Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: jaxenro on June 06, 2017, 06:34:02 am

Title: Serving Bowstrings
Post by: jaxenro on June 06, 2017, 06:34:02 am
Do you use any type of glue or shellac or anything to hold the serving on the string?
Title: Re: Serving Bowstrings
Post by: bjrogg on June 06, 2017, 06:44:06 am
I don't not sure about anyone else
Bjrogg
Title: Re: Serving Bowstrings
Post by: leonwood on June 06, 2017, 06:47:19 am
I just wax it along with the string and have never had any trouble
Title: Re: Serving Bowstrings
Post by: loon on June 06, 2017, 07:20:06 am
no special treatment. just gotta make it tight and leave no spaces. (halo serving, FF string)

from this thread, seems like some natural strings were made saturated with hide glue. a  glued/bonded serving also makes sense w/ sinew bowstrings I guess

Code: [Select]
http://paleoplanet69529.yuku.com/topic/48330/hemp-bowstring?page=2
Title: Re: Serving Bowstrings
Post by: jaxenro on June 06, 2017, 07:30:50 am
I am using a natural linen cotton material
Title: Re: Serving Bowstrings
Post by: High-Desert on June 06, 2017, 09:03:10 am
I used to put a dab of super glue on the start and end of the serving. But if you serve the string while on the bow while strung, it makes everything much more tight and you shouldn't have any issues with the serving getting loose.
Title: Re: Serving Bowstrings
Post by: avcase on June 06, 2017, 01:46:59 pm
I try to avoid any super glue.  It creates a weak spot if it goes into the main string even a little bit.  You know what I mean if you ever spilled a stop of super glue on a pair of jeans and noticed the area around the edges of the glue spot breaks away, leaving a hole. The same will happen to the string, especially a natural material string.  The tension of the serving wrapped around the string should be more than sufficient to hold it in place.

Is the string linen or cotton?  Linen is far superior for a bowstring.  What are you using for a serving?  Are you using a serving jig or doing it by hand?

Alan
Title: Re: Serving Bowstrings
Post by: jaxenro on June 06, 2017, 01:53:55 pm
Miniature bow so strength is less an issue. Linen cotton mix string button thread serving. But I agree about superglue I was thinking something more like fly tying cement. But I do have another question:

Is there any type of formula for determining string length? Say if a bow is 72 Knock to Knock then a string x long should result in x brace height?
Title: Re: Serving Bowstrings
Post by: Eric Krewson on June 06, 2017, 04:17:40 pm
You whip finish the serving ends like one does when tying a fly, it isn't going anywhere. Serve back over your serving end a dozen times or so and pull it tight under the serving.

Your string should be about 3" shorter than your bow.
Title: Re: Serving Bowstrings
Post by: jaxenro on June 06, 2017, 05:10:43 pm
Perfect thanks
Title: Re: Serving Bowstrings
Post by: Del the cat on June 07, 2017, 02:04:15 am
Just wax, my only comment is that braided string is much better IMO as it doesn't twist, tangle or fray as easilly.
Del
Title: Re: Serving Bowstrings
Post by: Pappy on June 07, 2017, 07:12:48 am
I also just use wax and tie it in as Eric explained and have had no problem with it slipping. I have always heard and believe it's true that super glue will weaken the string. It makes it solid and will break when it bends. :) JMO.
 Pappy
Title: Re: Serving Bowstrings
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on June 07, 2017, 12:35:41 pm
The direction you wrap the serving on matters. If you are a righty you need to wrap clockwise. That way when the string gently rolls as you draw it keeps the serving tight. If you wrap the opposite direction it wants to loosen as you draw.
Title: Re: Serving Bowstrings
Post by: Mo_coon-catcher on June 07, 2017, 02:08:51 pm
I use a little dab of clear nail polish on each end. It hasn't caused me any trouble and it's cheap insurance it won't unravel. Nail polish is liquid nylon and flexible when dry so it shouldn't hurt anything.

Kyle
Title: Re: Serving Bowstrings
Post by: George Tsoukalas on June 07, 2017, 02:29:34 pm
No, nothing extra. Wind  it like PD said.
I also poke an end of the serving through the Flemish and wind over about 1/2 inch of it.
I also do the whip finish that Eric talked about.
BTW I wind by hand with no serving tool. I wind it tightly.
Jawge
Title: Re: Serving Bowstrings
Post by: jaxenro on June 07, 2017, 04:10:06 pm
I was actually looking at one of these it is made for ship modelers to serve miniature rope for ships (hope it is ok to post the link I don't sell them)

https://ww w.syrenshipmodelcompany.com/serving-machine.php
Title: Re: Serving Bowstrings
Post by: Eric Krewson on June 08, 2017, 08:14:46 am
 Your serving machine is too complicated, a simple serving tool from an archery supply store will do what you need it to do.

I use one like this, about 7 bucks on ebay;

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v181/ekrewson/Archery%20%20pics/archer%20server_zpshd48g6i7.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ekrewson/media/Archery%20%20pics/archer%20server_zpshd48g6i7.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Serving Bowstrings
Post by: osage outlaw on June 08, 2017, 09:32:04 am
I use one similar to the one Eric posted.  Take the wing nut off and replace it with a lock nut. It will make a big improvement.  The wing nut always came loose on me and the serving big would unspool to the ground.  The lock nut stays where you set it. 
Title: Re: Serving Bowstrings
Post by: DC on June 08, 2017, 09:58:56 am
And I made one for $0 Can. ;D ;D
Title: Re: Serving Bowstrings
Post by: Knoll on June 08, 2017, 01:15:19 pm
Found this vid to be helpful.

https://www.you tube.com/watch?v=0hwQiKAWl2k
To access this vid, eliminate the [space] between u and t.

Hope others find it useful.