String Length Question

[J. Holden]

I'm in the process of trying to complete an osage bow.  I've gotten farther on this one than the two before, woo hoo!  Now I need to get it to it's brace height.  It's 59" nock to nock.  When I put a 56" string on it the brace height is almost 8".  Is this right?  I'm used to 6-7".  Thank for your help!

-Jeremy  

[J. Holden]

Oops, I meant to post this in the Bowyers Bench area.  Maybe I'll still get some answers though?

-Jeremy  

[LBR]

There's no "one size fits all" answer for string lengths, but that is high for a selfbow.  Might try a 57-57.5" string, or make a string with one loop and tie a timber hitch (bowyer's knot) in the other end--adjust until you get the proper brace height, then measure to see what length string you need.

Chad

[J. Holden]

Thanks LBR.  I just ordered a timber hitch string.  Learning to make my own string's is next on my list.

-Jeremy  

[Grey Taylor]

Yeah, if you're making your own bows you really need to add stringmaking to your bag of skills.
I do what Chad suggests and use a long string with one loop and a timber hitch. As the bow progresses it's easy to shorten the string. When the bow is finished and at proper brace I just measure the string length and make up a two loop Flemish string to use on the bow.

Guy