String Creep???

[Autumnarcher]

Being an extremely novice stringmaker,I'm not exactly sure what is meant my "creep" in regards to a bow string. Can someone explain exactly what that is. Thanks.

[LBR]

There's two basic types of string elongation.  One is stretch, which recovers--like a rubber band.  The other is creep, which doesn't recover.  For instance, you have a 61" string and it creeps 1", you now have a 62" string, period, even when the tension is removed.

[Autumnarcher]

Is this the result of elongation of the strings strands, or slippage or creeping of the flemish twist? Is ia continuous process, or does a given string material reach a maximum in regards to creep?

[LBR]

"Is this the result of elongation of the strings strands, or slippage or creeping of the flemish twist?"

Both, along with excess wax being squeezed out.  You will get some creep with endless also.  How much you get with flemish depends on how the string was made, and the material.


Is ia continuous process, or does a given string material reach a maximum in regards to creep?

Depends on the string material, draw weight, strand count, temperature, etc.  Lower strand counts, higher draw weights, and higher temps stretch/creep more.  Dacron has the most stretch and creep of any material I've used, although I've heard of a couple of "Fast Flight" type materials that have as much or more initial stretch/creep.  At least one, Nitro Excellerant, is no longer on the market.

Chad

[Autumnarcher]

Thanks forthe info. That explains the brace height changes on my bow since I put new strings on. Now I can say I learned something today LOL .