serving material?

[pintail_drake2004]

Howdy yall, Well i was wondering what is serving material? is it necessary for trad bow strings?
Pintail

[Pat B]

Sreving material is generally a twisted nylon thread and is used to protect the string from wear. It is not necessary, just ask Mickey(the Ferret).   Pat

[LBR]

Protects the nocking point on the string, plus protects the string from wear against an arm guard. If you use the right size you can get proper nock fit.  Serving materials are monofilamint, nylon, spectra, etc.

Chad

[Shakes.602]

Not to Hi-Jack the Thread here, I just wondered Why the Serving seems to Go Extra on the Bottom of the String?  :confused:  
  Is there a Reason for this? You Start Serving Above the Center of the String and Work Down, right? Why does it End so Far Down?
  Just one of those things that make Me go:
          "Hmmmmmmmm............"  

[Dave Worden]

Shakes,
It extends farther below the nocking point to protect the string from the arm/armguard.  Also, most people pull with two or three fingers below the nocking point so it would be longer for that reason as well.  I made a string recently that wasn't served far enough toward the bottom and I noticed some fraying where the serving ended.  I served another inch or so and now everything is fine.

[ishiwannabe]

I forget where I read this but the black "commercial" strings are usually served with 18lb. monofilament. I have been told by those that know more than I that anything from nylon thread to dental floss will work.