X-ST
STRINGING MACHINE
OWNER'S MANUAL
Issue 2 - October 2009
GAMMA X-ST
OWNER'S MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE 1 ................................................................................................ WARRANTY
PAGE 2 ...................................................................................................FEATURES
PAGE 3 ....................................................................... ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
PAGE 6 .............................................................................. MOUNTING THE FRAME
PAGE 7 ..............................................................................STRINGING THE FRAME
PAGE 10 ...........................................................................ADDITIONAL FEATURES
PAGE 11 .................................................................................... PATHFINDER AWL
PAGE 12 ....................................................... MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS
PAGE 15 ........................................................................ TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
PAGE 16 ...............................................................................................PARTS LIST
PAGE 17 ..................................................................................... PARTS DRAWING
LIMITED WARRANTY
GAMMA Sports (GAMMA) warrants to the original purchaser that the X-STRINGER stringing machine ("EQUIPMENT")
purchased is free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of five (5) years from the date of original purchase
for mechanical parts (excluding any electrical parts and string clamps), and for a period of one (1) year from the date of
purchase for any electrical parts and string clamps. Should any defects develop under normal use within the specified time
periods, GAMMA will at its option, repair or replace the defective EQUIPMENT provided it is returned to GAMMA prepaid at
the purchaser's expense. This warranty does not apply to any damage or defect caused by negligence, abuse, misuse,
unauthorized alteration, shipping, handling, or part wear and tear as a result of normal use.
Routine maintenance, adjustment, and cleaning required to ensure proper operation are the responsibility of the purchaser
and are not covered under the terms of this warranty. These include, but are not limited to: String Clamp adjustment, as
described on page 13, tension calibration, as described on page 11, Tensioner Brake adjustment, as described on page 12,
and clamp base locking nut adjustment, as described on page 13..
GAMMA's obligation under this warranty is limited to repair or replacement of defective EQUIPMENT, and no one is authorized
to promise any other liability. GAMMA shall in no event be liable for any incidental or consequential damages.
To return defective EQUIPMENT, a return authorization (RA#) must be obtained from a GAMMA customer service
representative. The RA# must be marked on the outside of the shipping carton being returned. All returns must be shipped
prepaid by the customer to GAMMA. Please retain the original shipping carton and packing materials for any future shipments.
GAMMA will not be responsible for machines which are not sent in the original undamaged packaging.
1
FEATURES
MACHINE FEATURES
Manual Spring Tension Winder (11-89 lbs range)
Patented Roller Guide for Maximum Accuracy and Consis-
tency
Professional Six Point “Quick Mount” Racquet Mounting
System - Accomodates All Racquets Without Adapters
Parallel Jaw Gripper w/ Diamond Dust Coated Gripping
Surfaces
Professional Dual Action, Rotating, Diamond Dust Coated,
Fixed String Clamps
High Strength Extruded Aluminum Frame with Durable
Anodized Finish and Convenient Padded Tool Tray
Unique Internal Drawer System for Storing Tools and
Adaptors
2
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Turntable Installation
To install the turntable remove the four nuts
underneath holding the mounting bolts in
place. Position the turntable over the turntable pin and align the bolts with the holes in
the flange. Secure them with the included
allen wrench.
Note: When purchased with the optional
floor stand, it is most convenient to attach the
base to the floor stand at this point. See
instructions provided with the optional floor
stand.
Support Post Installation
To install the support posts you must first
remove the mounting bolt from the mounting
plate that sets inside the central cavity of the
turntable. There are large holes stamped on
the underside of the turntable that allow you
to support the mounting plate with your
fingers while removing the mounting bolt.
Remove and Discard Plastic Washers
Support Post Installation (con’t)
After removing the mounting bolt, remove
and discard the plastic washers that are
installed for shipping purposes.
