String Making

[Alexander Traditional]

I just got two rolls of B55 in,and I'm going to try my first string. For my first one I might not pad the loops. Does this hurt the bow in any way,or is it just louder? The video I'm looking at does show how to do it. I was just wondering.

[McDave]

I generally make 14 strand strings (2 bundles of 7 strands) for bows up to 55# without padding.  I don't have any need to make strings for heavier bows, but if I did, I would probably go to 3 bundles of 5 strands up to about 70#, and for bows heavier than that, 3 bundles of 6 strands. I used to make skinny strings and padded the loops, but now I just like making strings with enough strands that no padding is needed.

[Alexander Traditional]

Thanks that's exactly what I was asking.

[Pat B]

I think padding is for FF type strings to help protect the bow tips. You don't need it for dacron strings like B-50 and B-55. I also use 14 strands(2x7 strands) for bows up to 60#, 12 strands for 40# to 45#.

[Alexander Traditional]

Thanks Pat, I may try 14 strands then. Most of my bows are around 52 to 60 pounds. I wanted to try this material because it's way cheaper,and I have a bow that is really loud that I wanted to try it on.

Clay Hayes is the guy in the video I like. I know there is a lot of talk of back twist. I don't see him do that. All I saw him do is when he got done twisting one end,he did take the twist out,but I don't know about back twist.

[Wudstix]

Rick,
B50/55 does have a tendency to quiet the bow, over FF.  Also, as you probably know for recurve a twisting of yarn from bottom of loop a few inches really helps.
 

[Alexander Traditional]

Yeah Mike I bought a bow from Chad Holm,and it had that yarn on there,and it's very quiet.

[MSwickard]

No need to pad looks with B50 and B55.  Depending on bow weight, build the string accordingly.  I use 15 strands for my bows up to 60 # and 16-18 for my heavier 70#.  I only make three lay flemish so like to keep the strand counts per lay an even number.

[reddogge]

Just because Clay Hays doesn't back twist doesn't mean it's the correct thing to do. I do and just about any other person making strings does too. Just think about it. After you do your first loop you have a bunch of twists in the bundles and so you take them out and start at zero twists each bundle. Then you do your second loop and you will will be putting a bunch of twists in it just like the first loop. The goal is to wind up with the two loops finished and zero twists in each bundle and back twists allow you to do that.

[Alexander Traditional]

Richard are you saying to get the twist out from making the first loop,and then actually twist the bundles the other way?

[bucknut]

Yes, That is what he is saying.  I back twist mine roughly 10  to 12 twist. It ends up pretty close to no twist in the string when you are done and makes a smaller diameter string because the bundles aren't humped up like a wire cable. Which in the end has less stretch because the bundles are all laying flat if that makes sense.

[Petrichor]

I also do 14 strand b55 no padding. Not needed with b55 imo. Faster flight materials that are super thin padding can help. I also back twist (20 times) and backlay the string and I find you have way less stretch and slippage.  Takes a little extra time and well worth the effort.

[Alexander Traditional]

I'm going to give that a try then. I know what you are talking about Bucknut. I've had some good bowyers that send strings that look like what you are talking about.

[Petrichor]

Here’s a pick of one of mine with a back lay. 

[MSwickard]

I do not back twist. Once you make first loop, straighten your lays out and do the second loop. When that is completed I’ll stretch the string then twist it up. I’ll do x amout of twister on one end then twist the same on the other end.

[Alexander Traditional]

I do not back twist. Once you make first loop, straighten your lays out and do the second loop. When that is completed I’ll stretch the string then twist it up. I’ll do x amout of twister on one end then twist the same on the other end.

Seems like there's a number of different ways to do this. The video I saw that's what he did after the first loop. I don't know if he did the other,but it makes sense. I'm sure I'm going to screw the first few up

[Petrichor]

I do not back twist. Once you make first loop, straighten your lays out and do the second loop. When that is completed I’ll stretch the string then twist it up. I’ll do x amout of twister on one end then twist the same on the other end.

Seems like there's a number of different ways to do this. The video I saw that's what he did after the first loop. I don't know if he did the other,but it makes sense. I'm sure I'm going to screw the first few up

Part of the fun.

[RJonesRCRV]

Just make a string how it sounds good to you.  People might explain the same things differently, so it can get confusing.  If something doesn't look right, change it.  If it works, call it good.

[Alexander Traditional]

I just saw your post Robert. This is exactly why I liked this video. He really shows up close how to twist with one hand and back with the other.