braided dyneema fishing line

[dragonman]

I tried to make a bow string from this because its cheaper than FF, but it keeps stretching...was wondering how this is possible?

[Frodolf]

The braid maybe?

[PEARL DRUMS]

If a no stretch material is lengthening, its not stretching. Its settling. You might have too many twists in it. 

[PEARL DRUMS]

An 1/8# spool of D97 will yield approx. 12-15 60" 10 strand bow strings. That's about $2 each. Unless your getting your fishing line dirt cheap, you probably aren't saving any money using it.

[dragonman]

your right Pearl...wish I hadnt bothered experimenting, should have stuck with what I know works..for a few extra £'s   getting too old to waste time experimenting...

and yes it must be the braid settling, its the only explanation. ..but I did get it from ebay and it came from China, maybe its fake dyneema

[PatM]

I really like Power-Pro. It certainly doesn't stretch and it holds twisted loops way better than you might assume. Likely because braids produce more friction than straight fibers when wax is added?

  Unless you're making a lot of strings the hit you take for a pricey roll of fishing line is likely not a big deal and they last forever being very resistant to abrasion.

[Dakota Kid]

+1 Pat.

I've been using power pro since I started making bows. I was into fishing first so it was an item I keep around anyway. It makes a fantastic string. I haven't tried FF because I saw no need to add to the supplies list.   

[willie]

it could be fake, but you should be able to tell if it comes close to the breaking strength, if so, then maybe not

dyneema and spectra, the two competing fibers, are both supplied to mills which make various different products.

better mills have better treatments and coatings for the base fiber, and better or worse quality control when spinning the fibers into strands and braids. UHMWPE,  (both Spectra and Dyneema) , will exhibit an initial stretching or set, and any braid or lay (twist) will also have a "set" before it settles into the final stiffness. better mills pre-set their pre-spun fibers, and finished braids if the specs call for a non- stretch application. This extra treatment and pre-setting is probably what makes one product more popular than another.

All is not lost if you have a roll of the not so top shelf stuff. Simply spool off what you need for the next string, and one end off to something and tie a handle to grip with on the other end and do your own pre-stretching/setting before making the string. you should be able to feel the "bounce" and be able to work it some in tension, just under the breaking strength, before looping it on your jig. A little destructive testing on sample will tell you if the roll you have is a keeper.

[Strichev]

I bought a 300 m roll of braided fishing line from china for 7 euros. It seems to be holding up to the specifications listed. I also hear some fishermen in Australia use the same Chinese brand for... fishing and don't have problems with it.

[PatM]

Just pulling a single strand tied to something will tell you a lot. The stuff feels like wire, or it should.

 


 

[dragonman]

thanks for the advice and imput...I Tested the breaking strain and it holds up...but still I brace a bow at 5 1/2" and it ends up 4" after half hour,,,,I tried to pre stretch it by hanging my whole body weight off it , but it still will not keep its brace height!!   guess its just a bad product and I should by a known brand next time

[PatM]

Are you waxing it before twisting it up or are you making it endless?

[dragonman]

Pat..I am making an adjustable flemish twist type string and yes I did wax it...

was also wondering how many strands  would you use to make a 50-60lb bow?

thanks for your help

dave

[dragonman]

I decided to make A FF string instead.  I have always used flemish twist double loops with FF or dyneema, In the old days I used adjustable dacron strings, but since using FF I have never made an adjustable, only used double loops (also twisted )....So I just made one and   the adjustable loop is slipping...this must be happening with the braided line adjustable too?

IS FF AND dyneema suitable for adjustable strings, does the knot have a tendency to slip...or am I doing something wrong? cant think what It could be...I know my knot is correct, I've tied it hundreds of times...

[PEARL DRUMS]

With FF I would use 8 or 10 strands, whatever you choose will work fine.

Sounds like your timber hitch is slipping, its very common. I know there is a way to prevent it, but I cant remember how as I don't use them. I just keep a bunch of strings on the shop wall and find one that fits.