3
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Support Post Installation (cont’d)
Place the support post onto the central slot
of the turntable. With your fingers placed
through the large hole in the underside of the
turntable, press the mounting plate against
the inside top surface of the turntable while
aligning the hole in the support post with the
hole in the mounting plate and fix them with
the mounting bolt. Repeat procedure on to
attach the support post on the opposite side
of the turntable.
String Clamp Installation
The post of the string clamp and tube of the
string clamp base are treated with grease to
provide protection against corrosion during
shipping. Remove any excessive grease
with a clean cloth prior to use. The post and
tube may also be cleaned with isopropyl
alcohol. After this type of thorough cleaning,
the post and tube should be treated with a
light coating of machine oil to protect the
surfaces against corrosion and to ensure
smooth operation.
Installing the Tensioner
Remove the button head screw and washer
located at the end of the tensioner bar with
the 3 mm hex wrench provided. Slide the
tensioner onto the bar, being careful to align
the bar with all of the bearings and the drive
gear with the gear track. Replace the screw
and washer into the end of the tensioner bar.
Note: The tensioner bar is equipped with a
tensioner travel stop to limit travel of the
tensioner along the bar.
4
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Setting the Gripper Jaw Spacing
The gripper jaws of the tensioner are adjustable to accomodate varying string gauges.
If the string slips through the gripper jaws
while pulling tension, rotate the gripper jaw
adjustment screw counter-clockwise.
If the string is damaged while pulling tension,
rotate the gripper jaw adjustment screw
clockwise.
The jaws will be properly adjusted when
there is enough pressure to securely grip the
string without causing damage to the string.
Tensioner Travel Stop
The tensioner bar is equipped with a
tensioner travel stop to limit travel of the
tensioner along the bar and prevent contact
between the tensioner and the racquet
mounting system while stringing. The travel
stop is located about midpoint along the
tensioner bar below the gear track.
To disengage the stop, pull and hold the knob,
rotate 90 degrees and release. To engage
Travel S top
the stop, repeat the above procedure until
the travel stop pin protrudes beyond the
opposite surface of the tensioner bar.
Turntable Brake
The turntable may be locked in any position.
Flip the lever down to lock the turntable brake
and flip the up to release the turntable brake.
5
MOUNTING THE FRAME
Adjusting the Frame Support Posts
Loosen the lock bolts of the frame support
posts and space them apart with the frame
support slides separated by the approximate length of the racquet head. Although it
is not required, it is good practice to center
the support posts on the turntable. Lock one
of the posts in position by tightening the lock
bolt and position the other post until the frame
support slide is positioned near the inside
surface of the racquet frame. Securely
tighten the lock bolt of the second support
post.
Caution: To avoid racquet damage, the center posts should not contact the racquet prior to
locking down the support posts.
Tightening the Frame Supports
Tighten the Frame Support Slides by turning
the adjustment knob clockwise until snug
against the racquet frame and slight resistance is felt.
Caution: Overtightening the Center Supports will stretch the head of the racquet and
could cause racquet damage.
Frame Shoulder Support Adjustment
Being sure the shoulder supports are free
to swivel in their mountings, simultaneously
rotate the shoulder support adjustment knobs
clockwise until both shoulder supports gently and squarely contact the frame.
6
MOUNTING THE FRAME
Securing the Frame Shoulder Clamps
Lock the shoulder supports in position by
turning the knob at the base clockwise.
Repeat the adjustment procedure for the
remaining support post.
Re-tighten all of the frame supports in the
same order as before.
Do not overtighten any of the supports as
racquet damage may occur.
The supports should be tightened to the
point where the racquet frame will not move
in the mounting system when the handle is grasped and attempts are made to move it. Should
any supports lose contact with the frame while stringing, they should be re-tightened.
STRINGING THE FRAME
String Clamp Operation
The string c
where the string clamp and clamp base
operate independently of one another.
