Username: JCamasto
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Joined: Tuesday, December 01, 2009
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Can a filter be set to auto-dump any post with 4+ sequential question marks in the title? Could squelch much spam that is coming through...

-Jim
Old Skool
Posted: 01/27/11 in Racquetball Talk. Score: 0 It's still 40'x20'x20'... 3 replies
Saw this suggested video which shows several techniques to equalize tension starting off, utilizing a starter clamp (or 3rd floating clamp). I see how this is useful to avoid the double-pull unevenness situation starting off. It also shows a work-around if using only two clamps.

Still, I'm having difficulty imagining how this would work with a typical Eforce racquet (not the tennis racquet, as shown). That is, where the starting main passes around the handle ends up on the opposite side of the racquet. I can see where a starter pin (or two) is necessary. Guess I'll have to dig in and try...

Regarding the vid, 2nd technique shown: I've never tried pulling tension on two strings at once with my drop weight Klippermate. Looks like a tight fit for the strings in the clamp, and/or to much distance apart from where the two mains are simultaneously pulled (Eforce)... Is this do-able?



I also thought it was funny how the vid plucks the strings to demonstrate a frequency imbalance (and hence, tension imbalance) - then proceeds to show a way to solve this imbalance - but then does not pluck the finished strings to see if they are indeed even..!

-Jim
Posted: 01/06/11 in Racquet Stringing. Score: 0 Starter Clamp Use 1 replies
Here are some pics of my Klippermate stringer - modified to accommodate tensioning the main strings from both head and handle (useful for Eforce and Wilson Racquets). I added a bracket to one of the mounts so that the whole racquet could be centered on the turntable, with the handle clearing the drop-weight mechanism.

Mock-up(s) with an already strung racquet:


Pull from handle:


Pull from head:


Without racquet:


Detail of the mounting bracket (modified from shelf support, u-clamp plate, various bolts). The taped-on red plate is a spacer, jamming the main bolt-head from turning:


Modified Stop - to keep Drop Arm from resting too low. (large nut is slipped over welded-washer-on-stop (can't see it under the nut), and re-positioned flush to yellow bracket).
Also, extra-long starter plug, to slip up through handle (made from wire - shown next to stock started plug, rubber removed):


-Jim
I've certainly busted my share of racquets, and now that I'm playing with current models, I decided to see if I could save a few of them (and big $$). I've had success with my first repair. Key is to notice the crack and stop playing with it - to keep it from opening-up/getting worse/fatiguing the frame beyond salvation.

The repair is very light weight, and thin - it seems to have negligible impact on balance. If concerned, simply add a second patch on the opposite side of the racquet, to balance. (I happened to crack an Eforce in both corners, so the repairs remained balanced.) I've been playing it regularly for about two months, indoors and out, with no failure. Restrung twice since repaired. It's my go-to stunt racquet for pick-up doubles with unfamiliar/unorthodox partners - where those balls down the middle can get both players swinging away... and CRACK!



The technique:

I picked up a small carbon fiber repair kit via ebay ($30) - a few square feet of cross-woven carbon fiber cloth and a two-part epoxy laminating resin.

Remove strings and grommets; then sand the cracked area ~2cm in all directions. Cut out a small patch of carbon fiber with scissors (~2x3cm) - this is tricky, because the fibers are stiff & slick, and small pieces like this want to unravel fast. I've found sticking masking tape to one side of the cloth first, then cutting out the patch, helps keep the cloth together - if you don't mind the look of masking tape embedded in the repair.

Mix a small batch of epoxy, and saturate the patch. Press and mold patch into place as best as possible, wrapping around the racquet frame. However, the stiff carbon fibers will make this difficult to impossible. So here's the key: use electrical tape to wrap the repair tight. Start the tape beyond the repair, then while wrapping, flip the tape over so sticky side faces out. Wrap the epoxied repair area tight with the back-side of the electrical tape. Once beyond the repair, finish wrapping by flipping the tape again to stick to the racquet. Let cure overnight.

Unwrap tape and sand the repair smooth (mostly the spiral wrap marks from the tape). Use a Dremmel cutting tool to trim off any excess from the contours of your racquet, if applicable (like in-between the two main tubes of an Eforce). Drill out any patched-over grommet holes. Install new grommets, string, and let 'r rip!



I'll learn more as I (need to) make more attempts - and with other models from friends' collections of broken sticks...

-Jim
Big announcement this weekend during the San Diego finals on IRT network:

IRT Network will be adding instant replay to the broadcast, starting with US Open in Minneapolis! (Oct 20-24)

Plus, Sudsy Monchik will be in the booth providing color commentary for the IRT Network broadcast, also starting with the US Open!



Now, back to the Kathy Geels channel...

-Jim

Thanks, Manny & Rex, for the great equipment prices & service offered at Lawler Sports to Meet'n Players!

Sign up, people - and see for yourself!

(2 Eforce Command PFs happily purchased)

-Jim
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