How to start the cross on two piece stringing

[turbohardtop]

I know that this have been discussed here before but I am still not clear. I want to use a 2 string method and am very clear on the first string. However, on the second string, Jay Cee has mentioned to not tied a knot first. How do we pull the first cross if there is no starting knot. Also, what is the best knots to use for the main and the cross. Thanks.

[ericb]

If you are using a bulky starting knot, then you can tension the first cross directly if you want.

What has been referred to in a few different postings on this board pertains to using a regular double half-hitch, or a half-hitch with a tail instead of a starting knot. These look better, and can still be used on the string for the crosses if you are careful. To use one of these knots, you have two options:

<u>Method A</u>

1) use a starting clamp, and clamp the string outside the frame leaving enough string to reach your tensionser

2) weave and pull the crosses as you normally would - the starting clamp is acting as a 'starting knot' (hence the name of the clamp)

3) after you've tensioned 3 or more crosses, come back, tension the outside of the first string, clamp and tie-off normally. Depending on the kind of clamping system you have, you may have to put a minor amount of thought into this. For example, on a fixed clamp table, you can only do the tie-off after an odd number of crosses to have the correct clamp free.

<u>Method B</u>

1) weave the first cross and tie-off the short end normally - without tensioning anything yet. Pull hand-tight.

2) weave the second cross, and then apply tension. You should notice that a basic knot is bulky enough to not slip into the grommet.

I personally use method A since I am often stringing at high tensions and don't want to risk having the knot slip into the frame. I could probably get away with method B, but I'm so used to A that I don't find it really takes any longer.

Hope this helps.

Eric</u>

[turbohardtop]

If my tension is 60# for the cross using method B (tensioning after 2 crosses), what tension should I use to pull on the second cross. Would it make sense to increase tension 8# just like a tied off? Thanks.

[ericb]

If my tension is 60# for the cross using method B (tensioning after 2 crosses), what tension should I use to pull on the second cross.

You do not need to increase the tension using method B because the tension is being applied directly to the knot, so there isn't any loss, other than what is normal for crosses. When you finish the crosses, you can increase the tension by 4lbs for the last 2-3 before tying off, because you will lose tension when you tie that knot.

Cheers,

Eric

[eagle]

Just wondering ..... :)

Why can't one start the crosses like the mains where you start in the middle and work yourself alternately towards the sides which in this case will be the head and the throat?

r,
eagle

[Jens]

@eagle

We had this question some time ago. Look here:

http://www.stringforum.net/board/showthread.php?t=493

[eagle]

Thanks joe.

Very interesting.

I may try this on my next string session.

r,
eagle

[David Pavlich]

This pattern is called 50/50. You'll need a starting clamp to do it properly. I find no need for it except in extreme cases. It's cumbersome to do. I've done it a few times just for yucks. Too slow.

David