Doing the twist video?

[Don Armstrong]

I have a REALLY hard time getting flemish strings the right length. I have made about 75 but it's still hit and miss on length. Does the " doing the twist " video explain how to get the right length. Thanks, Don

[scottm]

Ive only made a few,correct me if im wrong but i think recurve is 4" shorter than NTN length and long bow is 3" shorter than NTN length.I always stand on my first loop and use a tape measure to check the length before I twist up the second loop just to  make sure it is going to come out the length i want.Hope this helps,Scott

[ryguy24000]

maybe its your jig?

[T Folts]

In the video they say to determine your string length and add 10" to each end so you add 20". So if you want a 60" string you make it 80". Then once you are ready to make you first loop you measure in 10" from the end and start your loop. after that you just repeat it for the other end. Once the string is made I twist it up good and check it for lenght then I streach it and adjust it. It works good for me.

[Shaun]

What I did was build a jig with no numbers on the  movable peg. I also marked 6" and 7" measure on the board and count loop twists - so that my small and large loop ends were consistent. Next, make a string and mark the board for what the actual length turns out. This should get your strings coming out close to desired length.

It does take some practice to make consistent strings and length will change some with different materials, ie. modern low stretch material is thinner and strings will be different from B-50.

[SEMO_HUNTER]

My first couple of strings came out short when I used the board pattern I printed out from here on TG. I had to readjust the numbers, the when I make my start for twisting the loops I only measure back 7" instead of the 8" recommended on the board pattern and I still have plenty of string material twisted back end to finish up.

Don't know if that will help or not?

Where did you get your jig pattern from?

Here's the one I used and if you make the corrections that I stated it should come out just fine. All the numbers for the string length were off by 2" short, and change that starting dimension to 7" and not 8" that's what I ended up with and I have checked and rechecked my board several times and it's a perfect copy of this pattern. So I have to think maybe when this person drew up the pattern they got the numbers off?
 http://www.tradgang.com/stuff_bin/stringjig.jpg

[Art B]

What type material are you using for your strings Don? If Dacron, then you have to allow for stretch. In other words, make the string shorter. For FF material I start the loops at 7 1/4" and for Dracon strings 8". FF material always works out fine, the dracon gives me fits also because different length strings stretch different amounts......Art

[Don Armstrong]

I have made Dacron, B-55 and Dynaflight 97 strings. I made my jig from a drawing in the "how to" section. Semo, that's the one I used.I made it out of 6061 alum. and layed it out on a milling machine with a digital readout. I went to the .0001 on each move so the whole board should be within a thousand between pegs. I drilled each hole .001 undersized and pressed hardened dowels in the holes. I have tried the 7.5" method and they come out short. I will check my jig and see if it's layed out wrong. Thanks for the help, Don

[Roy from Pa]

I have my jig holes numbered for bow length string groove to string groove. When I first started out if my string came up too long or too short, I would move my peg the direction I need and make another one. Once they started coming out good, then I re-numbered my peg holes for bow length. It's better to make it a tad longer then shorten it by twisting more. I also measure 8 inches from the end of the bundles to start my loops. It's trial and error till you get it going right. I use B-50 cause I'm old fashion:)

[SEMO_HUNTER]

Don, since you used the same jig pattern as I did try making your next string by using the next longer peg instead of the one that's numbered for it. Say if you want a 60" string, use the 62" peg and I bet you'll see the problem I was describing earlier and it will come out where you need it to, and start your loops at no more than 7-7.5" that's plenty to have a big enough loop and lots left over to tie into the main string.

Roy- I must be old fashioned also cause I use B50 and like it just fine, I do have to add a few twists within the first 100 shots but after that no problems with it at all and it's a heck of alot cheaper!

[Roy from Pa]

I have the same jig Don and Elmo has.

[Don Armstrong]

Just got thru making a B-55 and a Dynaflight 97 string. I used the 68" bow peg and allowed 10" on each end. The B-55 came out at 59 1/2" and the Dynaflight 97 came out at 59" so I was able to make two about the same. This was without any twist so I was able to get them to the 58 1/2" inches I was going for. I need to figure out how I flubbed the jig so bad. I will do some measuring tomorrow. Thanks to everyone for their help. Don

[Shaun]

Don, you did not flub, just change the numbers.

[Eric Krewson]

Just a heads-up, Chad has just completed a new video on string making with lots of other great segments including a segment on shooting from Rod Jenkins.

[Art B]

Shorten your ends up to 7" Don and that'll add another 6" to your string. Allow for the stretch of the B-55 string and you're almost where you need to be........Art

[Don Armstrong]

Thanks guys, I might get this thing down, or run out of money buying material  :D  . Thanks Eric, I might have to get the video.  Don

[frank bullitt]

Don, the best thing you can do at this point, is be consistent! Keep notes from start to finish!

A jig is only good for repetive length and tapering... Period! You can do the same with 2 nails or pegs. Stagger the strands and begin your loops! There are many ways to skin this cat!

If you read thru the posts, alot of different lengths are mentioned!
You seem to know the foundation, construction principles, to building a flemish style. The material used, will also dictate measurements used.

Smaller diameter materials and low stretch, creep, will mix the recipe, also!

I would say, stay with one material, consistent on measurements, and keep record. If you come out too long, take the string apart, and shorten, say an inch or so. Then twist again, using same measurement for the loop! No need to buy more material!

It amazes me that someone would would use, similar pieces of wood, to build a bow, but use disimilar materials to make the string?

The arrow is, I believe, the deciding factor!  

[Art B]

"It amazes me that someone would would use, similar pieces of wood, to build a bow, but use disimilar materials to make the string?"

Sounds like you still have serious doubts about the type of strings I make Frank. I reckon I'm different in one respect, when someone mentions something out of the ordinary, I'm naturally curious. Gotta test it for myself. That's how I got into making these type strings. I'm thrilled with the results......Art

[frank bullitt]

Good morning Art! No doubts in the use of the mixed materials, done many myself!

Just the construction process of the 2" short on the dacron. I understand the stretch reasoning, but if it works for, like said before, great!    

Have you done an autopsy on a string after many shots, curious?

Sorry Don for Hijacking this thread!

[Art B]

All my strings still look fine Frank. I was real skeptical of the construction process at first myself. But through trail and error I worked it out to suit myself. My bows range in length from 60-66"........Art