String size

[Autumnbear]

I'm a greenhorn to archery and have found TONS of great advise for my projects. I'm happy there is a site that is full of friendly and knowledgable people. My question is how do I figure out the size of string I need for my bow. Is there a chart or formula I need to follow when I get a string?

Again thanks! Autumnbear

[Pappy]

I make mine about 3 inches shorter than the bow Nock to nock,not tip to tip.
   Pappy

[Pat B]

I agree with Pappy. I also use a bowyers knot on one end of the string so I can make bigger adjustments  than I can just by twisting the string.

[NTD]

I agree with Pat, started making em with the timber hitch on the end and I don't think I'll ever make a double loop again.  I was always making them too short or too long with a double loop, especially when stretch was factored in, single loop and a hitch solved that really quick.

[Autumnbear]

Thanks guys!

[profsaffel]

I'm glad to see I'm not the only one... I've had the hardest time getting my double loops to come out the correct size, even after using forms and formulas. 

I think I'm going bowyer's knot, baby!

[Mark Anderson]

I always do a bowyers knot at first but, I've found that after I shoot a bow in and the string has stretched enough I just mark the center of the knot loop and then unravel and twist in a loop. I can't stand walking around with the little tag end of the string hanging from the bottom limb. Still I've never been able to get a double loop the right size right off the bat. This way it always comes out right.
Mark

[Josh]

I use two loops and never had a problem making my strings come out even and the right length using a jig I made.  I make flemmish twist strings.  For the loops I just measure out 8" of string to start my twists, do 16 tight twists, and then fold it over and twist the ends into the string.  My loops always come out even and my strings come out the right length every time... I have never had a problem with it.  I don't like shooting with timber hitches on my strings as it seems to be alot of trouble to adjust them and they constantly need re-adjusting to keep a consistant brace height for me.. Maybe I am doing the timber hitch wrong or something but since I have never had a problem with the double loops I think I will just keep doing it that way.    

[dragonman]

I agree with Josh, I find timberhitchs a pain to keep adjusting when they slip, sometimes they settle in and stay put, but sometimes they dont, especially on new strings. I use an adjustable string (as above), get it to the right length on the new bow, measure it and make a flemish double loop the same length. Autumnbear, the length of string will depend on you chosen brace height.

[gmc]

Guess I'm in the bowyers knot camp. 

I've made double loop strings before but have a tough time keeping up with the string when not in use and I'm not a "string keeper" kinda guy. The one end secured allows me to hang my bows vertically on the rack with that 3 or 4 inches of slack on a peg, loop end up without the bow dropping through the string. Limited room that I have, many bows to hang.

Another advantage is when I get really lazy (which is most of the time), I can borrow a string from another bow even thou the length is a little smaller or longer and it will still work.

If you tie a timber hitch knot correctly it won't stretch or come loose. Now, if you only loop that string a couple times building that knot it just may. A bow with allot of reflex will remind you quickly on how to tie one. Can't tell you how I know this, but it may beat you up in the process. 

One more advantage and I'll leave this alone, is that it looks cool with a little homemade string hanging from the end.