strings for self bows??

[wahoo]

I have an Owl bow 53" long how do I figure out how long the string is I have to make for the bow??? Is there a formula or do I just measure the original strings and go from there??

[bigcountry]

Generally 3" shorter for NTN using a tape throughout the whole shape of the bow.  On a longbow that is.  4" shorter on recurve works for me.

[wahoo]

simple as that??? Measure any bow nock to nock and use the -3 or the -4 on the bow and you have your length??

[Osagetree]

That'll get you close enough!

[Pat B]

...or make your string with a bowyers knot(timber hitch) for the bottom limb. You can adjust it to that bow or another if necessary.

[George Tsoukalas]

I tie double look flemish strings. They longest strand is 12 inches longer than the ntn distance of the bow. My bows are braced 7 in from string to back of bow. You may want to brace a 53 in bow lower. Remember you can twist a flemish ( not too much) to adjust it. Pat's idea of the single loop Flemish is a good one. I just never to a cotton to them. Ole Jawge be set in his ways. Anybody surprised by that?    Jawge

[Steve B.]

George,
How many twists in a flemish is too many?

Why do you choose 7 inch brace?

thanks,
Steve

[wahoo]

my brace is just over 6 1/4. That timber hitch looks easy and for a beginner it my be easier.

[Col HJ]

I like endless loop strings - cause I know how to make them - and like to have 10-15 twists in the finished string. I have an 80 pound Howard Hill long bow that is 69" NTN and the last string I made for it was 67" and with my preferred 10 twists it braced the bow to 6.5" from the belly.

[George Tsoukalas]

I like 1-2 twists per inch. Any more than that and they stretch too much. Jawge