cat whisker installation

[crandog]

Does anyone know how to install cat whiskers so they puff out.  I searched the topic and came up empty.  I've tried everything I can think of.  When I do get them on they seem to drift along the string.  I have string leeches and spider silencers on now but I miss the look of the good ol cat whiskers.  I used to seperate the sring and serve them in but for tuning purposes I'd like to be able to move them.  What do you use to tie them in with.  I've tried braided 62 serving and also some lengths of b 50.  Is there a trick to it?

[LV2HUNT]

Do a google search for INSTALLING CAT WISKERS the first option will be from Doug Besherse who is a traditional archer and columnist. I have followed these directions and acheived the results you describe. I presently use the Bow Hush Puppy.

[Landshark160]

Cut them in half and then tie them on....they puff out pretty good then.

[Apex Predator]

I use 30# braided dacron fishing line that has been waxed.  I tie a uni-knot around the string, leaving the loop a few inches in diameter and the tag end 8-10" long.  Then I wrap the cat whisker sheet around the string with the un-separated fibers running parallel to the string.  You can't get them really tight while wrapping, because they will start to pull apart.  While holding the whiskers, slide your uni-knot (slip knot) over the middle of the whiskers.  Carefully pull the knot down tight.  Use the two ends of line to tie around the whiskers.  I use alternating half square knots.  When you get about three or four knots, tie them off with a full square knot.  Carefully trim the ends close to the knot.  If you aren't careful, your knot will slip here.  I then use a flame to bead the ends right up to the knot.  Perfect round cat whisker balls every time for me.  I hope this was clearer than mud.

[TSP]

You can also leave them full length and simply tie them on...its the old-fashioned way to install them and it still works very well.  The rubber whiskers that are 'rounded' work best for this, since they resist tangling better than the 'flat' variety.  Tied-on whiskers can be slid up or down the string for tuning, won't loosen (or if they do are easy to tighten again), and that rubber knot against the string is effective for deadening vibration.

[crandog]

Thanks everyone.  I remember stubbling on Dougs page once but now when I go to it the pictures don't show up.

[LV2HUNT]

Yeah, sorry I just noticed the picture thing.

[Danny J]

Pictures didnt show up here either. I thought maybe my virus pertection blcoked them.

[limbbow]

I've found the best way for me is to unstring the bow. Measure a few inches down from the ends of the strings (flemish) then part the strings evenly. Insert a small dowell through the strings. Restring the bow then have somebody help feed the catwhiskers thru the gap. Center up the whiskers on the string then remove the dowell. Then take some serving string and tie a half knot then cross it and tie another half knot. Do this a few times and finally tie it off with a square knot and cut the ends close to the knot. Burn the ends then put a drop of glue on the knot. The whiskers will fluff out for you after a few shots. The whiskers won't go anywhere on the string either.

[crandog]

ttt

[waiting4fall]

This is end result of my homemade silencers, it's toward the end of my very brief video.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=g7dsfLd_b0E

[longstick]

Originally posted by limbbow:
I've found the best way for me is to unstring the bow. Measure a few inches down from the ends of the strings (flemish) then part the strings evenly. Insert a small dowell through the strings. Restring the bow then have somebody help feed the catwhiskers thru the gap. Center up the whiskers on the string then remove the dowell. Then take some serving string and tie a half knot then cross it and tie another half knot. Do this a few times and finally tie it off with a square knot and cut the ends close to the knot. Burn the ends then put a drop of glue on the knot. The whiskers will fluff out for you after a few shots. The whiskers won't go anywhere on the string either.

Thats tyhe method I use as well..works very well..I use beaver balls now though