Serving

[Allyn T]

When making your own bowstring, how important is it to have serving at the nock point?

[HH~]

Nock fit is pretty important.

HH

[jimmi the sammi]

Serving on a bowstring has several purposes.  #1 is to protect the actual string material from the arrow nock and from your finger contact on the string while shooting the arrow.  #2 is to protect the actual string material from contact with your arm/armguard as the string is released while shooting.  If you decide to shoot a bowstring without serving be prepared to observe fraying of the bowstring very quickly.

[DC]

When I have been testing a new bow I have noticed the string starting to fray after only 10-15 shots. I use 60# braided fishing line. It's treated with a non wear coating of some kind.

[Hawkdancer]

I agree with Jimmi and Hedge, the serving extends string life tremendously and is easier to repair!
Hawkdancer

[bownarra]

How many strings have you seen without a serving......?

[PatM]

Very many. Serving strings is a modern thing.   While it's a good idea it is not crucial.

[Allyn T]

If it wears that fast from fingers and nocks do most people serve their loops as well?

[DC]

A continuous loop string has served loops but a Flemish twist doesn't because the loops are already double thickness.

[Allyn T]

A continuous loop string has served loops but a Flemish twist doesn't because the loops are already double thickness.

I don't know why I don't think things through before I speak(write) that makes perfect sense

[PatM]

A continuous loop string has served loops but a Flemish twist doesn't because the loops are already double thickness.

I don't know why I don't think things through before I speak(write) that makes perfect sense

 That's not really  "why"  though.   A  continuous  loop needs them served to  actually hold them together. It's loops are half thickness.

 A Flemish doesn't have double thickness loops, it's only double through the splice.

[Pat B]

...and it's twisted through out the string, loop(s)included.
 I have a partial spool of red #4 Brownell serving and a serving tool I will trade to you. Send me a PM with your mailing address(US only) and what you have to trade. I may even have a partial spool of B-50 if you need that too.

[DC]

A continuous loop string has served loops but a Flemish twist doesn't because the loops are already double thickness.

I don't know why I don't think things through before I speak(write) that makes perfect sense

 That's not really  "why"  though.   A  continuous  loop needs them served to  actually hold them together. It's loops are half thickness.

 A Flemish doesn't have double thickness loops, it's only double through the splice.

It's double compared the the continuous

[Allyn T]

...and it's twisted through out the string, loop(s)included.
 I have a partial spool of red #4 Brownell serving and a serving tool I will trade to you. Send me a PM with your mailing address(US only) and what you have to trade. I may even have a partial spool of B-50 if you need that too.

That's really nice of you Pat but I don't really have anything to trade, I've just been buying what I need one tool at a time. I have two 1/4lb spools of B55 for my string. When the time comes I'll buy some serving or try fishing line like DC did.