String making

[BrokenArrow]

I have not made my own strings before. What is the best material to make a strings for a bow without horn nocks?

[Badger]

  If you want to stay primitive linen or silk are good options. Sinew is a lot more labor intensive but makes a decent string. Gut will make strong strings as well.
  If you prefer modern easy to get string I would order regular bow making string material. The b50 is popular and has some stretch to it. I prefer the low stretch fast flite type strings. They have several types available and are all very similar as far as I can tell.

[Pat B]

I make all my strings with Dacron B-50. There are lots of string making videos on utube

[George Tsoukalas]

"The best..." you'll get a lot of  opinions. I use B 50.
Jawge

[wizardgoat]

B50 is good, fast flight is way better.  You can find a template for making a flemish twist jig on google.
all you need is some finishing nails, and small board, some wax and a string. Once you learn, it takes about 20 minutes to make one

[DC]

It's the one thing in bow making that you can do in your recliner

[osage outlaw]

I use D97 and Fast flight. 

[lebhuntfish]

Rawhide makes a good string. Never shot one but made some once and the guy I traded said it was all he used. Good video on YouTube for that too. I have a couple from artificial sinew but it stretches a lot. Patrick

[Eric Krewson]

If you make a string jig, put feet on it. This way you can sit in any chair and hold it securely between your knees. Makes wrapping the thread around the nails much easier than holding the jig with one hand and wrapping threads with the other.

[JoJoDapyro]

It's the one thing in bow making that you can do in your recliner

Not if you have cats!

[JW_Halverson]

It's the one thing in bow making that you can do in your recliner

Not if you have cats!

Real men don't have cats. 


The cats have them.

[JoJoDapyro]

True enough, they came in a package deal with my wife. I love the furry little buttholes. I am nothing but a food dispenser and heated furniture.

[Poggins]

I'm still working on my string jig , thought I had all the measurements down right but my strings are short most of the time , I just use them when I make a shorter bow or give them to someone .
The second loop throws me off also , I ether twist them wrong or don't get a good clean loop .
I'll get it right one of these days till then I'll keep stockpiling strings and building bows for those strings later .

[Pat B]

My first string jig was a series of holes in my work bench. One at one end and a bunch at the other end at 1" increments. The holes were drilled so a 16d nail would fit in and come out easy. For string length I'd add 10" to the t/t bow length, set the nails, tie the string at one end and started making the rounds until you get the number of strands you want for your string. I've always twisted in the top loop but tied off the bottom with a bowyers knot.

[Eric Krewson]

If I make strings with the measured pegs on my jig they come out just a little long. I drilled a set of peg holes between the inch holes. I found if I want a string for a 64" bow I put my peg in the 63 1/2" hole and my strings come out just right. Depending on how long you make your loops, you might need to adjust to what comes out right for you.