Using the flemish String jig.

[Mike Mecredy]

I've don't really know off hand without checking records for the last 8 years how many bows I've made. But with everyone I made a flemish string for it.  I don't have a jig like others say they do.  I don't even know how it would work.  It takes me less than ten minutes to make a string, from the time I start stripping B-50 off the spool, until I finish the serving.  So I'm not sure if one would save me time or not.  

Can sombody explain the Flemish String making jig to me?

[Barney]

Google it, Mike. That's how I did it a long time ago. You'll get good instruction.

I used to have a friend who made strings without a jig. I could never get the hang of it.

[Mike Mecredy]

Well I figured I'd ask the experts here first,  then resort to "googling".

[Barney]

It's in the "how to-resources" also

[Mike Mecredy]

Thanks I see the plan for it there, appriciate it.

[Killdeer]

The jig merely serves as a method of measuring out your string strands at the length you desire, along with tapering them at 1" intervals so that the consecutive strands are all just a little shorter than the first. If you are cutting all of your strands to length, and then cutting them back to achieve a smooth transition, then that works too.

Dunno if it would save you any time at all, really.
Still takes me two weeks of dithering and reinventing to get a string the right length.    :D    

Killdeer    

[Mike Mecredy]

Thanks killdeer that answereed my original question.  I don't think it would save me time.

[Dick in Seattle]

Mike...   I use the jig, but have been right on the edge of trying without it.   I know it has to be simple.  I'm thinking just figure the length of string you want, add "X" for each end, cut the number of strands you want, taper the strands at each end and then go for it.  I think I'm OK, but I'd really appreciate a step through of your system in case I'm missing something.   No pix necessary, just a description as a mental check for what I have in mind.    What "X" do you use for the ends?   I figure that's going to be a trial and error factor to some degree, since each person twists a bit differently.  I've really been amazed at how much difference twisting tight or loos can make in total length.

[Killdeer]

Uh huh!!   :eek:

[Pat B]

I like a string jig because they are compact and convenient. I can make a string while watching TV. Before I made a string jig I used 2 nails in my work bench. One in a fixed place and the other movable to holes at different lengths. That worked fine but it was hard to hold my work bench in my lap when I watch TV and make strings! d;^)

[sidebuster]

Here is web site on how to make jig and string.

 http://www3.sympatico.ca/ragiwarmbear/diy/flemish/flemish.html

[Mike Mecredy]

OOPS, that was a baaaaaaaaad sounding post.  I'm greatful for Killdeer's response, it explained the jig.  I don't see how using a jig will save me time over the way I'd been doing it.  

That's what I meant to say.   Not Killdeer's post wouldn't save me time....

Anyhoo, didn't mean to sound that way.

[Killdeer]

I musta missed something. If you wanna keep digging, though, Mike, I'll be glad to sit back and watch.

Killdeer    
(Glad we understood each other   )

[Mike Mecredy]

Well, you posted "Uh huh!!"  So I thought I must have sounded rude or something before.  And that bummed me out.

[GINKSTER]

Mike, I can make strings both ways but I kinda like the jig better. When you think about it, the jig doesn't make the string. It just helps you to cut the strands at the correct length and taper. Saves me loads of time. Of course I'm not a pro like you guys.

[Killdeer]

Aw heck, Mike, I'm sorry. I was responding to Dick in Seattle about the tightness or looseness of a twist. Now, I had said that I have to make strings for two weeks in order to get one the right length, and a lot of it is because my twistiness is not standardized.

(Some would say that the tighter a twist is, the looser she gets. Not me, though, nope, never.  

[Mike Mecredy]

Alrighty.  Yeah the whole jig thing, I've wondered about it for years, never seen one used or asked about it because I was doing okay without one. Now I know how it would work;  It's just for getting the strands the right length; correct?

[Killdeer]

Uh huh!   :D