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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Krasus on January 19, 2015, 09:42:00 PM

Title: bow string
Post by: Krasus on January 19, 2015, 09:42:00 PM

Hey guys.

I just started out getting into making my own bows.  I finally have one made but can't get any strings that will fit.  The loop on the small end are all to small to fit over my top overlays.  They are only 3/8''thick plus the glass and lams, so in total the diameter is about 11/16''.  Am I just doing it wrong or what? I am planning on eventually learning on how to make my own strings but until then i would like to actually learn how to shoot my bow.  Can anyone recommend a online store where I can get strings with maybe a larger loop size?

Also may wanted to say this forum is awesome.  I learned everything on how to make bows just by reading the posts. Big thanks to everyone

Title: Re: bow string
Post by: wood carver 2 on January 19, 2015, 11:05:00 PM

Welcome to TG. Where are you located? There are a few good archery supply stores in Canada, or you could save money and make your own. I'll see if I can find a link to a string build how to.
Dave.

Title: Re: bow string
Post by: mwosborn on January 19, 2015, 11:30:00 PM

Agree with wc2 - if you are going to make bows you need to learn to make strings.  Here is a good youtube video.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4x7W71_MQQ

Title: Re: bow string
Post by: Krasus on January 19, 2015, 11:43:00 PM

I'm in vancouver.  I've already checked out most of the local places and even down into Washington state.  No luck unless i want to pay an arm and a leg for a pro shop to make me a custom string.

That being said what Dia dacron b 50 would you recommend and serving material?

Title: Re: bow string
Post by: mikkekeswick on January 20, 2015, 01:27:00 AM

I'd go for a fastflight string(it'[s also cheaper in the long run). B50 is ok but it's pretty stretchy. It will also be easier for you to learn string making with a non (low) stretch string especially if you are making double looped strings.
If you make bows you need to know how to make strings.
It should only take an evening to learn how to do it.

Title: Re: bow string
Post by: mikkekeswick on January 20, 2015, 01:27:00 AM

I've got a mate who lives in Squamish! He could show you!

Title: Re: bow string
Post by: ColonelSandersLite on January 20, 2015, 02:36:00 AM

Here's a pretty good resource for you for making strings.

 http://poorfolkbows.com/flemish1.htm

Title: Re: bow string
Post by: Roy from Pa on January 20, 2015, 06:24:00 AM

http://www.rmsgear.com/store/pc/tutorial_string_2bundle.asp

Title: Re: bow string
Post by: KenH on January 20, 2015, 07:54:00 AM

There are, on well-know auction sites, any number of custom bowstring makers, who will produce a really nice string to your specification, for well under $20 per string.  I build Asian-style bows which require quite long string loops and I just specify my string length as "x inches from loop end to loop end" with 3" loops for example.

Title: Re: bow string
Post by: Krasus on January 20, 2015, 10:25:00 AM

Awesome thanks so much guys. I'm going to make my jig today and order my string materials.  Big thanks again