What other accessories do I need for stringing

[JayJay12077]

Hi I just ordered the gamma profession 200 from tennis warehouse. I'm new to stringing so I was wondering if there is any other items or accessories I need to get to make stringing easier that is not already included with the gamma progression 200. Here is a link to the product page http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Gamma_Progression_200_Stringing_Machine_/descpageGAMMA-GP200.html
Any help would be greatly appreciated

 

[weksa]

A starting clamp is the only other thing I can think of. It's not required, but it's a very nice tool to have for (1) bridging/jumping when the string can't reach the tension head, especially if both your flying/floating clamps are in use, (2) cinching knots, (3) certain stringing patterns.

Other than that, what will make stringing easier for you is the videos in this thread: http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=172626 -- and practice.

If you have any more stringing machine related questions, ask over in the Stringing Techniques / Stringing Machines sub forum.

 

[MavsTennis]

As the person above me mentioned, a starting clamp. It makes stringing a racquet a lot easier. Maybe also some cutters and pliers.

 

[SirGounder]

A starting clamp is not required, but very useful for the reasons stated above. Start stringing and see if you like it before you invest in a clamp.

 

[philosoraptor]

for the love of god, get a starting clamp! I have this stringing machine and I do not like it at all. My biggest gripe with this machine is that it doesn't really clamp down the frame that well and if you put enough tension on the string (happened when I was stringing at like 60-4 lbs) then the frame "slips" out of the mounts. Get a silent partner or an x-2 or if you can afford it, get a 6 point mount!

 

[Dags]

A couple of other things that can be useful:

- chapstick. If you're having problems with a blocked hole, dipping the end of the string in this can help lubricate it.

- superglue. It can harden the tip of a soft string (again to help it through a blocked hole), and also stick the end of a multifilament / natural gut if it starts to unravel.

Regarding tools, the starting clamp is by far the one I use most, and the one I wouldn't be without. In fact, today I took delivery of a second one!

 

[dragon2o00]

wire cutters made cutting string so much easier, as well.

 

[Peppershaker]

At least one Starting Clamp is a recommended tool. Helps out in many instances and far safer to use than a pair of pliers. Should you purchase one go to the Gran Slam Stringers website, their clamp seems to be one of the best.

 

[thebeast73]

starting clamp and some snips.

 

[Valjean]

--Get the inexpensive bubble balance all hardware stores sell, it will let you know when your dropweight bar is horizontal.

--Acquire a tension tester--a Stringmeter, to start with, probably; tension consistency is everything, whether it's for you or someone you eventually string for--so you can establsh how you did. Learn how to use one, though.

Other tips, for consistency and accuracy:

--Opt for two-piece stringing now, when you are starting out.

--Tension your string a good 4 lbs. tighter (to allow for your floating clamps).

--Be sure you alternate mains and crosses, then do one each time.

--There is a difference between pulled, or reference, tension and what the actual tension in the strung racquet is going to turn out to be; learn about what it means now and save yourself some trouble later on...

Here is Stringmeter's version of what that comes down to, for example: http://stringmeter.uniquesports.us/dynamics.html

--Here's another inexpensive tool you'll likely want later on, too (in some form): http://www.eagnas.com/maxgen1/etest.html

 

[ATP100]

for the love of god, get a starting clamp! I have this stringing machine and I do not like it at all. My biggest gripe with this machine is that it doesn't really clamp down the frame that well and if you put enough tension on the string (happened when I was stringing at like 60-4 lbs) then the frame "slips" out of the mounts. Get a silent partner or an x-2 or if you can afford it, get a 6 point mount!

This is a great machine, you need to read (re-read) manual a few times.

 

[SirGounder]

for the love of god, get a starting clamp! I have this stringing machine and I do not like it at all. My biggest gripe with this machine is that it doesn't really clamp down the frame that well and if you put enough tension on the string (happened when I was stringing at like 60-4 lbs) then the frame "slips" out of the mounts. Get a silent partner or an x-2 or if you can afford it, get a 6 point mount!

You gotta go back to the manual and reread it. Or perhaps you got a defective machine?

 

[Steve Huff]

I bought toe-nail clippers to trim the string. They are a lot easier to use without scratching a frame than traditional cutters. Also, I keep a set of needle nose pliers to grip a string near the end as some strings may be hard to push through a partially blocked hole. I've never used a starting clamp, but with floating clamps, it may be nice to have if you ever want to do around the world patterns.

 

[nalvarado]

for the love of god, get a starting clamp! I have this stringing machine and I do not like it at all. My biggest gripe with this machine is that it doesn't really clamp down the frame that well and if you put enough tension on the string (happened when I was stringing at like 60-4 lbs) then the frame "slips" out of the mounts. Get a silent partner or an x-2 or if you can afford it, get a 6 point mount!

You are aware the progression 200 is an updated x-2 right?

 

[fortun8son]

Valuable tips, but isn't this more suited to the Stringing Techniques thread?

 

[pvaudio]

Yes it is. Nonetheless, I cannot stress enough to NOT tighten your knots with pliers. Either use your hand or a starting clamp. It only takes one time, even if you've been doing it for years, for you to lose your eye.

 

[davedomart]

do I need a starting clamp if I have the starting pin? My Klippermate is on the way...

 

[pvaudio]

They are for completely different purposes. The starting pin, IIRC, is for your mains. The starting clamp is used to give extra security when pulling your first few mains, but more importantly, for making a two piece stringjob easier. Also, it's used to tighten knots very easily. People like to use pliers to pull their knots tight, but they can slip easily, and when they do, this can happen (if you're lucky): http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=389694

 

[brownbearfalling]

If you have a designated area for your stringer I would recommend finding a stand for your stringer. There is a very nice one from harbor freight tools that will only cost you $25 rather than $110 for the gamma stringer stand.

http://www.harborfreight.com/garage...able-height-heavy-duty-workstation-46725.html

This is not the one I use but another member of this forum found it and is very happy with it. This is an important part of your stringer because it gives the stringer a good height to work at if you are average height.