bowstring question

[Whitehawk23]

So I'm building my first bow and I'm almost done but I have absolutely no idea what string to get how to get it or how to braid it or anything. I've tested some kite string that I braided but it killed my fingers. any suggestions

[Dan Landis]

I suggest that you get some b-50 string material and string makers wax to start.  These can be purchased from many of the sponsors listed on this site.  Then do a search on making flemish twist bow strings on this site and also on You Tube, that should get you started.  I also made a jig that I found  on this site.  It really isn't that hard...Dan

[macbow]

If your going to build bows you have to make strings.
Otherwise you'll go crazy.
If strings are not your thing, you could have someone make several lengths  using a,bowyers knot on one end so they would be adjustable.

[TimBoA]

I like this page a lot:
 http://poorfolkbows.com/flemish1.htm

[scrub-buster]

Buy a spool of B-50, fast flight, or similar bow string material from 3rivers.com.  There is a DVD called "Doing the twist" that covers how to make several different types of bow strings.  There are also some good videos on you tube.  Making strings seems hard, but it is fairly simple.  Good luck.

[Roy from Pa]

Here is another good tutorial on how to make a flemish twist string.

 https://www.rmsgear.com/store/pc/tutorial_string_2bundle.asp

[Whitehawk23]

Thank yall for the advice. I've looked at a few videos on YouTube and the endless loop seems easy but tedious to make. finances are tight so ill probably use the spool of braided nylon I got in the shed for now

[twospots]

I hear ya, but I have heard that "other" string material can damage trad bows... Anyone else know if there is an easily accessable source for string material? Especially if making a light poundage bow 30 or under?

[DavidV]

I used 15 lb test braided nylon kite string with 2, 8-strand bundles twisted together. It has worked on bows 50 lbs, probably higher but that's all I've done. The downside is that it isn't durable and will wear out if you're hitting your armguard alot. Buy Dacron B-50 as soon as you can.

[scrub-buster]

Your spool of braided nylon will probably stretch like crazy.  You will brace your bow and then watch it go to a zero brace height.  A small spool of B-50 is around $8.00

[Roy from Pa]

Whitehawk, what is the length of your bow from string groove to string groove? And what is the weight you expect to have when done? Is it a longbow or recurve? And you have a PM.

[Roy from Pa]

Justin, I made you two strings today and will mail them out today. Let me know how they work out for you. If they are not right let me know and I'll make you a couple more.

[jsweka]

Gee Roy, deep down inside you really are a nice guy.  

I was thinking I'd do the same for Justin as I read down through this thread, but ya beat me to it.

[Roy from Pa]

Well Johnny Boy, ya could send me a six pack of Goose Island rot gut beer. LOL

[Whitehawk23]

Thanks guys I thank you for the help

[monterey]

I guess linen would be pc for the turn of the century and shortly after period (the 19th/20th centurys).  Would like to try some linen strings but don't know where to get the thread/string?