Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: BrokenArrow on February 02, 2015, 03:04:44 pm

Title: Bow string selection
Post by: BrokenArrow on February 02, 2015, 03:04:44 pm
I have made a recurved osage orange 60 inch unbacked bow and made a flemish twist string (16 strands) using B55.
The string stretches over 2 1/4 inches when I can muscle it on to the blow with enormous effort.
What would you suggest I use with a homemade bow like this as it is 50# at 24 inches.
I notice the typical dacron 16 strand I bought from 3 Rivers stretches 1 1/4 inches and is easier to put on the bow.

Suggestions with reasons please:)
Title: Re: Bow string selection
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on February 02, 2015, 03:11:40 pm
Fast Flight is ALL you need to know. Get ya' some.
Title: Re: Bow string selection
Post by: BrokenArrow on February 02, 2015, 03:29:48 pm
Would FF ever break a bow?
Title: Re: Bow string selection
Post by: DC on February 02, 2015, 03:45:49 pm
I make Flemish twist FF 10 strand strings for all my bows. They are all 40# or less. I find they seem to have quite a bit of initial stretch. I made one B50 at a workshop and it stretched a lot more. Maybe I'm not twisting them as tight as I should. They all settle in after retieing the boyers knot a few times. Maybe the 3rivers strings are pre-stretched. As long as it doesn't keep on stretching.
Title: Re: Bow string selection
Post by: adb on February 02, 2015, 03:48:27 pm
Would FF ever break a bow?

Of course not! How? Where do these silly misconceptions come from?? I use FF on all my bows... selfbows, laminates, warbows, recurves.
Title: Re: Bow string selection
Post by: osage outlaw on February 02, 2015, 03:48:47 pm
It has worked fine on all of my osage bows.  I also use D-97.  I can make you a FF or D-97 string and send to you if you want.  PM me your info.  I like making strings and haven't made any for a couple of months.  I'll pre-stretch it.  It shouldn't budge when you string your bow.
Title: Re: Bow string selection
Post by: huisme on February 02, 2015, 06:49:04 pm
I use D97 on everything. Works fine!
Title: Re: Bow string selection
Post by: Joec123able on February 02, 2015, 07:43:51 pm
Do you need tip overlays to shoot fast flight or is that just a myth?
Title: Re: Bow string selection
Post by: Danzn Bar on February 02, 2015, 07:53:50 pm
Do you need tip overlays to shoot fast flight or is that just a myth?

You might want to put one on an unbacked ERC..... >:D   sorry Pearly  :-[
Seriously.....a tear drop shaped nock in a hardwood eg. osage, hickory, oak etc  would be fine, softer bow woods eg. walnut, ERC, yew etc would be better to have an overlay for any string type, FF or B50.  IMO
DBar
Title: Re: Bow string selection
Post by: bubby on February 03, 2015, 12:21:12 am
With most self nocks just pad the loops
Title: Re: Bow string selection
Post by: BrokenArrow on February 03, 2015, 11:43:14 am
What is the diff between D-97 and FF? Is D-97 a better compromise for an osage bow  with no tip overlays?
Title: Re: Bow string selection
Post by: DavidV on February 03, 2015, 11:52:35 am
FF is a generic term covering low strech/no stretch string. D-97 is a specific type of FF.
Title: Re: Bow string selection
Post by: JoJoDapyro on February 03, 2015, 12:44:55 pm
I have found that over twisting my strings is the culprit for too much stretch. I really didn't care for B-50 at first, then I realized what I was doing wrong. I never had an issue with Artificial sinew.
Title: Re: Bow string selection
Post by: DC on February 03, 2015, 01:10:27 pm
Do you mean over twisting as you're making the string or when you're adjusting the length?
Title: Re: Bow string selection
Post by: kid bow on February 03, 2015, 01:15:12 pm
I use hemp cords bought from the craft store. You be surprised how little they stretch and hold up on a bow at about 50#. 16 strands should be more than enough
Title: Re: Bow string selection
Post by: Springbuck on February 03, 2015, 01:19:35 pm
I have never had B55 stretch like that. 1.5" seems like a heckovalot.

I do plan on them settling in a bunch, and I make strings just shy of an inch short on purpose.  Then I stretch them on a bow by putting the handle on the floor and leaning some extra weight on the tips.
Title: Re: Bow string selection
Post by: osage outlaw on February 03, 2015, 02:19:24 pm
Whenever I make a string I stretch it over night on this jig.  Doesn't matter if its D97, FF, endless loop, or flemish.  They all get stretched until the metal brackets start to bend.  Its more tension than when they are on a bow.  I wax the string heavily and rub it with a leather pad while its on the jig.  When I string a bow for the first time with one it doesn't stretch at all.

(http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r55/clintanders/SDC10388.jpg)
Title: Re: Bow string selection
Post by: BrokenArrow on February 03, 2015, 02:42:13 pm
Could you post a picture of your jig you use to stretch the string?
Title: Re: Bow string selection
Post by: osage outlaw on February 03, 2015, 05:26:44 pm
That's it in the picture.  I only make flemish twist strings now.  I'll make a double loop string and put it on the jig pictured above.  Then I'll tighten the nuts on the bolt hooks to stretch it out until the brackets start to bend a little.
Title: Re: Bow string selection
Post by: JoJoDapyro on February 03, 2015, 05:39:41 pm
Do you mean over twisting as you're making the string or when you're adjusting the length?
Either way. Mostly as you are making them though. When I make them I go 3 twists per inch, or less.
Title: Re: Bow string selection
Post by: Marc St Louis on February 03, 2015, 05:39:58 pm
I have made a recurved osage orange 60 inch unbacked bow and made a flemish twist string (16 strands) using B55.
The string stretches over 2 1/4 inches when I can muscle it on to the blow with enormous effort.
What would you suggest I use with a homemade bow like this as it is 50# at 24 inches.
I notice the typical dacron 16 strand I bought from 3 Rivers stretches 1 1/4 inches and is easier to put on the bow.

Suggestions with reasons please:)

If your string stretches more than 2" and the store bought one only 1 1/2" then it is a given that you are doing something wrong
Title: Re: Bow string selection
Post by: bushboy on February 03, 2015, 06:49:16 pm
I use ff for all my strings now.9 strand dose the job for a 60 lb bow, no failures!over twisting a string will lead to a shorter life as it will break down rapidly!