If you use a drop weight or electric constant pull and do it slow, pre-streching is waste of time. For crank machine add 3 lb is the way to go. double pull also a good method.
is there a step by step thread on prestretching with a manual crank? i can't find it. if not, can someone describe to me step by step please?
Step 1) Pull the string very slowly until it reaches the tension Step 2) Release the tension Step 3) Pull the string again slowly until it reaches the tension This will cut down a lot of the elasticity
Tbh, I'd use the doorknob method with a crank machine - adding up all the extra time from the slow (or double) pulls puts you way past what you'd use pulling it by hand before you put it in the frame.
you know how when you put the string on the pincher that holds onto the string when you pull at tension you want, do you take the string out of the pincher, and place it back in before you pull the same section of the string a second time???
Agree with Mark_A that the doorknob is your friend. But it is still worth it to always pull slowly near the end tension. And to do second pulls where the crosses are woven tightly. A slow job is the best job for the casual stringer.
that is very true. there's no rush for some of us who's not out there for the sake of servicing other people. thank you for the reminder.
Slowing down on the crank when you get to the end of the pull is always good practice. When doing crosses I found it helpful to use my free hand to straighten them - they've got to be straight at the instant the crank locks out.
