How to shorten a Flemish Twist string??

[SEMO_HUNTER]

Does anybody know how to shorten a flemish twist bow string?

I know absolutely nothing about string making of any kind, that's one thing I never cared to learn.

I bought 2 strings for my Osage longbow when I should have just bought one, but anyway I'm building a new Osage take down and I'm going to need a string for it, so I thought it might be easy enough to just shorten the extra one that I have for it?

Can anybody help me do this?

Thanks,
SEMO

[lpcjon2]

The only way to shorten it would be to twist it some more if you only shortening it a inch or so,otherwise you should get another one.

[Mike Vines]

just twist it to shorten it.  But like stated, don't try taking a string and shortening it a couple inches.

[SEMO_HUNTER]

So once it's twisted and finished, you can't untie the end and cut off a few inches, then retwist the loop?
The bow I'm making will be right at 60" and the one I had these made for is a 68" so twisting an inch or so to make it shorter won't work.

I guess I'll just order another one when I know exactly what length I need or sell this one to buy another?

Anybody need 63" Flemish Twist string?   :rolleyes:

[Wile E. Coyote]

Nope, can't cut and re twist. Get a new string.

[YORNOC]

Absolutely get a new string for that difference. Keep that 63" string!!!! If your like everybody else here, you'll have a bow to fit it in no time!

[SEMO_HUNTER]

Originally posted by YORNOC:
Absolutely get a new string for that difference. Keep that 63" string!!!! If your like everybody else here, you'll have a bow to fit it in no time!

Your probably right about that....lol

[eagle24]

Yes.  You can take it apart on one end, wax and retwist the loop to shorten it if you know how to make strings.

[artifaker1]

If you know how to make them; you can undo one loop and pre-load the twist again and twist another loop at a shorter length. Sounds like you might have to learn how to do the "twist".

[SEMO_HUNTER]

Originally posted by eagle24:
Yes.  You can take it apart on one end, wax and retwist the loop to shorten it if you know how to make strings.

That's kinda what I was getting at.....know any good videos on the subject?

[eagle24]

There is a video called "Doing the Twist" (I think).  It used to be available here.  You might check 3rivers for a video.  I've never seen any of the videos.  I learned to make strings from one of my buddies years ago.

[Grey Taylor]

Chad at   Champion Custom Bowstrings  has the video. He's one of the fellows who made it and is a sponsor.

Guy

[Canyon]

After my son cut his string and didnt have a spare I used my spare string took a loop end apart shortened and retwisted. This was while riding in the passenger seat of the car on the way to a Texas Hog hunt.

You MUST make sure you are keeping things going in the right direction and not unravelling the other end. Do that and it will work fine. If you shorten a bunch the serving location may need to be changed too.

[Rodney Wright]

You should make or order your self a tillering string. Looped at one end and you can tie it off at the other end the length you need.This will fit any bow you are making.

If you can not make or find one give me a shout

Rodney.

[SEMO_HUNTER]

Wow, ask and Ye Shall Recieve!
Great Info Guys! Thanks so much, I believe there just might be enough info posted here that I can figure this thing out.
This is the reason why I joined this forum, lots of fine people with great info.

Thanks for helping, I really do appreciate it!
~SEMO~

[Wile E. Coyote]

OK, Yea it is possible to shorten  tne string, but since you haven't made a string yet the question becomes : do you really want to trust your bow and your safety to your first attempt at a repair most would just rebuild a string for?

String building is not difficult and I encourage you to give it a try, but if you are going to go to the effort of getting the materials and doing it correctly, save that string for a bow it fits and start from scratch. Much safer and easier than shortening a string.

[SEMO_HUNTER]

I'm sure your right about that Coyote, I won't argue with reason. As a matter of fact, you sound like my dad....that's what he would say yet your only 5 years older than me. You must have some boys of your own.

The reason for this whole idea though was to see if I could do it in case this happens again. The price of a new string is no big deal cause the guy I get them from only charges me $7.50 plus free shipping if you can believe that? It's true.

So ordering a new string the correct length isn't a big deal, I just think I can do this and if I screw it up....no biggie. If it doesn't turn out good, I won't use it on any of my bows...trust me on that. It ain't worth losing an eye for.
One of the members here offered to walk me through it over the phone and I think I'm going to give him a call.

[lpcjon2]

When you cut the string if you don't stagger the cut ends it will put the a lump end in the string at the point you cut it.When you make a string with a jig the staggered ends blend with the twist and makes it smooth, which allows even pull on the loop and distributes the tension through the whole twist.Trust me buy a new string.

[Mike Vines]

Originally posted by SEMO_HUNTER:
 

Originally posted by eagle24:
Yes.  You can take it apart on one end, wax and retwist the loop to shorten it if you know how to make strings.

That's kinda what I was getting at.....know any good videos on the subject? [/b]

Some times it's better to spend the $10 than waste $25.

[SEMO_HUNTER]

Thanks to Eagle24 I got er done!
I appreciate the advice!
It took a couple of tries to get it right, but I finally got it. Just took a few minutes to sink in. I shot about 50 shots and so far so good.