Unable to double pull poly using Gamma machine. Alternative to Yusuki starting method for starting?

[Kick Serve Steve]

Hi guys, I am very new to stringing. I recently read about the Yusuki method for starting and I like the idea of not pulling full tension on an un-tensioned fixed clamp for starting the mains, and which also serves to set the height and alignment of fixed clamps while the first mains are tensioned. I have an X-6 with fixed clamps. I tried double pulling the first two mains in accordance w/ the Yusuki method but I am finding that when I am using poly string, the tension gripper of my Gamma will not hold both mains - one starts to slip. It looks like the diamond coated gripper jaws do not remain perfectly parallel as the gripper closes, so only the inner string gets clamped properly and the other slips when double pulling. Just a side effect of a machine made on a budget. This does not cause any issues pulling single strings but makes me unable to accomplish the Yusuki method starting w/ poly. Can I accomplish effectively the same way of starting as the Yusuki method in several stages only using single pulls?

For example, if I am using a 16x19 pattern racquet so I pull the first mains through the topof the hoop, could I: use my starting clamp outside the throat to clamp a first main, pull to tension, clamp on the inside towards the head with my first fixed clamp, then pull the adjacent main from the throat side, clamp that off w/ the 2nd fixed clamp, then go back and re-pull the main from the end w/ the starting clamp on it, remove the starting clamp, move the first fixed clamp to the inside of the throat side, and then progress stringing mains? Not sure if I'm thinking about this the right way. Thanks! Steve

 

[Arzivu]

I start my mains using a starting clamp outside the frame, as shown in this video

 

[Kick Serve Steve]

Oh, perfect. Thank you! Your video addresses a concern I had about pulling against a starting clamp - where you place it reduces the amount of tension the starting clamp sees due to friction from the grommets. Is your starting clamp diamond dusted inside or just a plain starting clamp? I have a "pro's pro" 3 spring non diamond dusted starting clamp. I will mark my string to make sure it doesn't slip.

 

[Arzivu]

First of all, this is not my video but Irvin's, one of the most experienced members of this forum about stringing. I also, have a pros pro starting clamp (with 2 springs however) and i have not noticed any slippage issues (I string only poly, I guess with a soft multi they may appear). Just make sure you have your starting clamp cleaned every now and then..

 

[2nd Serve Ace]

On your example, when you say "pull to tension" which string exactly is that?

Also, my PP starting clamp wont hold against a direct pull. Just too much space allowed in between the clamps!

 

[Kick Serve Steve]

Irvin's example from the video makes more sense than what I was thinking of doing. Especially because it would place the starting clamp against the head guard so the racquet won't be marred. My PP starting clamp did not hold 55 lbs tension when I tried pulling directly against it to start a cross. I hope it will hold full tension using Irvin's method. I guess I can do this to start a cross too (pull the 2nd cross w/ a starting clamp holding the first cross outside the frame - since I'll have to go back and pull the first cross and clamp it anyway.) I have a lot to learn, I am just starting out.

 

[Arzivu]

On your example, when you say "pull to tension" which string exactly is that?

Also, my PP starting clamp wont hold against a direct pull. Just too much space allowed in between the clamps!

You mean at the beginning? From the two center strings you are pulling the one that is not clamped by the starting clamp.

 

[Arzivu]

Irvin's example from the video makes more sense than what I was thinking of doing. Especially because it would place the starting clamp against the head guard so the racquet won't be marred. My PP starting clamp did not hold 55 lbs tension when I tried pulling directly against it to start a cross. I hope it will hold full tension using Irvin's method. I guess I can do this to start a cross too (pull the 2nd cross w/ a starting clamp holding the first cross outside the frame - since I'll have to go back and pull the first cross and clamp it anyway.) I have a lot to learn, I am just starting out.

Seems a logical way to do, although I prefer using a starting knot, so cannot say much about it...

 

[Kick Serve Steve]

I used a starting knot on the first racquet I did, and it turned out great. From reading on here though it seems like a lot of people don't like using starting knots. I am also terrible at tying starting knots. I tried some of the bulkier fisherman's type knots and could not figure out how to get them to work esp w/ poly string. What type of starting knot do you typically use?

 

[Arzivu]

Yes, many do not like starting knots because they are afraid of damaging the grommets. For me the advantage is minimal tension loss. I use the iknot (again credit to Irvin), which is very steady and not extremely difficult to tie..

 

[Kick Serve Steve]

Thanks. I wish all racquets used the special tie off grommets newer Tecnifibre frames come with - the rigid, flat grommets that will last forever w/ knots bearing against them.

 

[2nd Serve Ace]

You mean at the beginning? From the two center strings you are pulling the one that is not clamped by the starting clamp.

Then thats a double pull of both centers. You could use a fixed clamp at the top end to hold the main you aren't pulling.

Sent from my LG-LS993 using Tapatalk

 

[Arzivu]

I don't like the idea of pulling on an un-tensioned fixed clamp (slippage issues). Eventually, I am gonna come back and tension the main that is backed with the starting clamp, then remove the starting clamp and proceed normally.

 

[LOBALOT]

I had the same issue with the Yusuki method and not only would the gripper slip but sometimes when it slipped it would mar the string.

I like another method that is in one of Irvin's other videos that I can't seem to find. With this method the Starting Clamp is placed inside the frame on the second main from the Center on the opposite side of the face from the loop. I use his idea for a cloths pin to protect the grommet/frame from being damaged by the starting clamp. I then tension the first main on the starting clamp side applying tension to the loop end. I then tension the other inside main across from the loop end and then the next string on that side. I then go back and tension the string that had the starting clamp and remove it along with the close pin and then I am off and running.

I have no basis in fact for this but to me it seems that this method applies the same tension and handles the center mains in the same fashion for consistency across the face of the racquet.

 

[FFo]

I used to do the Yusuki method, but this is more simple, faster and works fine.

 

[am1899]

I believe this is the method @LOBALOT is referring to, video courtesy of @drakulie:

 

[LOBALOT]

Sorry I mistakenly attached to the wrong post!

 

[LOBALOT]

I believe this is the method @LOBALOT is referring to, video courtesy of @drakulie:

This is the method I was referencing. Thank you!

 

[tennisbike]

I believe this is the method @LOBALOT is referring to, video courtesy of @drakulie:

I also use this same idea to start mains. Except that I follow what Irvin does by using the same fix clamps for the first mains on both sides, after the first two pulls. (Oh, and use the cloth pin between starting clamp and the grommet). By using the same clamp you do you have to stagger the two clamps, because there is only one clamp.

I found that because the center 2 mains tend to be just a lb or 2 in lower tension (based on SM reading), I then clamp at about the same distance from the 6 and 12 o'clock mount post, instead of all the way against the grommet.