2nd starting clamp or a flying clamp (which one)?

[tennisbike]

I am stringing with a Gamma Progression II 602-FC, fixed clamp drop weight stringer. I already have a starting clamp and use it a lot. There are times when I have to do some clamp dance in certain pattern I am experimenting. What would be a good addition, a second starting clamp? or a nice Pro Stringer Bear Claw or a double or triple Stringway?

 

[fuzz nation]

I am stringing with a Gamma Progression II 602-FC, fixed clamp drop weight stringer. I already have a starting clamp and use it a lot. There are times when I have to do some clamp dance in certain pattern I am experimenting. What would be a good addition, a second starting clamp? or a nice Pro Stringer Bear Claw or a double or triple Stringway?

I have a Progression II ELS, which has those fixed clamps. I also have a Gamma starting clamp that's terrific for my needs and although I considered picking up a 2nd one after I got my first one, it turns out I only need one. If I had a second one, it would be gathering dust.

But as luck would have it, my previous machine was a table-top drop weight rig from LaserFiber (US version of Stringway) and that machine came with a pair of Stringway flying clamps - the ones that hold two parallel strings, not three. I suppose these are "doubles". It's nice having these handy, but I never really run into a situation where I need an extra clamp.

One thing I like to routinely use one of my flying clamps for is "backing up" one of my fixed clamps when I start my mains. I thread both center mains, apply one fixed clamp to one of those mains, and before I tension the other main and clamp it with my other fixed clamp, I set my flying clamp on the "slack side" of the string on that first clamp. I set it right up flush against the side of the fixed clamp that's already set on the string. This makes it much less likely that the string will slip through that fixed clamp that's working as an anchor to pull against when I tension the first main.

I could also use my starting clamp to perform this backstop role when tensioning my first main, but I like that the Stringway flying clamp can be set at a lower clamping tension. That lets me anchor the string effectively without mashing it with more clamping pressure than is necessary. I've probably also run into one or two situations where I used my flying clamp to hold some string tension while I sorted something out with my fixed clamp in the middle of a string job, but I can't remember specifically what that could have been. My machine itself has been 100% trouble free.

Sorry for the novel... I like having one starting clamp and a double Stringway, so there's my vote

 

[jim e]

I have 3 starting clamps , along with fixed clamp machine,
I have one set with a string through it for a bridge , when I cut a string a little short.
You can also use a starting clamp to back up the anchor clamp, and if you want less pressure from clamp you just clamp string higher in the clamp is all. Starting clamps are all you need. My vote

 

[tennisbike]

1: 1
I really love the idea of owning a Pro Stringer Bear Claw, but a medium costs about $50 plus $30 bucks shipping. I can get 2 more starting clamp for that much money. Starting clamp is looking better so far.

 

[Wes]

@tennisbike,

I began writing out a lengthy/detailed answer with my initial thoughts.
Then I decided, before posting that, I want to inquire as to exactly which pattern(s) you think that you'll need a flying clamp, or 2nd starting clamp, in order to accomplish.

I'm not saying that the situation can't arise, however it is exceedingly rare.
So, before I go any further, I want to know specifically what pattern(s) you are contemplating.

Then, I can give a more detailed answer.

 

[jim e]

As far as I am concerned, no one can have too many starting clamps. They are cheap enough.

 

[tennisbike]

.. specifically what pattern(s) you are contemplating.

Generally, it would be trying to bridge to reach the tensioner while the starting clamp is already used holding a string.

Currently I am working on a 3 pcs, like a "Lendl pattern". (There is another issue of how to start the poly @ #3 cross without a tie off hole at the top.) Toward the end, with starting clamp holding the last main, I need to tie the poly cross but it was too short to reach tensioner. I did one less poly cross and fill it with the long main, did some clamp dance and .. might had to double pull once. I know an extra starting clamp would do the job, but am tempted by a nice flying clamp. (The Pro Stringer Bear Claw clamp is so pretty.)

 

[Wes]

Generally, it would be trying to bridge to reach the tensioner while the starting clamp is already used holding a string.

In that case (and probably just about any other), the starting clamp is definitely going to be more useful (and much faster).
A starting clamp has eyelets specifically for this very purpose. A flying clamp does not.

Currently I am working on a 3 pcs, like a "Lendl pattern".

3pc.? Why?
You don't need 3 pieces for the "Lendl pattern".
Each time I've done it, I used only 2 pieces... didn't enlarge any grommets... and tied off only at the designated tie-off locations.

See...

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/scrap-string-rules-when-to-ditch-vs-toss.656186/#post-13840069

and...

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/scrap-string-rules-when-to-ditch-vs-toss.656186/#post-13840520

Toward the end, with starting clamp holding the last main, I need to tie the poly cross but it was too short to reach tensioner.

That sounds more like a consequence of not using a sufficient amount of string.
On your next go, use a longer measurement of string and this won't be an "issue".

 

[struggle]

I have three starting clamps, but I'm glad sometimes to have at least two.

I don't have any flying clamps, not do i plan to purchase any at this point.

Fwiw, i have a fixed clamp machine.

 

[Steve Huff]

I have an electronic, fixed clamp machine. I have 2 starting clamps (which I forced myself to use once) and 2 heavy floating clamps. I've been stringing since 1979, and have never needed the starting clamp, so I'd say to go for the Bear Claw clamp. I think it is more versatile. I bought the starting clamps around 2015, so 36 years without one.

 

[Tennis_dude101]

I'd get the Pro Stringer Claws also, only been hearing good things about them...