Reddit mentions of Gamma Sports Starting Clamp, Red/Silver

Let's see...

Question 1:

Do you mean face up vs. face down? This won't matter unless your racquet is asymmetric. An example would be the several of the Head/Ektelon racquets where the order of the crosses matter. In these cases, you would simply need to be aware of which side you start your crosses on. For these types of racquets, there are typically specific manufacturer instructions that can be found online (e.g. link; checkout the Head Black Widow for a specific example of mounting instructions). For racquets with normal grommet systems, you don't need to worry about the orientation so much.

Question 2:

Same as #1 above, this will depend on the individual racquet. These racquets tend to have fan-like orientation of strings at the throat (Think the Head throat design). Typically, the last cross will have a "hard weave," where if the first main to be crossed is "lower" than the others, your cross will start by going under that string. From that, you can predict how to begin your crosses at the head of the racquet. If you're ever worried, take a picture of the racquet's strings at the start of the crosses before cutting them out (just make sure they were strung properly to begin with!).

Question 3:

I've personally used one by Gamma (link it was basically the only one I could find when I was looking for one) and it has worked great for me. I've heard that others also really enjoy ones by Alpha, although those can be difficult to find and I haven't actually tried it myself. My method for starting the crosses is:

1. On the side opposite to your starting knot, weave the first cross (backwards)
   
2. On the emerging side, ensure you have enough string to reach the tension head. On this same side, add starting clamp to the string outside of the racquet and flush against the side of the frame
   
3. Using the other side of the string, weave the second cross, pull tension, then clamp
   
4. Weave third cross, pull tension, then clamp.
   
5. using the loose string near the starting clamp, pull tension, remove the starting clamp, and use your second clamp (previous on cross #2) to clamp this cross down
   
6. Tie the end knot.
   
   I use this method to avoid pulling tension directly against the frame to minimize stress on the racquet. Many people will argue different methods are better than others online, but you will find what works best for you/your racquets. However, your specific situation is different.
   
   One trick when mounting (since I've used the Gamma stringers before) is to first ensure that your mounting towers are far apart, then adjust the mounting points at 12 and 6 o'clock such that your racquet somewhat "floats" over the middle of the turntable just enough such that you would be able to fit your fixed clamps at the top of your frame for the first cross. If it's still not possible to fit them up there, then you'll likely need to simply use a starting knot (see the link the other poster provided), and weave the first cross, tension (to tighten the knot), weave the second cross, tension, then clamp with a fixed clamp. This isn't ideal, but would be unavoidable if your clamps can't fit at the top cross. Some methods exist where you could start by weaving your second cross first, and then looping around to your first cross, which then jumps to the third...etc. Personally, I think those methods cause excessive string contact on the outside of the racquet so I typically avoid them where possible unless a manufacturer directly recommends it.
   
   Question 4:
   
   You can use an extra shoelace or toothbrush moistened with some rubbing alcohol. With the shoelace, just rub it back and forth on your clamps/tension gripper. YouTube also has some videos on this, I think. Depending on the color of strings you've been using, you can sometimes see the residue that gets removed.
   
   Sorry this became another wall of text! What type of racquets do you own or expect to string most frequently?