Using the brake

[Alexrb]

Hi guys,

Relatively new stringer. I have a Gamma Progression II crank, and have been wondering...

Do you guys use the brake to stop the mount from moving while stringing? If I don't the racquet moves to odd angles and it looks like it may cause some unnecessary stress on the frame. There's only a couple times during stringing where it does this but still figured I'd ask.

Thanks

Alex

 

[Cobra Tennis]

Short answer: no.


Long answer: When I used a crank machine (that had a manual brake) I would use it for O-port racquets sometimes or use the hip method for the brake.

On my alpha ghost there is an automatic electronic brake that you can turn on, so anytime you start to pull tension the brake engages. It makes the o port racquets a breeze to string.

On a regular racquet the turn table will move a bit when pulling tension with the constant pull, so I use the auto brake just for convenience and to stop the turn table from moving (as the turn table on the ghost turns very freely)

 

[Irvin]

When you are pulling tension on a string there are never any odd angles unless you use a brake. The String your pulling will always be in a direct line from the tensioner to the pivot point on the turntable. There will be a bend where the string go through the grommet which in not drilled on the same path. I never use a brake when stringing.

 

[struggle]

Never use it anymore (very very rarely, I do use it when I check calibration). I use 50/50 for Oports.

 

[sp1derman]

I don't have a machine with a brake but I sometimes think it might be helpful when stringing the crosses to prevent the racquet from turning as I am pushing my weaves.

 

[pmata814]

Only time i use it is when i weave my crosses. The turntable on my new machine (6004) is much lighter and than my old revo and it moves around on me quite a bit. But i never use it when i pull tension. I couldnt even if i wanted to since i use a WISE tension head.

 

[Irvin]

I don't have a machine with a brake but I sometimes think it might be helpful when stringing the crosses to prevent the racquet from turning as I am pushing my weaves.

That often helps if your turntable spins around too easily, but setting / u setting the brake every time you weave a cross gets old in a hurry.

 

[Sparkyovcov]

My turntable spins. I would set the brake for every cross, with practice however I only set the brake for the last few crosses just for a better weave for me

 

[lwto]

I"ve only used the brake to adjust the clamp base..

Or, I use it to help brake the table rotation if I'm stringing someone's Prince with O ports at a very high tension. Luckily, thats few and far between, maybe twice so far.

 

[lwto]

It's really a strange thing adjusting your clamp base with your brakes.

 

[sp1derman]

That often helps if your turntable spins around too easily, but setting / u setting the brake every time you weave a cross gets old in a hurry.

You're probably correct that I would get tired of that too. I will continue to lean my hip into it some to stop the turning.

 

[Irvin]

You're probably correct that I would get tired of that too. I will continue to lean my hip into it some to stop the turning.

I never really noticed before but when I was stringing a couple racket today I noticed I have a tendency to weave toward or directly away from the turntable pivot point. Never weave in a directly parallel to the pivot as it tend to turn the table. Also my table turns very easy but does seem to have a little resistance to turning. The 6004 I used to use would spin around much easier.

 

[struggle]

I use the 6004 and have no problem with the nicely spinning turntable.

Once you learn to weave in the proper direction it's really not an issue.

 

[CATennis]

I would imagine there would be a way to add weight to the 6004 table to keep it from moving so easily instead of using the brake? I just bought one so I'll have to see for myself after I receive it.

 

[oble]

I'm also a relatively new stringer and so far, I've only used the brake for getting the racquet in place on the supports before I start string and when I'm tying knots.

 

[Irvin]

I would imagine there would be a way to add weight to the 6004 table to keep it from moving so easily instead of using the brake? I just bought one so I'll have to see for myself after I receive it.

There is a way and it is relatively simple. Once you get the cross started just let your belly rub against the turntable and it will stop it from rotating also. In my case that's a lot of resistance. LOL

 

[CATennis]

LOL Irvin.

 

[Alexrb]

There is a way and it is relatively simple. Once you get the cross started just let your belly rub against the turntable and it will stop it from rotating also. In my case that's a lot of resistance. LOL

Haha, thanks for the advice guys. I will refrain from using the brake while stringing crosses.