Heavy weight longbow, techniques to string.

[mrbxzzz]

Hello all, how do you trad guys end up stringing your heavier 55-60 lbs+ longbows? Any specific way for good leverage do you go for a stringer tool to fit the nocks?

I have one monster bamboo backed maple 6 ft 70 lbs that I hate trying to string

Cheers

[mmattockx]

I use a stringer. They are dirt cheap and there is no point in risking the bow or yourself trying to muscle it if you can't make it work safely.


Mark

[Crooked Stic]

X2 on a stringer.

[Longcruise]

Me too.  If I can't push/pull it easily it's stringer time on the ASL style.  I'm getting so i use it on all recurves and any R/D over 30#.

I favor the type that cups over both tips.  Had a few unpleasant experiences with other types.

[Arlo]

In the shop i use pegs on the side of my work bench. I have one on the top and two different pegs on the bottom wrapped with foam and duct tape. They are spaced at 28"  and 30" apart. I got the idea from Kirk at Big foot bows.   I can string a 100# bow with this set up safely.

I use a stringer In the field for recurve bows over 50#. the rest i use a step threw, or push pull method..... also.... NEVER use a tip to tip stringer on a recurve limb or you are asking for problems.
They make recurve bow stringers that are much safer on the limbs.    Arlo

[Onski316]

I hate resurrecting an old thread but this one isn't too dated and I can't find much information on stringing up a heavy longbow. I have an 83# ASL 6' longbow that I can no longer string up using the push/pull method so I'm looking for a stringer. Most on the market are only rated up to 75 lb. Anyone have any suggestions?

[Roy from Pa]

There are instructions online and videos on you tube on how to make them. You just need a very strong cord.

[Onski316]

Most manufacturers that responded claimed it wasn't really the cord they had to worry about. The paracord in most cases will handle the weight, it's he end pieces that go over the limb tips that are questionable.

[Roy from Pa]

Very true, I used very heavy cow hide leather. But some of the better stringers are made so that the stringer rope runs across the bow tips, that how I made mine.

[Onski316]

Now that's nice! That's what I'm looking for

[Buggs]

I made this rig for stringing skinny, heavy bows. The pockets are 1000d cordura and 500d Balistics. Very strong nylon fabric. The silicone tubing is the best material to use, its tacky. Rubber and latex tubing don't have a secure enough grip.
It can be used 3 ways. Two pockets, one pocket and one loop, or all three. If you put the loop on first and then the second pocket, when you have pulled up on the bow enough, the loop will engage the limb and you can slip the pocket off as you slide the string into the nock. Thats good for a heavy bow. I typically just use the silicone tube loop and slide it with the string as I'm pulling.

[Mo_coon-catcher]

I know this is an od thread but may be helpful. I like to shoot in the 65-70# area and I string those with push pull. Normally against my left leg outside of calf for my pressure point. On longer bows or ones just heavy enough I can’t quite flex enough to brace that method I will lift the toes on my right foot and put the bows tip under my toes. I keep my heel on the ground and pivot off it. I will push pull as far as I can and then finish it out by pushing with my foot on the bottom limb. Then I’ll switch to the between the eggs method. But the leg you have against the handle, leave the Knee bend a bit. Now start flexing the bow as normal and instead of relying on core rotation to finish off the flexing, straighten the leg the is against the handle. There’s a much lower chance of hurting your back and is less overall strain. I use this for up to100-110# bows. Past that I use a stringer.

I hope that helps

Kyle

[Roy from Pa]

[Kirkll]

Here is how I do it in the shop. I can string 100# plus bows with this set up no sweat, and not killing myself doing it.

Years ago I built a portable version I would take to local 3D shoots for setting up my display bows…. Can’t remember what happened to that contraption. Lol

https://photos.app.goo.gl/yC9mQAc7RdvqijBX7

[Roy from Pa]

That's pretty slick, Kirk....

[Buggs]

Years ago I built a portable version I would take to local 3D shoots for setting up my display bows…. Can’t remember what happened to that contraption. Lol

Good luck finding that contraption if it's in your shop

[Mo_coon-catcher]

I like that. I’m gonna have to put something like that in my portable bench thing. I could probably use some pipe hangers bolted on and large 1” or larger dowels.

Kyle

[Longcruise]

If i can't push/pull or do it with a stringer there's no reason for me to string it!! 

[Kirkll]

Years ago i used to work on my own compound bows, and built a bow press with a hand crank boat winch and cable. When i first got into building Trad bows i ruined some perfectly good bows with that bow press.

I suppose it would work ok if the contraption was longer, but the one i have was designed for 36" axle to axle compound bows with some adjustment for different rigs..... Putting too much pressure mid limb on these trad bows is a bad scene......  I even snapped a riser in half with that damn thing.

Btw.... i know where that contraption is, but never use it any more. I think the portable bow stringer with the dowels is in the loft somewhere.     Kirk

[onetone]

Kirk, I’m curious how you built your portable stringer. I assume it was on the order of your bench setup? Would like to see a drawing or hear a description of it.