Smirker just saw a thread in which Jaycee wrote this:
The ML.90 and ML.100 are basically the same machines but the ML.100 has three interesting features that are not on the ML.90 :
1.) For both machines the drop arm automatically rests at the 2 o'clock position in between the tensioning actions, as you have to lift the arm to the 1 o'clock to insert the string in the jaws, this reduces the travel to a minimum (with the M.90 you have to lower the DW arm to the table, so the travel between each tensioning action is very long and very tedious), but with the ML.90, once the string is in the jaws, the DW arm will stop again at the 2 o'clock position, unless manually you release the lock by pushing on a small knob at the front of the tensioner. This can be an advantage occasionally, but mostly an inconvenience because you need both hands to operate the tensioner (one hand for the DW arm, the other to press down momentarily on the knob.n once the DW arm has passed the lock you don't need to continue to press on the knob).
With the ML.100, as soon as the string is blocked in the tensioner jaws, the DW arm is free to apply automatically the tension on the string. Once the string has been tensioned and clamped, you lift the DW arm to 1 o'clock, remove the string and gently lower the arm where it will block in the 2 o'clock position, ready for the next time.
2.) The ML.100 has a cradle lock
3.) The ML.100 has ball bearings on the main tensioner axel, the ML.90 has a teflon/delrin sleeve (which is fine).
I generally recommend the ML.100, but if the budget is a priority you will never really notice the difference if you take the ML.90, it's all a question of habit, but it is a little easier with the ML.100.
JayCee
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get someone else to string for you!!
