Stringing machines are important tools that range in complexity from simple drop weight machine to very large and complicated electronic machines. Over the life of a machine, you will eventually have to perform some basic maintenance, or even have a need for more elevated service and replacement parts. Here we outlined some of the most common service questions we receive about our stringing machines, and the best ways to find a solution. This will also highlight important resources for customer support, replacement parts and accessories, and machine manuals.
Important Resources:
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Machine Accessories and Parts: https://www.gammasports.com/collections/stringing-machine-accessories
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Machine Service Request Form: https://www.gammasports.com/pages/machine-service-request
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Machine User Manuals: https://www.gammasports.com/pages/stringing-machine-manual-archive
FAQs
Q: The string is slipping through my string clamps or grippers, how do I fix them?
A: Over time string residue builds up on these surfaces causing them to lose friction. They need to be cleaned regularly to avoid issues with strings slipping, which can damage the strings. Cleaning the gripping surfaces with rubbing alcohol and a thin, stiff brush, or a Gamma Cleaning Stone, is the best way to keep your gripping surfaces clean and gritty for maximum purchase on the strings.
https://www.gammasports.com/collections/stringing-machine-accessories/products/cleaning-stones
Q: My clamp bases are sliding on the turntable or releasing and not holding tension, how do I fix this?
A: Make sure your clamp base is properly adjusted, it is sometimes necessary to tighten the clamp bases as they might loosen overtime. Use the 17mm socket wrench included in your machine or follow the clamp base adjustment instruction in the user manual specific to your model. Cleaning the turntable surface with alcohol can also be beneficial as residue can build up and cause the surface to lose friction.
Q: My tension feels off, how do I calibrate my machine?
A: A calibration scale is necessary to check and adjust your calibration. Consult your user manual for instructions specific to your model. Check your tension regularly to make sure your machine is accurate and working properly. Note that this does not apply to drop weight models.
Q: I just received my new rotational electronic machine, and it keeps breaking strings or showing a C04 error, what is wrong?
A: Electronic machines with rotational tension heads are shipped with a transportation screw that protects the internal components during shipping. It is crucial that this screw is removed before use, as the machine will not be able to read string tensions with it installed, and you can break strings or get an error message if you use the machine with the screw installed. If you have already removed the transportation screw and you are getting a C04 error code, please submit a machine service request for assistance from our technician.
Q: The plastic pads on my mounting system are broken/missing, how do I get new ones?
A: These parts are available on our website. Pads for the 12 and 6 o’clock frame support posts are universal to all models from the last 30 years, and can be found here: https://www.gammasports.com/collections/stringing-machine-accessories/products/frame-support-protect-pads.
Pads for the shoulder supports differ between older and newer models. If your machine is a model year 2010 or earlier, you likely need the “L mount” version. Consult your user manual for correct part numbers: https://www.gammasports.com/collections/stringing-machine-accessories/products/mounting-system-protect-pads-l-mounts
Models years 2010 and newer will use a “V mount” pad style. Again, always consult the user manual for accurate part numbers: https://www.gammasports.com/collections/stringing-machine-accessories/products/mounting-system-protect-pads-v-mounts
Q: Which floor stand is compatible with my machine?
A: Gamma offers three different floor stand models for tabletop stringing machine models. Model numbers MPXFS00 and MPXF400, are compatible with every tabletop model except for the XLT. The model MXLFS10 is only compatible with the XLT. Floor stand castors are sold separately and are compatible with the MPXF400, MXLFS10, and all Gamma upright machines. The first generation of Gamma Momentum machines require the use of an adapter plate which make it compatible with the MPXFS00 and MPXF400 stands. If your Momentum machine does not have floor stand attachment points, please submit a service request to receive an adapter free of charge.
Q: Does Gamma offer replacement parts and servicing for stringing machines?
A: Yes! Gamma stocks a full range of replacement parts for current machines, and discontinued models that could still be under warranty. Submit a machine service request if you are looking for a part that is not listed on our website, or if you are unsure about the availability of parts for your machine.
Gamma’s stringing machine technician offer servicing on all Gamma models at our Pittsburgh headquarters. Submit a machine service request form if you are interested in or have questions related to sending in machine parts for service.