This isn't meant to be a plug, but, if you are going through all this trouble just because of the high cost of strings -- you can get strings online from a place called webstrings.com -- if you buy a bunch of sets at one time (go in with your friends?) the price gets as low as $2.35 a set for phosphor bronze --- Good strings too! And no boiling, soaking, baking wiping required. If, however, you're trying to save the planet by recycling strings several times -- carry on.