flemish string making question

[plentycoupe]

Ok, so I have made the string board as per the how to resource page.

My problem has always been getting the loops the right size using the measurements as written.

I am making an eight strand string and adding four stands to each loop to pad it. If I use the 8" that the diagram calls for I feel like the fade into the string is too small.

How do you guys/gals out there make your strings? How long are the fade ins of the loops?

I also have a hard time making the string the correct length, and generally have to gestimate, usually making it a little too long.
Solutions??

[Hashiba]

Every jig design is a bit different.  You just kinda get used to how much longer exactly the jig makes the strand than the bow.  It usually depends on whether you make a jig with longbows or recurves in mind, as recurves need larger loops and a shorter string in most cases.

To be honest, I can't really say exactly how long the fade-ins for my strings are.  I probably start twisting with about 8-9 inches to make the loops.  Keep in mind this is with my jig!  I found I had to make a couple of crap strings of the wrong length before I got the hang of it.

Maybe someone who uses the layout from this site can be a little more specific.

[flinter]

I agree with Hashiba. I just started twisting up my strings. My jig is off of DOING THE TWIST video. I had the same problems you are having. After making some strings to long or short, I just untwisted my string, waxed up the ends and kept changing fade in length until I got it right

[oldbohntr]

Ditto.

I don't use a common string board, but have been making them for 25 years on an older design. Obviously you are looking for a process that will be consistent and yield perfect string lengths every time.  After a while you will likely adjust a bit based on the bow you are building for. If you want your string to fit a specific bow, based on loop size, twists/inch, and desired brace height, then one string layout formula will not work for all bows.  Basically, I start twisting for the top loop at 9.5-10 inches, and 8.5" for the bottom loop, for wide limbed recurves.  For a narrow limbed bow, I may shade those lengths a bit, so as to make up for smaller string loops.
I get a pretty long fade in compared to some others, and although I do care about avoiding too much mass in the string I like the look of a longer fade in. As flinter says, just take it apart and redo it if it's too long.

[Eugene Slagle]

For my recurves I tend to make the loop ends about like oldbohntr but I've relearned what I haven't done in years & now I have a formula that sticks in my head for loops based on twists.
18 twists for the top loop & 12 max twists for the bottom, so far it has yielded great strings for my self.

Just to clarify, that is the loop before I start blending it into the body of the string..

[plentycoupe]

thanks all

I have a drawer full of strings that didn't turn out the right length. I have finally gotten the hang of it, however, and this basically involves using the old string as a measuring tool. Old string plus 7-8" on each end. Now I'm trying to master padding the loops on a skinny flemish string with B-50.

[Pack]

Making a string the right lenghth is the one aspect of flemish string making that is not mentioned much, but in reality, can be the most difficult part.  The length will change with your loop length and how tight you are twisting.  I often undo one end and redo to adjust the length.  Part of the problem is I make a couple of strings and then I may not make another string for a long time.  The more you build, the better you will get at hitting the length on the first try.

[hawk4570]

If you are ever around Gary Davis he can teach you to make your strings just using your hands and the bow you are making it for and it will come out right almost every time. I got rid of my jig.

[Shakes.602]

"Doin' The Twist"  is  THE  Most Informative DVD on the Planet for Making Strings!!      IMHO  that is!!  

[K. Mogensen]

If you don't have the DVD "doin the twist" yet, get it. It'll make a wooorrlllld of difference.

I've never been able to get flemish jigs like that to work for me. Way too difficult to get the right string length.

[LBR]

First thing is make/use a jig that is marked for string length, not bow length.  Second thing is measure everything and take notes.  With a little practice, you can turn out a good string pretty easy.  You'll generally have to make some adjustments if you switch material, make extreme changes in the strand count, etc.--but that all comes with practice.  Keep good notes so you don't make the same mistakes over and over.

The new string making video should be ready before Christmas.  We added some information, got some better camera angles, etc.  There are things in the first you won't see in the second, and vice-versa, but between the two I think we have both flemish and endless covered pretty well.

Chad