This is for the guys that requested a "how to" on catwhiskers. Let me start off by saying that I'm not trying to promote one silencer over another. I just use them and I figured I'll show others who are interested in how I tie them.
On my bows, I like to tie on four. I position them about 8.5" and 14" from the end of my end loops. I use about 50 whiskers that are cut to 1.25". They weigh about 14 - 15 grains each. One good thing about this tying method is that the catwhisker "ball" is adjustable, so you can slide it up and down your string to find your "sweet" spot. They seem to slow down my bow about 2-3 fps.
Ryan
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0915.jpg)
Step 1
I cut two peices 1.25" long.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0889.jpg)
Step 2
Then I'll get my "lock" knot ready. I'm not sure what the name of this knot is but I'll go though it step by step. I'll usually use dynaflight 97 to tie the whiskers, but I used the red halo to see better.
So here we go, first i'll make the rainbow, then I'll take the tag end from the left side and go under the string and though the rainbow.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0895.jpg)
Then I'll take the right side tag end and go under the string and over the rainbow and through the loop that was created by the left tag.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0898.jpg)
Next I'll even the tag ends and leave the knot hanging on the side.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0899.jpg)
You don't need to use this knot, it's just the one that I prefer.
Step 3
Put the two cut peices of cat whiskers over each other.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0902.jpg)
Place the catwhiskers on the string of your desired position.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0903.jpg)
Then begin to roll the set of whiskers around the string.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0904.jpg)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0907.jpg)
Step 4
Here is my secret weapon the Mighty Clothes Pin "LOL"
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0908.jpg)
Once everything is aligned, slip the knot over the center of the catwhiskers.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0911.jpg)
Now pull tight. I'll usually follow up with a series of double overhand knots above and below.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0912.jpg)
Once you feel like it's secure, cut and burn the tag ends. Make the knots real tight if you know the desired position. Keep them a little looser if you plan on moving them around. Peel apart the whiskers or just "shoot them in"
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0913.jpg)
Enjoy!
Ryan
Thankyou, I always have a tough time doing it MY way. That looks alot better than mine
The knot looks like a clove hitch.....
The "secret weapon" clothes pin trick is COOL!!!!!
(I usualy use a 9 year old) :bigsmyl:
Thank You for Sharing!!!!!
I use a clove hitch on mine also. Leave mine longer though and trim them until I'm happy. Nice build-along.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the training video, I will give it a try.
Thanks a bunch. . . I have been trying a few different techniques this week. Your "how to" seems like the ticket. .
Dan
cool idea with the cloths peg! thanks
I find they're more effective if you insert them netween the strands of the string.
Ryan thanks for sharing. Rolling the cat whiskers and use of clothes pin is pretty slick and certainly elimnates "all fingers" approach. Nice!. tom
I've found the "constrictor" knot very good for these purposes.
http://www.animatedknots.com/constrictor/index.php
Also, if you tie the loose ends on to something like a pen, chopstick etc ... to give yourself a handle, you can pull the knot much tighter.
Quick way use the small plastic electrical wire ties.Just pull them tight cut the end off.They hold them good and tight.
just what i was looking for,thanks.
(http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii107/red44photos/DSCN1243.jpg)
I make out better with the thicker whiskers. The thinner material does'nt seem to stand as tall. Leave plenty of serving to wrap on your hands and pull tight till your almost bleeding. :bigsmyl:
I seperate the strands of my bowstring in the center & slip the whiskers through the strands. When the string tightens they stay where I put them. Frank
Looks like a clove hitch to me.
Biggie mentioned twisting them into the string works really well. How tight do they need to be to be effective? Or, do you lose anything by not twisting them in too tightly?
Reason I ask is that I used beaver fur silencers on my longbow and couldn't help twisting the string up super tight. Obviously, it changed my brace height as well.
Sorry! Does this make sense? Simply - how much is enough if I twist them in as opposed to tying?
Anyone use zip ties? My Morrison came(bought of fellow trad member) with the rubber whiskers zipped on. Small tie - seems to work well.
Thanks....CJ