Need help making Flemish bow string

[Pat B]

Once you get this you are gonna thump yourself in the head. It really is a pretty simple process. Don't feel bad though, we all go through it. I gave up trying to twist up consistent strings many years ago and use a bowyers knot(aka timber hitch) on the bottom limb.

[Grey Taylor]

Robyn, you're either *untwisting* the string when you try to twist the middle or you have made one loop one way and the second loop the other way.

Do as macbow said and look closely at one loop and see which way you need ot twist it to tighten the twist... go in that direction to twist up the middle of the string.

If you're still untwisting the string then hold both loops up right next to one another and look at them very closely. Do they both twist in the same direction? They should. If they don't, there is your problem.

Guy

[Robyn Hode]

I got it. Using the clamps to hold the string tight did it. I have a cyst in my left hand that needs to be cut out and it was very painful holding an twisting the string. I think this caused my strings to be loose and unravel.

Anyway... I did check my loops like Guy said and yes they both twist the same direction. (Very helpful tip)

I so have a couple more questions though:

Do you unclamp the string at the bottom of the loops before or after twisting the middle string?

Do I still have to twist the middle of the string when putting a bowyers knot(aka timber hitch) for the bottom limb?

I appreciate all the help and advice. Now I can finally shoot the bow and arrows I made. Thanks again.

[Roy from Pa]

After you finish the second loop, hook one loop over a nail or small post and stretch the string tight. Then hold the string at the end of the other loop and twist the entire string counter clockwise. Just rotate the end loop in your hand and it will twist up the string. Twisting CCW makes the string shorter, twisting CW makes it longer.

[macbow]

The clamps come off as soon as you finish the second loop, before twisting the middle.

I,don't use clamps at all.

[Roy from Pa]

I clamp after the first loop, right where the tag ends run out then add another 1". After the second loop is done is when I hook the clamped loop end on a post and pull the string tight, remove the clamp and twist her up.

[Robyn Hode]

I finally got it. I made a new string last night and it finally stayed together correctly. Here's what I was doing wrong:

1. I switched to bees wax instead of using my wax for synthetic bow strings. This helped a bunch to keep the bundles twisted as I built the strings.

2. I used the clamp method intead of trying to hold the strings in my hands. By using the clamps I was able to get the strings tighter. I was only getting 8 twists for the upper and lower loops now I get 14 twists. Also my hands do not hurt as bad.

3. After removing the clamps I twisted the string clockwise to tighten the middle instead of counter-clockwise. Here is where my strings usually came unraveled, but not this time.

After I finished the string, I put my new string on a HBH board bow I made earlier this year and sent some arrows flying. It worked like a charm.

I would like to thank everyone for the advice and patients. I couldn't have figured it out without you all.

[macbow]

Way to hang in there. Just don't wait too long before making another so you stay in practice,

[Grey Taylor]

[Roy from Pa]

       

[jsweka]

Good deal.  Once you figure it out, you'll wonder why you ever bought bowstrings before.  I sure did.

[cunruhshoot]

What to talk it through Robyn - when I first started with all this bow making and string twisting I struggled alone in silence and did not yell out for help. I thought my questions and comments would sound dumb and reveal my slow learning curve. When I finally got over that and started to engage with these guys I saved a great deal of time and frustration.    

[cunruhshoot]

I meant to say...Way to talk it through...  

[Robyn Hode]

I made another string last night for a slik backed board bow I just got done making. The string turned out great. I strung the bow and sent some arrows flying. I really enjoyed shooting a bow I made using a string I made.

Thanks for all your help. I couldn't have done it without you guys.

[Grey Taylor]

It's funny... people find out you make you own arrows and they say, "That's great."
They find out you make bows and they say, "Wow, very cool."
But when they discover that you make your own bowstrings, they get down on their knees and worship you as an archery god.

Guy