Ihave been considering taking up making my own strings, that is if I have the time. A buddy and myself was wondering how much $ you would have in a finished string, compared to a new factory string, say from 3R's, at 11.00. I would be using B-50, and Dynema or D-97. I have watched, helped make a couple,Serve my own strings and would enjoy doing this, but again time is a precious commodity. Anyone who could break down the cost on the above material per spool/string would appreciate it.Thanks, Sam.
I have not used the D-97.I only use B-50 and I get about 12-15 strings per two spools of B-50.I believe I paid 7.95 per spool.Say 16.00 around 1.00 per string I guess.Takes me 20 minutes.Now if your makeing 125.00 per hour at your job.3rivers would be deal at 11.00.However if you have some free time to make them its rewarding to make your own archery tackle.bowdoc
If you use only enough strands for your bow, ie 6 strands of D97, then the cost is pennies. Looking at my rolls of D97 i'm doubting i could shoot my way through them before i die.
Time wise... i just started making strings and i can knock a nice one out in under an hour fully served, so doesn't take long.
It's not having the time, it's having enough drive to follow through and make strings.
The plus side is you become more self sufficient with another aspect of your total archery package.
If you make your string jig with "feet" on the bottom you can sit in front of the TV and make strings while holding the jig on your lap with the feet between your knees.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v181/ekrewson/100_0440.jpg)
Great idea Eric.
You can get a ready made, really nice flemish string jig at 3rivers archery for about $20.00.
B50 string material at appox. $8.00 each.
It takes me about 45 minutes per string, including serving. The more you do it the faster you get.
Complete instructions for making a Flemish Twist string can be found at:
www.geocities.com/salampsio/flemish1.htm (http://www.geocities.com/salampsio/flemish1.htm)
I hope this helps you.
Ben
$50.00 for the first one, the rest are free.
Get a string jig or make your own, two spools of b-50 your choice of color, and a good pair of scissors, a good video is doing the twist, also good info on the how to here and u-tube. Nothing better than twisting your own...
blueline
About $16 for two spools of B-50, $4 for #4 serving, and $12 for a server. Make your own jig with finish nails and a board for free. Learn to make strings using the B-50 in two different colors so you can see when you make mistakes. Save the $35 per spool D97 for when you get better. It's not difficult or time consuming once learned. It just takes practice to improve your skills.
Have been wanting do do my own strings as well so this thread is helpful.. Also Eric is the man when it comes to cool ideas for do it your self stuff! Thanks...
Actually, you don't even need a jig. Just figure out the string length for your bow, add 16" to that measurement, and drive two nails into a wall or your workbench at that distance. Don't really need serving material, either, just use the string material. Of course, the more time and material you put into it, the better string you will have to show for it.
Good luck!
There is some cost advantage to building your own, but I never really figured what it is. For me the real advantage is being able to try different things for different bows and to always be able to serve to get the correct diameter for good nock fit. It is real handy to read a thread about 6 strand D97 strings and then go build one and try it (especially since I prefer D97 for all my strings anyway). As has been said, if your time is valuable, then I doubt cost savings is worth considering unless you plan to build alot of strings.
as far as serving material goes I just use fishing line. some where between 15 and 20lbs test works well depends on the diameter of the string. Might use a filler under the serving to get a good knock fit. ;)
Thanks guys, I appreciate all your input. I have served strings for years, ran a Gun/Gunsmithing/Archery pro Shop in my town for 12 years,just finally got burned out dealing with the public and sold out, got in another line of work. I still build custom centerfire and ML rifles on the side to pay for my archery habit! LOL!! Between work,taking care of my parents, both whose health is failing, and home,I have less and less time free, but as you can tell I love to learn new skills, have been big into Black powder shooting/competition/rendevous for past several years, but cant do everything. I believe I could make my own jig in a few minutes, believe I will give it a try, this is the kind of thing that got me interested in ML so much, the independent, self sufficeny side of it, along with taking pride in building a good finished product. I have built/serviced/accurized rifles for a few members on here, all have been happy. When I go a few days without getting to shoot my trad bows, stress starts to take its toll, 20 minutes of slinging shafts and most of lifes stress's seem to melt away, or get easier to handle. Thanks all for your replies. Sam.