making ff strings

[boznarras]

I have made my own B50 Flemish strings for awhile, made my own jig, etc. from tutorials and books.
Just bought a bow that uses D97 string. (Predator, 60", 58#@28).If I want to make my own strings for that, other than getting some D97, what more do I need?
Is there a difference in technique, and can anyone recommend a tutorial for this? Review and search of earlier threads make me wonder if I need extra thickness for serving and loops, and how many strands to use.
Appreciate any guidance.

[Orion]

Technique is no different.  12-14 strands will work good.  I think padding the loops with an extra 4-6 strands is a good idea.  Good luck.

[Jesse Peltan]

12-14 strands! You do know that's like 25-30strands of b-50. For a 58# bow 6 is fine but I'd use 8 or 9 depending if you like 2 or 3 bundle strings. If you use 8strands pad to 14or 16. If you use 9 pad to 15. The technique is pretty much the same except you have to add the padding to the loops. For the serving use .26 crown.  If it's to loose just add one strand to each bundle under the serving and reserve. Personally I like to use 8125 instead of D97. I think it's a little quieter, little faster, and less creep. If you use 8125 use 6 strands. 6 strands is good up to a 73# bow. Then pad to 15 for 3 bundle or 14-16 for 2 bundle.

[frank bullitt]

I would do as Orion says. You don't necessarly have to build up the loops with 12 strands. Predators are built for high performance strings.

Keep it simple, since it is a new material for you. Same principles and techniques in building.

Your going to get a whole lot of advice on strand count and materials, here.

I do think you will find the D-97 more user friendly when building a Flemish type string.

As you get more experience with it, then try other sizes. That's why making your own is so enjoyable!


Good shootin, Steve

[freefeet]

My advice... learn to pad the loops and get skinny!

I use 6 strand flemish D97 on 46#, padded to 14 at the loops.  When i started making my own strings i made them with 8 strands because i was a little worried about my making ability.  Once i realised they were holding up ok i then dropped to 6.  Haven't had any issues with the 6.

[JRY309]

A 12 strand D97 is strong enough for up to a 100# bow.I like to pad the loop ends with an extra 2-3 strands.I pad the loop ends to make them a larger diameter to fill the strings better.I feel this helps make a quieter string by spreading the load.12 strands with .024 Halo fits my nocks great,Easton 3D Super nocks or G-nocks.

[boznarras]

Can anyone describe, or point me towards a source on how to "pad" the loops?
Do you add these extra strands after making the complete string with say 8 strands, and then serve over that to hold them in place?
I can see how you could cut some short pieces to go around the loop ends and then twist them in as you lay the bundles together. Is that what you are doing? If so how much overlap do you work in past the eye of the loop? In other words, how long are the pieces you are using for padding?
Thanks for the help.

[frank bullitt]

Walter, yes add the strands before starting the loops.

10" would be good to start. You will find the length that fits the best as you go. No set rules.

Add 3 strands to each bundle to start,and as you gain experience, you will find what works for your set-up.

You want to add "cushion" to the loops, when going with a smaller strand, diameter size.

[DngrsDan]

Walter,
I uploaded a windows media file where he builds an endless string. But he covers padding the loops and serving area. It's a large file, you're welcome to download it if you want. Probably answer your questions, hope it helps.
(I'm uploading it as I post this, so it's not completely uploaded yet. - it's only 16 out of 124 megs uploaded. Give it about half an hour to be safe.) There's a couple of how-to's on flemish strings too.
 http://www.pcpics.net/Archery

[freefeet]

Originally posted by boznarras:
If so how much overlap do you work in past the eye of the loop? In other words, how long are the pieces you are using for padding?
Thanks for the help.

I use 12 inch pieces to pad to 14 strands.  No creep even on a 6 strand.  Lay them in staggered to get an even fade out.

For serving you have a choice.  Either double serve, or pad with extra strands before serving once. I just switched to the padded one, it seems more durable and is a lot easier to fit to your nocks.