531colin wrote:Just so I'm clear, do you get the last crossing on the left and right side of the wheel and squeeze them together?
That seems like a good scheme to me, because it works for the nipple end as well, and if you use the heel of your hand it shouldn't produce arthritis.
yes, yes, and maybe respectively. I usually interlock my fingers so that I can squeeze better, but it still knocks the wotsits out of my hands, hence 'the machine'...
Long ago, you were teasing us about a stress-relieving device you were considering......did it get anywhere?
yes, but it was not an unqualified success if I'm honest. On the plus side I can easily apply enough tension to do the business even with 13G spokes. On the minus side...
a) it is a bit slower to use (if I build another one it'll be a different design and much better in this respect) and
b) the parts that bear against the spokes (thus far with 14G or fatter spokes) have nearly always put a set into them.
Now b) was a disappointment; regardless of the radius I used on the tool, I always got a 'set' in the spoke, even working well away from the crossing. In hindsight this may be a reflection of the tension introduced; if the spoke is close to yield in tension, it will take a set in bending somewhat more easily.
cheers