Clean the X-2 gripper jaws

[BigEleven]

Quick background info: bought the machine new, did two string jobs with ISO Speed 17 poly. The poly string slipped quite a few times when I pulled two strings at the same time to start the main.

So I decided to clean the sandpaper-like gripper jaws tonight. Based on what I gathered from the forum, I used 91% isopropyl alcohol and a tooth brush. I took down the bigger part of the gripper jaws. Clearly there were quite some black residues left on jaws. However, I could not clean them away no matter how much alcohol I used and how hard I brushed.

Any help?

[Hoons54]

Those floating clamps are worthless anyways. I recommend upgrading to fixed clamps, I wish I had sooner.

[Irvin]

I think the OP is talking about the tensioner jaws not the clamps. I think the best solution is to pull only one string at a time and use a starting clamp. There's been several people talking about this lately. You may want to look at some of the other threads. How are you running the string through the gripper? Do you go through the gripper first or around the gripper?

[Gamma Tech]

We set up an X-2 to try and simulate the problem you described when pulling two strings at the same time. We were able to consistently pull both strings without any slipping. However that will only work as long as both strings are side by side when wrapped around the gripper drum, and particularly when being placed between the gripper jaws. If the strings are twisted, or overlap, when placed in the gripping jaws they will slip. But when next to each other, we pulled at 40, 50, 60+ pounds and did not have any issues.

To get gripper jaws really clean use a cleaning stone (it’s a lot like a small knife sharpening stone) and rub it along the diamond coated plates. Then use the rubbing alcohol with a toothbrush, or old shoelace. Don’t be afraid to rub using a little elbow grease. Remember the textured surface is diamond dust, and diamonds are harder than just about anything you will be scrubbing with.