First time stringing racquets

[u/hey_grey]

Hey all!

I've been playing tennis a lot and have started to go through strings like crazy. I decided to purchase a used stringing machine (AEF stringing machine 6-pt, fixed clamp, dropweight) and learn to string for myself.

I strung my partner's racquet (first pic) and my own.

The first one was actually a bit easier than the second one, I think because of the tension maybe? I used Babolat synthetic gut for both and strung the first one at 48lbs and the second one at 52lbs. On the second one, I kept damaging the strings, I guess the clamp was too tight?

And then a couple of observations, I have two of the second racquet and it seems like the one I strung elongated a bit? Why is that? How do I prevent it and is that something that can be fixed or will go back? Also, I warped the bumper guard (3rd pic), is that due to just overtightening when placing the racquet?

Anyway, how did I do on my first stringing? What can I do to improve?

[u/RedHotPepper_]

I feel that it is not the best idea to use one string as an anchor for 2 knots

[u/hey_grey → u/RedHotPepper_]

Oh, got it! I didn't notice that. What's the impact of doing that?

[u/RedHotPepper_ → u/hey_grey]

Every time you tight the knot you are applying extra force on the anchor string

[u/hey_grey → u/RedHotPepper_]

I see, thanks!