String and Serving material

[skeaterbait]

I would like to find out about string serving. In looking around there appears to be more serving string options than there are string material options. I have four spools of B-50 that I have been using up for years so I will finish them off before buying more but would like a better option when I do. I have decided that I really suck at Flemish, so I am going to go endless loop. The trouble is I know bupkiss about what to make them with or what to serve them with.


Should the loops serving be the same as the middle serving (I don't even know the correct term here)?

I understand that arrows/nock choices can influence the serving size, but what is a good all around option?

[Roy from Pa]

Should the loops serving be the same as the middle serving (I don't even know the correct term here)?

Won't hurt a thing.

I understand that arrows/nock choices can influence the serving size, but what is a good all around option?

It really boils down to your nock size and how many strands are in your string. Serving comes in various diameters, buy a couple different sizes.
You will find out from trial and error.

But I would learn the proper way to make a flemish string if I were you. There are videos on you tube about it.

[C. Johnson]

I use Brownell's #4 for serving.  There are probably "better" choices out there, but this stuff is cheap, been around for years, and it works well.

[skeaterbait]

Originally posted by Roy from Pa:
Should the loops serving be the same as the middle serving (I don't even know the correct term here)?

Won't hurt a thing.

I understand that arrows/nock choices can influence the serving size, but what is a good all around option?

It really boils down to your nock size and how many strands are in your string. Serving comes in various diameters, buy a couple different sizes.
You will find out from trial and error.

But I would learn the proper way to make a flemish string if I were you. There are videos on you tube about it.

I have the videos and have watched tons of them online, but something eludes me on this, not sure why. It's pretty simple in concept.

[Roy from Pa]

What is wrong with your strings? Are they cabled? If so you need to do back twists after the first loop is formed.

[skeaterbait]

Yep, cabled and they never seem to be symmetrical. Meaning I will get tighter twists on one end than I do the other. Not the loop, but the string.

[Roy from Pa]

After you form the first loop, hook that loop over a post and stretch the string out. You will notice it's twisted. Untwist each bundle separately till the strands are laying straight, then do 20 more twists in the same direction you did to get the strands to lay straight.

Then when you make the second loop, those twists you put in will untwist. After both loops are formed, the strands should be laying flat and straight.

Then hook one loop over a post again and begin to twist up the entire string. If you see that one end has less twists than the other end, then hold the string where those less twists are and just twist that section a little.

After it's twisted up, hook one loop on a post and pull the other end tight, then take a piece of cloth and rub it real hard and fast up and down the string till you feel it getting warm. That melts the wax and makes the string round.

[scrub-buster]

Roybert is right.  The counter twisting is the key to getting a smooth string.  

I use BCY's serving.  I think it's called Halo.  When I make skinny strings I double serve the center to get a good nock fit.  When double serving I use a thin serving first and then use a thicker serving for the second layer.  If you do the opposite the thinner serving will slip through the thicker layer underneath.

[fujimo]

i have tried the double serving, butnever seem happy with it, many others make it work really well.
I simply just pad or bulk up the area with some scraps of string material- using different lengths- creating a tapered effect.

[skeaterbait]

I have tried counter twisting but still failed. So I took a string I already had made and removed the twisting (leaving the loops), I separated the bundles and I could see where each bundle had twists. I took the twists out by holding the bundles apart counter twisting, letting the loop go between the bundles. That seems to let the string make one nice round bundle now.

I probably will still make and try endless loop just for simplicity. Remember, I's just a simple Show Me boy.

I have Brownell's #4 serving so I will just keep on using that for now.

[monterey]

My string material is B50 and B55 (I don't mix them) and use #4 with no problems.  I've also used halo and it is tough stuff but the #4 is tough enough.  If your loop servings are wearing quickly, look for abrasive string nocks.  Center servings are easy to replace if needed.  I often do center serving in monofilament.  

Most of my strings are endless however, Once you are proficient at making Flemish this you need only a spool of string and a pocket knife to make a string anywhere. Be nice to have a serving tool but not essential.

[Roy from Pa]

I have tried counter twisting but still failed.

Then ya didn't do it right or ya didn't do enough counter twists.

Pay Attention Boy.. Frog Horn and Leg Horn.. LOL

[skeaterbait]

I can't afford to pay attention.

It came out better this time but I am still not completely happy with it. Of course two things I will do different in the future. I won't get red again and I won't use black leather to rub in the wax.

 

 

 

[BMorv]

Looks good skeater.  I had to make 4 practice ones before I got it where I wanted it.  Now it's a pretty simple process.

[monterey]

Looks a little girley ta me.  

[skeaterbait]

Originally posted by monterey:
Looks a little girley ta me.      

GIRLEY?????? I tell you... if I didn't have these flowers to arrange I'd run over there and.....

[Bvas]

One of these days I'm gonna make a Flemish jig and give it a whirl.  Just like the looks better.  For now, Im content with making endless.

For serving.- I just use the cheap nylon for end servings.  My center serving I use braided fishing line.  Most are spectra or dyneema or similar material.  You can get different diameter based off what the # rating is.  If you watch the clearance racks you can get it pretty reasonable.  Only bad thing is having to load it on your own spool for the serving tool.

[Roy from Pa]

Girly, red, black leather and rubben in wax?

Too much info fo me..

LMFAO

[Roy from Pa]

But it doesn't look bad at all, coming from Kearney Mo... Actually seems to fit.  

[JamesV]

Skeeter...................

Just before I wax the string, I use a pair of nail clippers to dress up the small tag ends that always stick out.

James