Author Topic: Can you serve a string with B50?  (Read 9233 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline DuBois

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,020
Can you serve a string with B50?
« on: August 02, 2014, 07:05:27 pm »
Just wondering if it is a bad idea to serve a string with B50 and also if there any alternatives you have used for serving materials.
Probably a dumb question but that has never stopped me before  :-\ ;)

Offline JackCrafty

  • Global Moderator
  • Member
  • Posts: 5,621
  • Sorry Officer, I was just gathering "materials".
Re: Can you serve a string with B50?
« Reply #1 on: August 02, 2014, 07:12:39 pm »
Yep, it can be done but it gets "fuzzy" quick.  I use Spectra-type braided fishing line if there's going to be a lot of shooting.  Same stuff as fast-flight.  Practically indestructible.
Any critter tastes good with enough butter on it.

Patrick Blank
Midland, Texas
Youtube: JackCrafty, Allergic Hobbit, Patrick Blank

Where's Rock? Public Waterways, Road Cuts, Landscape Supply, Knap-Ins.
How to Cook It?  200° for 24hrs then 275° to 500° for 4hrs (depending on type), Cool for 12hr

Offline osage outlaw

  • Member
  • Posts: 11,952
Re: Can you serve a string with B50?
« Reply #2 on: August 02, 2014, 08:00:12 pm »
I've used super heavy duty coat thread for serving before.  It worked OK.  I use the same stuff for all of my arrow wraps. 
I started out with nothin' and I still got most of it left

Offline JW_Halverson

  • Member
  • Posts: 11,881
Re: Can you serve a string with B50?
« Reply #3 on: August 02, 2014, 08:02:29 pm »
I have used braided fishing line, Dacron B50, linen shoe thread, and even artificial sinew.  I think I like the artificial sinew best.

« Last Edit: August 02, 2014, 08:06:57 pm by JW_Halverson »
Guns have triggers. Bicycles have wheels. Trees and bows have wooden limbs.

Offline JoJoDapyro

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,504
  • Subscription Number PM109294
Re: Can you serve a string with B50?
« Reply #4 on: August 02, 2014, 08:30:05 pm »
JW, did you have issues with it getting fuzzy?
If you always do what you always did you'll always get what you always got.
27 inch draw, right handed. Bow building and Knapping.

Offline Weylin

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,296
Re: Can you serve a string with B50?
« Reply #5 on: August 02, 2014, 08:57:48 pm »
I use nylon serving thread. It's cheap, tough and easy to use.

Offline JW_Halverson

  • Member
  • Posts: 11,881
Re: Can you serve a string with B50?
« Reply #6 on: August 02, 2014, 09:22:21 pm »
I am assuming you are asking about the artificial sinew?

I pull it pretty dang tight, so it really doesn't fuzz too bad.  If it does, it's an indication to re-wax the string.  Nice thing about the arti-sinew is that it will form fit to the nock after a few dozen arrows.  That way it creates a nock point on the string for me.
Guns have triggers. Bicycles have wheels. Trees and bows have wooden limbs.

Offline DuBois

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,020
Re: Can you serve a string with B50?
« Reply #7 on: August 02, 2014, 09:55:55 pm »
So JW, I assume you must put the art sinew on by hand instead of with a serving jig? Is it the 70#?

Offline JW_Halverson

  • Member
  • Posts: 11,881
Re: Can you serve a string with B50?
« Reply #8 on: August 02, 2014, 10:04:49 pm »
Yeah, I didn't own a serving jig until I bought one this year down at the Tennessee Classic. 
Guns have triggers. Bicycles have wheels. Trees and bows have wooden limbs.

Offline DuBois

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,020
Re: Can you serve a string with B50?
« Reply #9 on: August 02, 2014, 10:31:56 pm »
Cool, thanks man  ;D

Offline Pat B

  • Administrator
  • Member
  • Posts: 37,542
Re: Can you serve a string with B50?
« Reply #10 on: August 02, 2014, 11:24:45 pm »
All the serving does is protect from abrasion. You could use almost any thin string material, some will be more durable than others. 
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

Offline JW_Halverson

  • Member
  • Posts: 11,881
Re: Can you serve a string with B50?
« Reply #11 on: August 02, 2014, 11:39:09 pm »
Easier and quicker to sacrifice the serving and save the string.  Anything works, even dental floss.
Guns have triggers. Bicycles have wheels. Trees and bows have wooden limbs.

Offline Pat B

  • Administrator
  • Member
  • Posts: 37,542
Re: Can you serve a string with B50?
« Reply #12 on: August 02, 2014, 11:54:51 pm »
All dental floss is is medical grade artificial sinew. I keep a box or waxed and unwaxed dental floss in my bow box for whatever.
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

Offline lebhuntfish

  • Member
  • Posts: 3,800
  • If the wood will bend, I'll make it beautiful!
Re: Can you serve a string with B50?
« Reply #13 on: August 03, 2014, 11:47:11 am »
I Tried something new the other day.  I used 15 pound monofilament fishing line to serve a bow string with. It clicks the nock right on nicely. And it slides right off my fingers nicely too. I have shot about 50 arrows with it so far. Plus my tie on nicking point stays put nicely because it's kinda ribbed. Patrick
Once an Eagle Scout, always an Eagle Scout!

Missouri, where all the best wood is! Well maybe not the straightest!

Building a bow has been the most rewarding, peaceful, and frustrating things I have ever made with my own two hands!

Offline dbb

  • Member
  • Posts: 745
Re: Can you serve a string with B50?
« Reply #14 on: August 03, 2014, 02:25:05 pm »
I Tried something new the other day.  I used 15 pound monofilament fishing line to serve a bow string with. It clicks the nock right on nicely. And it slides right off my fingers nicely too. I have shot about 50 arrows with it so far. Plus my tie on nicking point stays put nicely because it's kinda ribbed. Patrick
Mono works fine,but it tends to get "flat! at the nockingpoint if you shoot much.
Perhaps it was the cheap mono i used that was the culprit,it was the only thing suitable in the cabin at the time ;)
It's better to ask and look like a fool than not to ask and remain one...