too.

These replacement clamps exact copy of the original clamps or made/designed differently?

 

[LocNetMonster]

These replacement clamps exact copy of the original clamps or made/designed differently?

They are original NEOS clamps. Name and patent number printed on the side They are heavier and easier to adjust than the TOA. I like them a lot . . .

But . . .

Cool, glad it's working out. I'm not sure why I misread that!? Makes more sense...I was kind of surprised they had replacement rails.

Based on the image I saw, they acquired dozens of the older, used NEOS machines. As I wrote above the clamps fit the rails perfectly. I went to string a racquet and the excitement I had was quickly washed away when I went to clamp off the first main ... LOL ... the new clamps are about 1/2 inch shorter and teeth barely reached the string ~ crap. I might be able to use them as is, but likely I'll have to raise the rail assembly by adding washers. Or, I can stick to using the old clamps with the modification that I made to them.

 

[Folsom_Stringer_Musa]

They are original NEOS clamps. Name and patent number printed on the side They are heavier and easier to adjust than the TOA. I like them a lot . . .

But . . .



Based on the image I saw, they acquired dozens of the older, used NEOS machines. As I wrote above the clamps fit the rails perfectly. I went to string a racquet and the excitement I had was quickly washed away when I went to clamp off the first main ... LOL ... the new clamps are about 1/2 inch shorter and teeth barely reached the string ~ crap. I might be able to use them as is, but likely I'll have to raise the rail assembly by adding washers. Or, I can stick to using the old clamps with the modification that I made to them.

May be try washers first. I am not able to visualize the difference completely.

 

[LocNetMonster]

The NEOS clamp on the left is a 1/2 shorter. The original TOA clamp on the right. I'm guessing the glide bar is not the original bar assembly.

To use the new clamps, I could move the glide assembly up 1/2 inch. That would mean making 8 spacers and finding the correct bold and thread that would be 1/2 longer. TBH, I probably would attempt to do it by adding spacers between the guide assembly and the platform if I had not stumbled upon using scrap pieces of handgrips to make the TOA clamps work perfectly with the thicker glide bars.

 

[Deleted member 776614]

I think all the those clamps are 12mm which are a smaller diameter than I'm looking for. Thanks for the suggestion though. Have you gotten your glide bar rails yet?

Alpha clamps have 12.2 mm posts. Same as Spinfire.

NewTechTennis.com : Alpha Standard 5 Tooth Hybrid Swivel Clamp : Tennis Accessories

Alpha Standard 5 Tooth Hybrid Swivel Clamp - AS5THSC Tennis Accessories Clamps Tennis Clamps Swivel MACHINES Alpha Tooth at Tennis Accessories

newtechtennis.com

Spinfire Hybrid Clamp V50 | SpinfireSport.com

The Spinfire Hybrid Clamp V50 is the most advanced clamp in the Spinfire range, suitable for tennis, squash & badminton. It has diamond dust coating inside the gripping teeth, allowing the clamp to hold string easily without the need to over-tighten (causing indentations). It uses two rollers...

www.spinfiresport.com

TW Aussie site has some info about clamp post diameters and they let you choose 12mm or 12.2mm:

https://www.**********************/spinfire-tennis-squash-badminton-clamp-v50.html

 

[Folsom_Stringer_Musa]

Alpha clamps have 12.2 mm posts. Same as Spinfire.

NewTechTennis.com : Alpha Standard 5 Tooth Hybrid Swivel Clamp : Tennis Accessories

Alpha Standard 5 Tooth Hybrid Swivel Clamp - AS5THSC Tennis Accessories Clamps Tennis Clamps Swivel MACHINES Alpha Tooth at Tennis Accessories

newtechtennis.com

Spinfire Hybrid Clamp V50 | SpinfireSport.com

The Spinfire Hybrid Clamp V50 is the most advanced clamp in the Spinfire range, suitable for tennis, squash & badminton. It has diamond dust coating inside the gripping teeth, allowing the clamp to hold string easily without the need to over-tighten (causing indentations). It uses two rollers...

www.spinfiresport.com

TW Aussie site has some info about clamp post diameters and they let you choose 12mm or 12.2mm:

https://www.**********************/spinfire-tennis-squash-badminton-clamp-v50.html

Alpha one have better pricing. Both coming from (made in) the same country.