To clamp a string, lift the clamp head and
place the string between the jaws and
depress the string clamp lever to secure the
string. The clamping pressure applied to the
string should be adjusted to provide suffi-
cient pressure to secure the string when
subjected to the desired pulling tension. The
diamond coated gripper plates provide for
increased friction between the clamps and the string to allow for reduced clamping pressure
while securing and holding the string under tension.
lamps are a dual action design
Clamp Base Operation
To lock the string clamp base to the turntable,
rotate the clamp base locking lever clock-
wise. To release the string clamp base from
the turntable, rotate the clamp base locking
lever counter-clockwise.
The Locking Lever should be tightened
enough to prevent clamp base slippage on
the turntable, when the desired tension is
placed on the string. To go from the loose
position to the clamped position and back,
generally requires the rotation permitted by
the slot in th clamp base.
7
STRINGING THE FRAME
Getting Started
To begin stringing the main strings, thread
the two ends of the string through the two
center holes at the appropriate end of the
frame and continue through the opposite
center holes. Thread one end of the string
through the adjacent grommet hole and pull
excess by hand.
Secure one of the strings using a string
clamp.
Pulling Tension
Wrap the loose section of string once around
the roller guide and insert the string between
the diamond dust coated string gripper plates.
Pull the string perpendicular to the gripper
plates while slowly rotating the tensioner
crank clockwise until the brake lever pops
out of the latching block. The string is now
tensioned and can be clamped in place with
the remaining fixed clamp.
Repeat the above steps until all main strings
are installed. Tie off ends of main strings as
per racquet manufacturers recommendations.
Clamping the First Main String
Secure the tensioned main string using the
remaining fixed clamp. Repeat the proce-
dure for all of the remaining main strings and
tie off following the racquet manufacturers
recommendations.
Follow the manufacturer's recommended
stringing pattern for one or two piece string-
ing. This will determine the starting point for
the cross strings. If applicable, tie the first
cross string using an appropriate starting
knot.
8
STRINGING THE FRAME
Weaving the Cross Strings
Weave the cross strings over and under the
main strings being careful to alternate the
weave direction of each consecutive cross
string so as to be opposite of the previously
installed cross string.
Completing the String Job
Once the final cross string is tensioned and
clamped, tie off at the appropriate hole
specified by the racquet manufacturer.
Remove the frame from the mounting sys-
tem by loosening the shoulder supports and
frame supports.
9
ADDITIONAL FEA TURES
Storage Drawers
There are two storage drawers located in
the base of the machine. The drawers open
from the right end of the base and lock into
the end cap with a spring loaded latch.
To open the drawers push the latch down
and slide the drawer out. To close the
drawer simply slide the drawer back inside
the base and it will automatically lock into
place.
Cutting Block
A cutting block is provided to provide a
surface for cutting a point on the strings
using a razor blade cutter.
10
PATHFINDER A WL
The stringing machine includes the Path-
finder stringing awl which creates a path-
way between or around strings to make
inserting a string through tight grommets
easier and quicker.
Insert the awl through the grommet hole in
the same manner as for traditional awls.
The Pathfinder awl must be in the closed
position before insertion.
Once the awl is inserted, pull the handle of
the awl outward while holding the tip section
in place, leaving the outer sheath in the
grommet hole.
Insert the end of the string into the center of
the sheath.
While holding pressure on the string, slowly
pull the sheath out of the grommet hole to
leave the end of the string exposed.
11
MAINTENANCE & ADJUSTMENTS
Tension Calibration Procedure
Step 1
Set the tension to 60 lbs. as indicated by the
linear scale and rotary knob. Place the string
on one end of a tension calibrator into a string
clamp and secure. Place string located on
the other end of the calibrator into the string
tensioner and apply tension. If the brake
lever releases before 60 lbs. or after 60 lbs.,
the tension head should be calibrated as
follows.
Step 2
Loosen the 1.5 mm locking set screw (A)
located on the side of the latching block as
A
shown. The set screw is used to hold the
adjustment screw in place.
