Need help making Flemish bow string

[Robyn Hode]

I just started making bows earlier this year and love it. I also started making my own footed arrows. The bows and arrows are going great but don't work to well without a string. I have been trying several different techniques to build a flemish bow string but the string either does not stay together or comes unraveled. It's very frustrating. I am using waxed B-50 string and a flemish bow string jig I made from Poor Folk Bows web sight. I bought the bow wax I use from a local archery store.

Here's my questions:
1. What causes the bow string to come undone?

2. Does a certain brand of B-50 work better than another?

3. Does the type of string wax matter? Should I be using bees wax from Three Rivers rather than buying it locally?

4. Does anybody have a string build along or know where I can find a simple string build along?

Someday I would actually like to shoot and hunt with the bows and arrows I make. Any help is appreiciated.

Thank you

[Roy from Pa]

This link will help you out.

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

[Roy from Pa]

Or do a search on you tube for them, lots of videos there.

[macbow]

The wax and the B50 are fine.

It would be nice if you could watch someone build one.

Once you build one end grab the bundle and pull on the loop if it stays together without untwisting your on the right track.

Most folks get into trouble when starting on the other end.
I don't do all the counter twists, never have.
I just straighten out the two bundles . Move to the other end and build it exactly the same way as the first.  Then add twist as needed.

[NYArrow]

Many videos will help you figure out the process....the correct length and loop size are different stories, make sure you measure how far from the end you start your loops, how many twists your loops are, and then how many twists you put into the throat of the loop. Here's my specs but everyone will differ
7" from end start twists for loops
8 twists for bottom loop and 10 twists for top
Finish with 12 twists down into the throat of the string for ea end.

Make sure you mark your jig with lengths and notes for future reference so you can easily duplicate your results.

[inksoup]

i have a problem too...

i can make one side but not the other side. wierd?

well,
when i start one end, make one loop and continue on twisting, when i get to other end, i can not figure out how to make o loop again...

 :(

[Robyn Hode]

Roy, I'm going to give that link you posted a try. I get a lot of pain in my left hand when I build strings but that method looks like it would be more comfortable.

I'll try to build another string tonight after work and let you know how it goes. thanks

[macbow]

Inksoup,
Not sure of what your saying.
You should stop on the first end once all the loose ends are twisted in. Maybe 8 inches.

The second end is made exactly like the first starting the same way.

[inksoup]

oh... hell,

i was trying to twist all the way down to reach to other end...

then, how do you twist the middle? just leave it as it is?

[Roy from Pa]

Hook one loop on a post, stretch the string tight and hold the end of the other loop and twist it counter clockwise. Click on this link..
 https://www.rmsgear.com/store/pc/tutorial_string_2bundle.asp

[inksoup]

i finally find out how to make it  

 http://paleoplanet69529.yuku.com/topic/52221/Picture-report-of-a-yew-bow-making#.UoObekOmW01

[Grey Taylor]

Robyn Hode...
1. What causes the bow string to come undone?
A: I find this is usually because the stringmaker is overthinking the process and feels that the second loop must be made opposite to the first. If this is done the string will *always* come undone.
Both loops should be constructed in exactly the same manner and direction.

2. Does a certain brand of B-50 work better than another?
A: Not in my experience. B-50 from Brownells or B-500 from BCY behave the same on the bow.

3. Does the type of string wax matter? Should I be using bees wax from Three Rivers rather than buying it locally?
A: Some people prefer one wax recipe over another but if you're using straight beeswax it will work fine and it doesn't matter what bees made it.

4. Does anybody have a string build along or know where I can find a simple string build along?
A: Best answer I can give here is to get one of the DVD's from Champion Custom Bowstrings. You'll never need any other direction.

InkSoup...
Not to speak ill of the fellow on PaleoPlanet but I think you can do better on instruction. That seems unecessarily complicated.

Guy

[Drewster]

Robyn, here's the link to Rick ******'s three bundle string loop YouTube video.

 

He is an excellent string builder.  Even if you want to do a two bundle instead of a three bundle, the video is still very helpful.  Good luck and keep at it.....you'll figure it out in no time.

[Robyn Hode]

Grey - Your right I always over think everything. I am using the same wax I use on my wheel bow string. I was just thinking maybe the wax is not bees wax but something else therefore allowing my string to unravel easier. Thanks for the advice I will make sure I get bees wax.

Drewster - Thanks for the video link I'll be watching it for sure.

[Pat B]

Tie a bowyers knot in the bottom end like the original Flemish twist strings were made.

[Grey Taylor]

Robyn, most likely the wheely wax you have will work fine.
If you're making a bunch of strings you may want to find a mix that is stickier for building the strings but if you're just making a couple use what you have.
Pat's got a great idea there - do one loop for the upper limb and then do a bowyer's knot for the bottom limb. It's very traditional and certainly easier to get the right length for new string makers.

Guy

[goobersan]

best advice is to keep notes/marks on the jig as you go. Every bit of advice here is great, but only if you can remember it. I've made a lot of bad string loops. The best part is you just untwist what you don't like and start over.
 Once you get it (and I know you will), it will be easy to make minor adjustments.

[macbow]

A sticky wax that works well and is cheap is the wax rings for toilets.

Each jig is a little different. Also We each twist a little more or less. Keeping note is a good plan.

My formula for my Flemish strings is 8 inch take up.
So 16 pulse string length plus 2 inches.
Found out I needed a fudge factor. Now they all come out the right length.

[Robyn Hode]

I tried to make another string tonight but it came unraveled again. I do alright creating both end loops everthing looks good at that point. The string comes unraveled when I try and twist the middle of the string. When I try to twist the middle the ends come undone.

I was following the RMS string tutorial that Roy posted I do great right up to step 13. Which way do I twist the string to mesh the bundels together? This is where my string comes unraveled on the ends.

[macbow]

When you look at each of the finished ends you will see which way to twist to make it tighter or looser.

If you hold a string loop in each hand and stretch your arms out one end goes one direction and the other the opposite way if your string is correct.

Another way is to put a nail on a wall or some where and put one loop on it. Pull the string tight look at which direction will tighten the the ends and continue twisting.

If this doesn't work it isn't put together right.