How to clamp first cross

[KaiserW]

Hi,
It has been a long time since I strung a racquet and I now have floating clamps (used to have a fixed clamp machine). How do you clamp the first cross using floating clamps and a one piece job? I won't have another cross to clamp to?

Thanks

 

[Irvin]

I would run in the top two crosses and tension the second cross. Tug on the second cross a few times to increase tension on the top cross, adjust tension on the second cross if you're using a drop weight, and clamp

 

[KaiserW]

Thank you!

 

[eelhc]

Alternate method is to use one of your flying clamps as a starting clamp with a scrap piece of string:

1. Weave the second and first cross (in that order).
2. Pull enough string through on first cross to reach the tensioner and clamp it together with the scrap string ("starting clamp") against the bumper guard (outside the frame).
3. Pull tension on the second cross (desired tension on the 2nd cross but not on the 1st due to friction on the grommets) and clamp with the other flying clamp.
4. complete stringing the crosses and tie off on the throat. Now you have a free clamp.
5. pull tension on the first cross (now the 1st cross is at the desired tension), clamp, release tension and remove the "starting clamp"
6. tie off and remove the other clamp

Personally, I like tying off both my crosses after the full bed has been weaved.

 

[racertempo]

Yeah, I have a starting clamp and use it on the outside of the frame on the first cross and pull tension on the second cross.

I like the option of using your extra floating clamp in the manner, but there will be an issue as most floating clamps have a thicker and thinner one. So your thicker one will clamp cross 1 and 2 together, then do another 3-5 crosses using the same clamp for the strings.

Once you get too close to the middle that wider clamp will be too big, so go back to the first cross and pull tension and clamp 1 and 2 with that same clamp and tie off that first cross.

Any way you do it though, you will have a slight issue, as that thinner clamp that was your starting clamp will be very small for clamping cross 1 and 2. I am sure it can be done, but it will be a bit of a hassle. Just invest in a starting clamp......or use a small vise grip from HD or Lowes on the outside, it will be much easier that way.