Step 3
B
B
If the lever releases before 60 lbs., using the
supplied L-shaped hex wrench, turn the
adjustment screw (B) located on the left
side of the latch block counter-clockwise to
increase the engagement of the brake re-
lease latch with the brake lever. Repeat step
1 and adjust until the correct tension is
indicated on the calibrator.
If the tension indicated in step 1 is greater
than 60 lbs., turn the adjustment screw
clockwise to reduce the engagement of the
brake release latch with the brake lever.
Repeat step 1 and adjust until the correct
tension is indicated on the calibrator.
12
MAINTENANCE & ADJUSTMENTS
Adjusting the Tensioner Brake
A
A - Lock Bolt
B
Step 1
After stringing many racquets, the brake of
the tensioner may need to be adjusted.
With the brake lever engaged, loosen the
lock bolt located on the back side of the
tensioner frame with the 4mm hex wrench.
Note: The lock bolt should only be loosened
enough to be turned by hand and must not
be removed completely.
Adjusting the Tensioner Brake
Step 2
With the lock bolt loosened and the brake
lever engaged in the latch, insert the 6 mm
hex wrench through the hole in the tensioner
cover and into the (B) brake lever adjusting
bolt.
B - Brake Lever Adjustment Bolt
Adjusting the Tensioner Brake
Step 3
To tighten the braking mechanism, turn the
brake lever adjusting bolt counter clock-
wise by about 1/8 turn. Retighten the lock
bolt on the back side of the tensioner frame
and check for brake tightness. The tensioner
should move freely along the track with the
brake lever engaged and should hold ten-
sion with the brake lever released. If more
adjustment is needed, repeat steps above
until properly adjusted.
Note: Cover Removed For Clarity
13
MAINTENANCE & ADJUSTMENTS
Adjusting the String Clamp Jaw Spacing
The string clamps will need minor adjustments according
to what string type, construction, and gauge you are
using.
To adjust the gap (clamping pressure) between the clamp
jaws, insert the string through the racquet as if you were
beginning the main strings. Clamp the strings and pull
tension. If the string slips through the jaws of the clamp,
tighten the clamp by compressing the clamp jaws together
Adjustment
Knob
wise to open the gap between the jaws. The clamp jaws should be cleaned periodically to
be free from dirt, oil, and any string coating for them to grip properly. Knife sharpening stones
are excellent for removing build-up on the diamond coated surfaces and are available.
Note: The string clamps supplied with your stringing machine can accomodate tight string
patterns such as badminton. Depending on the string pattern, the clamp may spread the strings
slightly which will not compromise the quality of the string job. String clamps specifically
designed for badminton racquets are also available.
by hand while turning the Adjustment Knob, in the clockwise direction. If the clamp leaves impressions or damages the string, it may be excessively tight and should be
adjusted by turning the Adjustment Knob counter clock-
Clamp Base Locking Nut Adjustment
In the event the Locking Lever rotation is
insufficient to ensure smooth operation of
the clamp base, very minor adjustments to
the Clamp Base Locking Nut can be made
with the supplied 17mm socket. Tighten or
loosen the locking nut in very small increments to provide more clamping pressure or
running clearance as needed.
Quick Action Clamp Base Removal
Quick Action clamp bases can be removed
from the turntable for maintenance or cleaning by removing clamp stop located at the end
of the slot in the turntable. To remove the
clamp stop, remove the two screws holding
the clamp stop in place from the underside of
the turntable. Lift the clamp stop out of the
slot, slide the clamp base to the end of the slot
and lift it out. Replace the clamp base and
clamp stop in reverse order.
