How a flemish string jig works?

[pintail_drake2004]

Hello, I would like to thank Mr. Grey Taylor for the pattern and info on this subject, but I, like most people, am a visual learner. Could someone please post some pics on how this thing works. What binds the string together is it just the wax?? How do you know how long to make your sting, surely not as long as the bow itself.?
Please help
Pintail

[VA Bowbender]

Here's a link to a very good site on how to make a flemish string, complete with pictures.  It takes a little practice to get it right but it's not hard.
   http://www3.sympatico.ca/ragiwarmbear/diy/flemish/flemish.html  

The first strings I made were from string I bought from Wal-Mart's fabric department.  I waxed it real good then made a few practice strings.  I think I got the string for under a $1.00 a ball. I didn't make them to use.

Here's where I get my string.  You can get small spools so you don't have to make a big investment to start out.
   http://www.bcyfibers.com/index.php  

Oh, make sure that the bow you make a string for is compatible with the string you buy.  As in can your bow use Fast-Flight string or must you use Dacron.

[Aeronut]

Hi Pintail.  I'm like you in being a better visual learner and had a basic knowledge of making a string that was reinforced by watching someone.  It's really a pretty simple process.  As for how long to make the string, measure your bow length nock to nock and set your peg at that measurement on your jig.  If it is like mine the jig is set to make the string the needed length.

Here is a good how-to on twisting a string.

 http://www.brokenaxe.ca/diy/flemish/flemish.html

Dennis

[longbowguy]

Not all jigs will work like Aeronuts. You need to start with your strands about 15 or 16 inches longer than the old string for a longbow--17 inches longer for a recurve because the loops need to be larger. Different jigs may get there different ways. Or..........you can skip the jig, just cut them to this length and start twisting. Use you old string as your guide.

[Grey Taylor]

Heh, heh... Jordan, I told you it may be tricky to learn string making    

The board you have is to make a string the exact length you want.  Extra length for making the eye on each end is already figured into the design.  If you want a 58" string, set the center peg at 58.
Ragi's page on string making is a good one.  He uses a regular jig in his illustrations, the one you have is a compact design.  That just means you wind around the nails and peg a little more.  Follow the ABC's with the string and you'll be fine.
To answer your actual questions...
Wax helps hold the strands together *while you're making the string.*  After that it will be held together by the splice that you've twisted the ends into and the twist that the center section will have.
String length: for longbows, set the peg about 3" shorter than bow length; recurves, about 4".  Those measurements aren't hard and fast, they can vary by the bow.  Minor length adjustments can be made by twisting the center of the string tighter (shorter) or untwisting (longer).  But there are limits to adjustment that way.  Sometimes you'll just ahve to undo it and try again or even make a whole new string.
If all else fails consider getting Chad's DVD, Doing The Twist.  It'll give you that visual example that will make everything click.

I'm here for you in any way I can help.

Guy

[madness522]

I would highly recommend the DVD Doin the Twist.  I tried to twist up a couple strings using printed instructions and the end result was't anything resembled a useable string.  The first one I twisted while watching the DVD was a good string.  Way to short but a good looking string.

Another idea is find someone close by to do a real live string build-along.

[pintail_drake2004]

thanks yall, Where can I find this video?
If i get a couple of rolls of string (2 differ colors) will that be enough to make 2 bow strings? Our Bows are 66" long so I put he peg in the 66" hole right? Besides the string jig, and string material, what else do I need to make a string?
Thanks
Pintail

[madness522]

I bought mine from 3 Rivers.  I also have 2 1/4 lb. spools of dacron and have made around 5 strings and a couple of first ones that ended up in the trash. I can hardly tell I've used any.  Lots left.  They were for 62" bows.  

String, jig (not really necessary but very handy),sharp knife, string makers wax and a couple cloths pins is all I use.

[VA Bowbender]

Originally posted by pintail_drake2004:
thanks yall, Where can I find this video?
If i get a couple of rolls of string (2 differ colors) will that be enough to make 2 bow strings? Our Bows are 66" long so I put he peg in the 66" hole right?  Besides the string jig, and string material, what else do I need to make a string? Thanks
Pintail

You will need string makers wax or bee's wax,  not candle wax .

[Grey Taylor]

This will link you right to Chad's site and the page for the DVD,   Doing the Twist.  
I sent you wax so you're good there.  You'll need some sharp scissors or a knife to cut the measured string off the board, fingernail clippers work really well for snipping tiny ends once the string is made.  A serving tool with serving material will be good for the center serving where your arrow nocks.  A couple 1/4 lb spools of bow string will get you going.  As was mentioned, 1/4 lb spool has a lot of line on it, you'll be able to make plenty of strings for you and your brother, and a whole Scout troop with them.  I'd suggest Brownell's B-50 or BCY's B-500 as good quality and inexpensive material to start learning with.
Remember that this board makes strings to the length the peg is set at.  If you're bow is a 66" recurve, you want the string about 4" shorter so set the peg at 62".  If you have a 66" longbow you want the string about 3" shorter so set the peg at 63".  These are approximate so you'll have to see how your bow likes that length and then go from there.  Be sure that 66" is *bow length* and not *AMO length*.  AMO length is a different animal.

Guy

[pintail_drake2004]

thanks alot. Ill order the other material ASAP. I cannot wait until I am done w/ my bow and strings.  Spring break is only 3 weeks away, so that should be plenty of time to get everything ordered and ready.
Thanks for the help
pintail