End Serving for Endless Skinny Strings?

[MAT]

Based on what I've read here I am going to build a string jig to make some skinny strings out of 452x material.  What do I need to know about servings?  Looks like all end servings are rather small 0.017", can you use thicker center serving for the ends?  I plan to pad the loops anyway but thicker serving would help.  

Can you use string material as a serving (wrapping it on the string) and then top with end serving?

I plan to use halo for the center serving, but which serving type/brand works best for the ends?

Also any advice on a cheaper serving tool?  

Thanks!

[JRY309]

I have used 1D serving .019 for end servings on endless loop FF type strings,can't remember if it was BCY or Brownell.I use nylon .021 serving on dacron endless or you can use it on FF type strings also.An inexpensive serving tool is Bohning makes a decent tool for $10-12.

[frank bullitt]

Mat, #4 nylon works just fine! You can lay in extra strands of material to build up, or double serve.

You can use the Halo for end serving, your money, but not necessary.

As for serving tools, cheaper then what? Invest in a good one, last for years. You can also make one. Do a search here for the topic.

Have fun winding strings! A great part of the Sport!

Steve

[vermonster13]

I like Halo myself. Wears like iron. I know a place where I can get it delivered for less than $18 a spool for .19

[frank bullitt]

Yes, Halo is tough, Dave! Though it will probably out last the string!

$18.00 verses $4.00, like said your money!  

[vermonster13]

For the money a bow costs I consider it cheap insurance.

[LBR]

BCY has servings they reccomend for end serving, but I've had equally good results with Halo, 62XS, and nylon.  If there are no rough or sharp spots, there should be little wear on the loop serving.  On the other hand, you get a lot of servings from one spool so it's not a big investment per string.

Thick serving on a tiny string is apt to slip.  Rod Jenkins experimented with padding the loops on an endless string, and he found that over time the padding is worked to the back of the loop and isn't doing anything.  I think he used white for the string, red for the padding, and clear mono for the serving to see what happened.

I'm not "into" super skinny strings, but if I were I guess I'd just double serve the loops to build them up.

The best serving tool I've used to date is the Cajun--less than $15, and I'm still using some of the ones I started out with many years (and thousands of strings) ago.  I have a different serving tool for each different spool of serving--near 50, I think.  It's convenient to not have to swap them out every time you need to change serving colors, types, or sizes.  I modify mine by adding a longer bolt and some fender washers for added weight.