different types of strings

[CalebNH00]

I was thinking about making a different type of string, where you wrap all the strands at the same time. Next, you fold down the string to the string loop size you want. Then you serve the ends together. Sound reasonable?

[Razorbak]

sounds like a endless to me..very doable..where in the state are yah?

[dfrois]

I don't quite understand your concept. I have made Flemish and endless loop strings, but this seems different. Perhaps you could draw a sketch to help us understand what you mean?

DF

[John Scifres]

How many Flemish or endless loop strings have you made?  Why reinvent the wheel?

[CalebNH00]

John: not too many, and I just was trying to find a simpler way to make strings.
Dfrois: Here is a sketch.

[Roy from Pa]

I think you better make them like we all do:) The way you show, it's going to pull apart.

[CalebNH00]

Yes, but you must admit that my hand writing is spectacular:).

[Roy from Pa]

Best I've ever seen...  

[John Scifres]

Flemish strings get much easier after you make a few.  I always found endless to be a pain though.

[dfrois]

If I understand this correctly, I think Roy is right: that is going to pull apart. The only thing holding one of the sides of the loop is the friction of the bundle on the other side of the bundle, and that friction is only due to the tightening of the serving. It is not enough.

For argument's sake, if I *had* to make a string like that, I would make it 3 or 5 times the required length, then fold it in 3, or 5, and use the bends at the end as part of the loops. That way, some of the stress would not be supported just by friction, and it just might hold...but even so, you would either have to use many strands, or it would fall apart slowly after several shots. Remember, the string suffers severe vibration and rapid stress variation, and it will shake itself loose given the slightest chance...And it is dangerous to break one.

Overall, I`m with John: why bother? String making gets a *lot* easier with practice, and quicker and better too. A cheap serving jig also helped me tremendously, both in diminished effort and faster job completion. I'd stick with the standard types...just my opinion. However, if you decide to persevere with this, best of luck, and keep us posted on your findings. Who knows? you might be on to something!

DF

[fujimo]

this may be an obvious question, but does the flemish work well with the more hi-tech /less stretch strings?

[Echatham]

yup

[LittleBen]

I highly recommend against this. It's conceivable possible it will work but with well demonstrated methods liek endless loop and flemixh twist why reinvent the wheel.

I believe in rope making for boats and such the method you're talking about (w4rapping the loop with a serving) is called whipping. But marine ropes are not undergoing these extremely high stresses of a bow string. Even with standard ropes its preferable to weave the end back in to make a loop similarly to flemish twisting.

[Pat B]

Flemish twist strings are the original bow strings that were made with natural materials like linen, etc. That is all I make and I only use B-50 string material.

[Roy from Pa]

Pat, your just too old fashion..    

[Pat B]

Thank goodness, Roy.

[CalebNH00]

Like I said, it was just speculation.

[Roy from Pa]

Yupper Pat.

Well get that speculation stuff outta yer head and make ah flemish twist string. They are easy to make.

[CalebNH00]

Ah Roy, this is an actual design    :D . it's mentioned in the TBB2, although it says that you glue them together first, then serve.

[spider1]

I guess it would depend on how tight you serve it. I bet it would hold for a while, but if and when it lets go... duck! I personally wouldn't use a loop served that way just cuz Roy said so but heck, he help learn me how ta twist up a string and I've been doing it ever since! Doesn't take long to learn and you can twist up a couple in an hour while watching tv or sitting on the back deck! Heck, even a bowyers knot (aka, a timber hitch) would be better than just serving up a loop.