Flemish Twist

[Matt Stuckey]

I have recently started trying to make my own bowstrings using the flemish twist.  I think I have it down, but I seem to spend more time untangling the tail ends of the string than I do the actually twisting.  Is this normal, or am I doing something wrong.

[Pat B]

Matt, actually you are untwisting as much as you are twisting. I know, sometimes it seems like an uneven trade off. Do a few twist and then untwist the tail then do a few more twists and untwist the tail. That way it doesn't all build up into a wad of strings that need untwisting.      Pat

[portugeejn]

Matt,
That is how I make my strings, same as Pat.  Twist some, untangle, twist some, untangle.

RonP

[Matt Stuckey]

Thanks, just wanted to make sure I was doing it right.

[Dano]

"Twist some, untangle, twist some, untangle" that woulda been a hit in the 60's  

[ber643]

Either that or like "Wax on, wax off -"    

I do that trade off too.

[Steve Kendrot]

I've seen it suggested that before you start twisting your second loop, that your put some reverse twists into the string. These will unwind when you start twisting your second loop. Supposedly this helps the string groups merge and results in a rounder more even diameter string. I haven't made enough strings to be expert, but it seems to work for me.

[portugeejn]

My first strings looked like two ropes twisted together, but like Steve, I started putting backtwist in.  They are rounder and look better.  The serving is also rounder, which seems to make it easier to release--that's my theory anyway.  I can tell when I put the backtwist in the wrong direction as they look like ropes again.  

I found the DVD "Doin' the Twist" was really helpful in coming up with my own technique.

RonP

[ber643]

Good advice on the back twist and the DVD - IMO

[LBR]

Thanks for the good word on the DVD!  

Proper back-twist is essential for a round string, and it makes a difference in performance too.  The bundles will share the tension better, the serving will be rounder (better release, better nock fit), etc.  Lots of little differences that add up.  With proper back twist, you can make a 2 bundle string just as round as a 3 bundle.

On the untangling, that is normal.  Twist a few, untangle, twist a few more, untangle.  Seems to be easier to do a little of each than try to twist a bunch, then untangle a bunch.

Chad

[Roy from Pa]

Great idea with the reverse twist, thanks guys. About how many reverse twists do you recommend? Would it be wise to count the number of twists it takes to form the first loop end, then put an equal amount of reverse twists in the string bundles before making the second loop, or possibly more reverse twists than the first loop took?

[LBR]

A good starting point would be to count the number of twists you take out after making the first loop, then add that many in the opposite direction.  There's no set number--just depends on how you make the string (it will vary from one person to the next).  The goal is to have your bundles hanging straight (little to no twist) after you get the second loop finished.

It can vary depending on the string material too--with me, I put in 11 or so with Dynaflight '97, but 15 with dacron.  Take notes--might take a little trial and error, but you'll get it.

Chad

[portugeejn]

I found that I put in 15-20 backtwists in mine and that seems to work the best.  I've only used B50 to make strings.  You just have to remember to twist the right direction:-)  

The first few times I counted the number of twists then added that many the opposite direction, just as Chad advised.  After a few strings I just settled on 15-20 and it seems to work.

Ronp

[portugeejn]

And taking notes is good advice from Chad.  I didn't take notes for some time, and my strings didn't get better until I started keeping notes.

[George Tsoukalas]

Matt, remember only the loops are twisted. Can't be that much untwisting on the other end unless you guys are playing Chubby Checker music as you make your strings.     Jawge

[LBR]

Depends on how you make your string--I learned "backwards"--I twist towards the main bundles instead of out towards the ends.  After I-don't-know-how-many-thousands of strings, I'm too set in my ways to re-learn to avoid getting the extra twists in my bundles.........

Chad