First String and Why I Need a Starting Clamp

[@alanb76]

When I started stringing (a few years ago) I decided to keep things simple but use high quality techniques. 1) no starting knots, all knots should be the same, and settled on Wilson Pro Knots; 2) always string 2 piece, 3) get a starting clamp so the crosses can be started with the clamp and then tied with the same knot (also good for rescuing short string and tightening knots). Collect links to the best yewtub examples of good techniques and review them as needed (especially knots), and make a good outline of my own process and review it before each string job. I'm not in a hurry, I want the best job I can do, and it will take awhile to make it all automatic. This list is coming in handy as I restart stringing after the virus gap. Best of luck on your journey!

[@DB-CA]

Thanks. You will be good on your next one.

[@ninobrn00]

I bought the same machine (from Aliexpress) and strung the same racquet. The issue I ran into was not making the clamps tight enough to hold the strings so once I got to the final mains, the clamp would drop and the base clamp would go loose so I’d have to start over. Four times! I don’t think you need a starting clamp. I have one, but I could’ve done it without. You could use a wooden or plastic cooking spoon to wrap the string around and use that to pull tension on your knot. Maybe watching some videos from Richard Parnell or using the Wilson Pro knot could work a bit better for you.

[@Kevmc1023]

Use your awl for enlarge a little the blocked groomets and your tie off.

[@antonioragosta5727]

In my first time my knots where horrible! I just cut all and did it again. Better to learn the pro knot or Parnell knot (I use the second one only). Starting clamp is a must have to start mains, tight the knots and do the crosses without starting knot. I'm used to measure the two pieces, ~6m mains and ~5.5m crosses. The use of an APP to check the tension can be a good feedback also to check drops in tension that can mean poor knots or stringing technique. But it is a lovely hobby.

[@TennisPNW]

Thanks for the advice.

[@rachidbaaira9869]

great video tnx for the informations, plz can you tell me how much weight that cylindre weight ??

[@slach01]

Great job, and thanks for posting! I've seen a few comments in the forums on this model that note you have to do something with the clutch mechanism when you lift the weight, and if you don't do it correctly the string gets stuck and you have to cut it. I have not been able to understand what is occurring in these cases - any thoughts?

[@TennisPNW]

I'll make a video on that and I think it will be helpful for many people.

[@slach01]

@@TennisPNW Thanks!

[@rakesh0085]

hi , Thanks for your video. I was using klippermate and upgraded to thi smachine for 6 point mounting and fixed clamp. But i am facing difficulty while pulling weight. I am having difficulty in detemining how much slack string you need before you pull tension. If its too less , string becomes tight even before the bar gets horizontal, if its too much , then even after going full circle, its still not tight. AT this point i dont see how you can adjust from there. With klipper weight , you could lift it easily and adust the string easily and pull again. but it doesnt seems so straight forward with this machine. Any thoughts?

[@TennisPNW]

I would always start with not enough slack, then add a little bit. If there's too much you can get the gripper caught below the strings and be unable to drop the weight the little bit needed to pull the pawl down, unfortunately requiring to cut out the strings I think. With time on the machine you get a pretty good feel for it.

[@rakesh0085]

Thanks for your reply. I found a slight mistake during tensioning , either you will have to release the clamp undoing all your effort or worst you end up caughting out the string .unfortunately I ended up returning the machine 🙁. Planning to go for gamma drop weight. I really liked the machine but the tensioning system .

[@TennisPNW]

@@rakesh0085 Yeah if a person can get a feel for it then have enough business to ugrade, the Wise tensioner can go on it so that's what I might eventually do. Sorry the machine didn't work out for you. Thanks for watching!