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Author Topic: Stringing a bow  (Read 3365 times)

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Offline dmenzies1950

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Stringing a bow
« on: April 13, 2013, 10:59:36 pm »
A couple of days ago I was reading a post talking about breaking bows while stringing them by the step through method. I have to confess that I always use the the step through method while stringing my self bows. I've been building bows since 1980 and have never damaged one while stringing it! I do use a stringer while stringing recurves however; it's too easy to twist the tips when you string those.

I'm just curious to hear what you guys do. I will appreciate your feedback.

Thanks, Dale
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Offline Zion

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Re: Stringing a bow
« Reply #1 on: April 13, 2013, 11:06:46 pm »
I always use the Step Thru method too. Never had negative results either. It seems easier to me than push/pull, especially with heavier bows.
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Offline bow101

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Re: Stringing a bow
« Reply #2 on: April 13, 2013, 11:28:07 pm »
......... :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:   Yes I agree Step thru is safer than push/pull...........but watch out I have been bit already...... :o from using the push pull method.  I now use a stringer on bows over 35#....thats my 2 bits worth.. ;)    Wisdom tells me to only get hurt once.....!
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Offline osage outlaw

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Re: Stringing a bow
« Reply #3 on: April 13, 2013, 11:30:23 pm »
Push/Pull
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Offline Joec123able

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Re: Stringing a bow
« Reply #4 on: April 13, 2013, 11:47:02 pm »
I use step thru only reason people think it can break bows is if your doing it wrong which Ive done before and caused a splinter to pop on one of my bows i still use step thru I just make sure i do it right
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Offline Pat B

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Re: Stringing a bow
« Reply #5 on: April 13, 2013, 11:54:22 pm »
Step through is fine for wood bows but will warp a glass bow. I use push pull unless the bow is too strong for me or to long then I use the step through method or a stringer.
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Offline lesken2011

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Re: Stringing a bow
« Reply #6 on: April 14, 2013, 12:05:18 am »
What Pat and OO said!!
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Offline bubby

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Re: Stringing a bow
« Reply #7 on: April 14, 2013, 12:12:21 am »
I use push pull on all my bows up to 75#, and that's as heavy as I got
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Offline M-P

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Re: Stringing a bow
« Reply #8 on: April 14, 2013, 12:14:53 am »
Howdy,  I've been using step through on my old Ben Person recurve since 1968, with no signs of warping or problems.  I normally use push/pull on wooden bows (long bows and flat bows.)   I use a stringer on newer recurves and on very heavy or long (length)  bows.  One caution... do not use push pull on a recurve!! That upper nock is aimed straight at your face.  One slip and you'll be aiming with the left eye from now on!   Ron
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Offline SLIMBOB

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Re: Stringing a bow
« Reply #9 on: April 14, 2013, 09:59:30 am »
Step thru.  I'm careful to keep the bottom tip against my foot, have the center (fulcrum) against my thigh or hip depending on length of the bow.  I don't disagree with those that recommend push-pull or a stringer, probably safer, but I've never had a problem, not one. 
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Offline dwardo

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Re: Stringing a bow
« Reply #10 on: April 14, 2013, 10:21:36 am »
Push pull for most bows except the more extreme recurves which I use step through. Can't see how a set through can be bad for the bow if done properly. Wide stance handle behind left knee and placing the weight evenly in the limbs.
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Offline bushboy

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Re: Stringing a bow
« Reply #11 on: April 14, 2013, 10:25:07 am »
Step through,never had a problem unless the bow wasn't ready for a short brace!
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Offline Josh B

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Re: Stringing a bow
« Reply #12 on: April 14, 2013, 02:13:40 pm »
I always use the step through method.  If done properly it doesn't hurt the bow.  The push pull method scares the Hell out of me for one reason.  Think about this, when a bow blows, which way do the pieces fly?  Away from the back, right?  Now the next time your push pulling, think about what's exposed if it lets go while bracing.  Eyes, face and throat are right in the path of shrapnel.  I already have bad eyes and I'm homely enough to get a job haunting grave yards.  I really don't need to worsen the situation.  I know what your thinking, if you use the push pull method there's less chance of the bo. w blowing.  Maybe, maybe not.  But even if there is an increased chance of damaging the bow with the step through, the majority of the pieces are blowing away from you.  I can make a new bow.  Not the case with my eyes, face and throat.  Just my .02.    Josh
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mikekeswick

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Re: Stringing a bow
« Reply #13 on: April 14, 2013, 03:28:05 pm »
Quote from: Gun Doc on April 14, 2013, 02:13:40 pm
I always use the step through method.  If done properly it doesn't hurt the bow.  The push pull method scares the Hell out of me for one reason.  Think about this, when a bow blows, which way do the pieces fly?  Away from the back, right?  Now the next time your push pulling, think about what's exposed if it lets go while bracing.  Eyes, face and throat are right in the path of shrapnel.  I already have bad eyes and I'm homely enough to get a job haunting grave yards.  I really don't need to worsen the situation.  I know what your thinking, if you use the push pull method there's less chance of the bo. w blowing.  Maybe, maybe not.  But even if there is an increased chance of damaging the bow with the step through, the majority of the pieces are blowing away from you.  I can make a new bow.  Not the case with my eyes, face and throat.  Just my .02.    Josh

If a bow breaks while you are bracing you  then it sure wasn't meant to be a bow!!  :o
Step through if done correctly probably won't damage most bows. The problem with it is that people rarely do it absolutely correctly, or at least the people I see all the time.
Push pull if done properly will never damage a bow.
Stringers again if used properly will never damage a bow.

The problems start when the bow is well reflexed.
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Offline Badly Bent

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Re: Stringing a bow
« Reply #14 on: April 14, 2013, 03:31:47 pm »
Push/pull here. BUT I always close my eyes and turn my head while doing it for the safety reasons Doc mentioned. I've
only had one blow on me while stringing, but that will happen when a fool trys to string on backwards in the dark. :o


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