Getting Started String Making

[DaveT1963]

Want to get started making my own flemish strings - a little confused by all the different materials.  What fast flight material is best for modern longbows.  Also, How do you determine number of strands for string and for the padded loops when making skinny strings?  last, also appreciate some recommendations for serving material and size for GT nocks.  I plan on ordering the 3 Rivers DVD when I order my material.

[T Folts]

I use D97 12 strand with .026 diamond back serving for bow from 40lbs to 60lbs. and shoot GT3555 or GT1535

[yeager]

Dave,

I use a 10 strand 8190 on my 55# Bob Lee Classic and 52# RER XR.  I pad the loops with an additional 8 strands for a total of 18. I shoot FMJ 500's and double serve with Halo .017 over Halo .014 to fit those nocks.

On all my older Bear Kodiaks, I usually use a 14 strand B50 string.

I keep a log for each bow I make a string for, either my own or for friends.  I write how many strands, additional loops strands for skinny strings, what peg # I use, how many inches I use for both the top and bottom loops, number of initial twists in the strings, and serving material and size.

Have patience and good luck on your endeavor new.

[lt-m-grow]

Just a caution or two, don't over think this if you are just starting...it is fun.  Buy the small rolls of material as you may want to play around with other material and colors and those big rolls make lot's of strings.  Don't worry about string count too much based on bow weight as most of the sting material is rated higher than you need.  Choose string count based on personal preferences including how your arrow nock fits :-)   Lastly pad those loops!  I like to make sure I have at least 16 strands in the loops (string count + pad strands).  It not only protects the bow but it makes for nicer looking strings.  


I  use:
 D97

serving material:  http://www.3riversarchery.com/Brownell+Fast+Flight+Serving+Material_i5146_baseitem.html

serving tool (I love this one):
 http://www.rakuten.com/prod/bcy-bear-paw-serving-tool/225311378.html?listingId=173465480&scid=pla_google_ArcherFullThrottle&adid=18183&gclid=CPn9rNCQtr0CFbFaMgodPhgAEg

I like making strings...it is like knitting with a beer :-)

[shag08]

Great info here. I decided I'd try some string making myself awhile back. I was building a hickory self bow and I needed to know how to make a string for it.  I still haven't got the bow done because it's either been too nasty to get outside and work on it or I've been at work on pretty days...I plan to finish it after turkey season though.

But I digress...I bought the jig from 3Rivers and a few spools of B50. Don't do like I did...make sure you read ALL of the instructions before you begin.  Or you will have to come on here to make a post to ask questions...when the answeres were on the back side of the in closed instructions lol. I felt like such an idiot.

Twisting them up is the easy part. I can make a great looking string pretty quick now that I've practiced a little. The counter twists in the length of the string before you begin the bottom loop is the hardest part to get right to make them look nice.

But I still haven't for the life of me got the lengths figured out right every time. And if it's too long/short it's useless. Sometimes I can hit a homerun the first time. Other times, it takes me two or three attempts. So I do still buy most of my strings from other people or vendors. It is fun when it works out right...it's just hard for me to make that happen. Good luck.

And I'm gonna keep practicing too.

[LBR]

In a hurry right now, but will get with you later.  I can help, especially with material.

Chad

[Sticks2117]

I have the 3 rivers string making video and it is very basic. I have heard that this video has much more detail and is a better video.

 http://www.3riversarchery.com/How+to+Build+a+Great+Bowstring+DVD_i7046_baseitem.html

As far as string material I have been tying with D97 for 10 + years 12 strands (4 strands of 3 different colors) for my 3 bows that take modern string materials they are all 50 to 60#'s. I have never made a skinny string and have just started padding my loops.

String making is a very fun addition to my archery hobby.

[yeager]

What helped me a few years ago was the use of hemostats placed in a vise to hold the strings while twisting and braiding the loops. This allows the use of both hands to twist/braid. Then, after I get the proper length for the loop, I use a hook to hold the loop while twisting/braiding the tags into the main body of the string....this,again, allows the use of both hands and makes, IMO, a much better looking loop and string. You can really get a tighter twist/braid.

[LBR]

BCY-X is my current favorite string material, but Dynaflight '97, 452X, 8125G, 8190, etc. are also good.  For serving, 62XS or Halo.  I only use BCY products.  After around 20 years of making and studying strings, I think they have the best product and (based on my experience) they have the best customer service.

18-20 strands of X makes a fairly small diameter string (it's a very small strand) that remains durable with very little stretch/creep.  

I like the loops padded to 24 with B-55.  With this strand count, you can use .025 62XS to get a good fit with GT nocks, and won't have to do anything extra.

If you get the DVD "How to Build a Great Bowstring", I will be happy to answer any questions you might have about it.

Good luck!

Chad

Also, be aware that changing string material, changes tune. If you go from one material to another, you are likely to have to do a little tuning work to get everything right again.

I use D97 on all my bows.

Bisch

[DaveT1963]

Here's the list of materials I came up with, anythign else I need to add?

AAE Pro String Server
String Makers Wax
Flemish String Board with Spool Attachment
DVD How to Build a Great bow String
BCY D97 1/8# Yellow
BCY D97 1/8# Dk Brown
BCY Halo Serving .024

[LBR]

The video has instructions on how to make a string board.  It's pretty simple.  If you buy one, get one that is marked by string length, not bow length.

[slim_grim]

A box of finishing nails, a hammer, and a 1x4 will make a killer string board. There's nothing to it. I kinda get a kick out of being frugal so making my own board was a no brainer.

[slim_grim]

I cut a couple pieces of a dowel to hold my string spools, but it really isn't needed.
 

[LBR]

Looks a lot like my board, except mine has over 10,000 strings worth of wear and tear and wax.  I use a 20d nail for my spool holder.

A cool trick Mr. Eric Krewson told me about (and I have yet to add to my board...procrastinator) is add a couple of boards to the underside, perpendicular, so you can squeeze it between your knees to hold it in place.