14
TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
PROBLEM SOLUTION
String slips in clamps - Adjust gap between clamp jaws
- Clean clamp jaws
String slips in gripper - Adjust gripper jaw spacing
- Clean gripper jaws
String clamp base slips on turntable - Clean bottom of clamp & glide bar with
Tensioner slips on Tensioner Bar
after brake lever is released
String tension too tight or too loose - Check tension using a tension
alcohol
- Adjust clamp base locking nut
- Clean tensioner brake disc
- Adjust tensioner brake lever
calibrator, adjust machine calibration if
necessary
CARE & CLEANING
With time and use, the clamping surfaces of your machine may become oily or dirty and result
in string or clamp slippage while stringing. Periodic cleaning of the String Clamps, String
Clamp Base, and String Gripper is recommended. Knife sharpening stones work well for
cleaning the diamond coated string clamping surfaces. Cleaning with a solvent such as
isoproyl alcohol and a mild abrasive tool such as a toothbrush also works well to remove
oily or greasey build up.
15
PARTS LIST
PART #
6A
8A
9
14
21A
104
105
133
140
141
142
143
144
146A
148L
148R
203
259
265
270
271
272
273
274
276
277
278
282
283
285
286
287
288
301
320
322
323
327
DESCRIPTION
CAP SCREW- M8
SET SCREW
WASHER- M8
WASHER- M10
FRAME SUPPORT SLIDE
TENSIONER ASSEMBLY
RETAINER SCREW
FRM SUPP SCREW & KNOB
MTNG STAND TOP PLATE
MTNG STAND PAD
SUPPORT ARM- LEFT
SUPPORT ARM- RIGHT
SUPPORT LOCK KNOB
ARM ADJ KNOB & SCREW
SHOULDER V-CLAMP
SHOULDER V-CLAMP
TT SCREWS
SLIDE BRACKET
DRAWER END CAP
SUPP MOUNTING PLATE
SUPPORT POST
BASE
TRAY PAD
CHOP BLOCK
DRAWER END CAP
BASE CORNER CAP
BASE CORNER CAP
TURNTABLE
TT END CAP
TT END CAP- RIGHT
TT END CAP- LEFT
BASE END CAP
BASE END CAP
RUBBER FEET
BRAKE RING
LARGE DRAWER
SMALL DRAWER
TURNTABLE PIN
PART #
336
337
MDCSC
MQAC
DESCRIPTION
TENSIONER BAR
BRAKE BOX (ST)
METAL STRING CLAMP
TALL QA BASE CLAMP
TOOLS & ACCESSORIES
71
98
109
110
171
196
251
MA
MFSPP
MMSPP
MMSSA
MPSA
6MM T-HANDLE HEX WRENCH
BOX WRENCH- 10MM
NEEDLE NOSE PLIERS
BENT NOSE PLIERS
DIAGONAL CUTTERS
17MM SOCKET
HEX WRENCH SET
STRINGERS AWL
FRAME SUPP PADS
SQUASH (SQ)
SHORT BADMINTON (SB)
TENNIS (T)
BADMINTON (B)
TENNIS SHLDER SUPP PADS
SHLDER SUPP PADS (L TO R)
RACQUETBALL
BADMINTON
PATHFINDER AWL
OPTIONAL TOOLS & ACCESS
MBFC
MDCSC
MGSMC
MPG
MPS
MPXFS
MTC
SGSM
BAD FLOATING CLAMP
FIXED BAD STRING CLAMP
MACHINE COVER
STARTING CLAMP
POLISHING STONE
FLOOR STAND
CALIBRATOR
STRINGER’S MAT
16
PARTS DRAWING
148L
141
142
146A
133 14
320
327
8A
271
MMSPP
140
MFSPP
144
336
143
282
MQAC MDCSC
21A
105
273
6A
285
9
270
337
283
286
104
322
323
278
265
MMSPP
288
276
272
277
287
MMSSA
17
259
301
SQ SB T
274
MFSPP
B
GAMMA SPORTS
200 Waterfront Drive
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222
Phone: 800-333-0337 Fax: 412-323-0317
Visit our website at www.gammasports.com
Copyright 2009 GAMMA Sports - All Rights Reserved
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