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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: McDave on January 21, 2008, 05:24:00 PM

Title: How often do you wax your bowstring?
Post by: McDave on January 21, 2008, 05:24:00 PM
I ask this because I wax mine whenever it occurs to me, which isn't very often.  I replace my bowstring about every year, and I know the flemmish strings are waxed pretty thoroughly as they are made, so sometimes I wonder if I even need to bother.  I can't tell any difference whether I wax it or not.  What is the purpose of waxing the string, and am I missing something by not waxing it more often?  Do you also wax the serving when you wax your string?  Do you try to wax the ends of the string and the parts covered by string silencers, or just the parts that are easy to reach?
Title: Re: How often do you wax your bowstring?
Post by: JRY309 on January 21, 2008, 06:10:00 PM
I wax mine when I make one and I'll wax it if it looks dry.I wax to keep moisture out,but I have alot of bows so I don't wax very often.I always like to make a new string for every bow I trade or buy.So my bowstrings are not usally very old.If I had and shot only one bow I might wax alittle more often but mainly if it looks dry.
Title: Re: How often do you wax your bowstring?
Post by: NY Yankee on January 21, 2008, 06:12:00 PM
I wax a string once when I install it. Then every once in a while I rub it vigorously with a piece of leather to heat up and soften and redistribute the wax. If I see it's getting dry, I'll reapply but thats not very much.
Title: Re: How often do you wax your bowstring?
Post by: Hood on January 21, 2008, 06:29:00 PM
I wax my sting several times a year. I don't have a particular routine. But I always wax it before hunting season, usually at least once during the season, and after hunting season is over. I'll try to wax it in the spring and the summer as well.

I always use a piece of leather to heat the wax and melt it into the string. Sometimes I go over the serving, but don't feel it helps much.

I very seldom have to replace a string, so it seems to work for me.
Title: Re: How often do you wax your bowstring?
Post by: Ray Johnson on January 21, 2008, 06:30:00 PM
I wax mine about once evry couple of weeks if I shoot alot.
Title: Re: How often do you wax your bowstring?
Post by: T Sunstone on January 21, 2008, 06:33:00 PM
I shoot only 1 bow during the season, and wax it once or twice that's all.  I don't think fast fight rots. The bow I'm shooting(63# long bow) has the same string for 3 years.
Title: Re: How often do you wax your bowstring?
Post by: Jerry Jeffer on January 21, 2008, 07:16:00 PM
When I look at the string and say, "that looks like it needs some wax". Then I wax it.
Title: Re: How often do you wax your bowstring?
Post by: Shawn Leonard on January 21, 2008, 07:17:00 PM
I wax my bow string 4-5 times a year, more if it seems dry. I shoot a lot and have had strings last me 3-4 years with no ill effects! Shawn
Title: Re: How often do you wax your bowstring?
Post by: SOS on January 21, 2008, 07:58:00 PM
Not enough.  Thanks for the reminder.  Give me something to do in front of TV tonight!
Title: Re: How often do you wax your bowstring?
Post by: madness522 on January 22, 2008, 06:48:00 AM
I like building strings so I guess never. I just make a new one instead of waxing the old one.
Title: Re: How often do you wax your bowstring?
Post by: Doug A on January 22, 2008, 10:12:00 AM
I wax mine when I see just string and not a slick wax coating.  Why bother with a piece of leather?  My fingers work just fine, and they are water proof for a couple hours after I wax.
Title: Re: How often do you wax your bowstring?
Post by: Cody Roiter on January 22, 2008, 10:34:00 AM
I wax mine about every week.
Title: Re: How often do you wax your bowstring?
Post by: FerretWYO on January 22, 2008, 02:16:00 PM
I wax mine maybe two or three times a year and i shoot alot. I have had the same strin since 2000.
Title: Re: How often do you wax your bowstring?
Post by: JEFF B on January 22, 2008, 02:44:00 PM
once every two weeks.
Title: Re: How often do you wax your bowstring?
Post by: Tom on January 22, 2008, 03:56:00 PM
Frequently, especially b50. Depends on how dry the temps are when I'm shooting.
Title: Re: How often do you wax your bowstring?
Post by: NY Yankee on January 22, 2008, 08:56:00 PM
If you use a piece of leather, you can build up more friction and heat in the wax without making your fingers sting.
Title: Re: How often do you wax your bowstring?
Post by: LEOPARD on January 23, 2008, 06:13:00 AM
I wax mine whenever it looks like it needs it, or looks a bit dry. I also use a piece of leather to rub the wax in.
Title: Re: How often do you wax your bowstring?
Post by: buckshot95 on January 24, 2008, 12:45:00 PM
I wax mine when ever it looks dry and that is about 1 time ever week or two. If i shoot it ever day witch i do.
Title: Re: How often do you wax your bowstring?
Post by: donw on January 24, 2008, 01:30:00 PM
i'm with Tom...
Title: Re: How often do you wax your bowstring?
Post by: Frank V on January 24, 2008, 01:34:00 PM
When the weather warms up & I shoot alot I usually wax once/week. Frank
Title: Re: How often do you wax your bowstring?
Post by: UKarcher on January 24, 2008, 01:38:00 PM
Using a piece of leather can damage the string. It's basically nylon and too much heat will melt it along with the wax. If you just use your fingers you can tell when it is hot enough. Actually putting too much wax on will slow your cast because the string needs to flex as it moves forward. If you think you may have too much wax, just get a length of dacron or strong cotton thread and knot it around the string. Then drag it up and down the string a few times. This will scrape all the excess wax off and clean the look of the string in the process.
Title: Re: How often do you wax your bowstring?
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on January 24, 2008, 07:01:00 PM
I use B-50 & wax it once a month or before hunting in wet ( fog/misty rain/snow )weather.
Title: Re: How often do you wax your bowstring?
Post by: GingivitisKahn on January 24, 2008, 09:33:00 PM
Just did - it's been a while.  Thanks for the reminder.  That string was looking skeezy.  :-D