Do you string makers prestretch you bowstrings and if so how much weight and how long
I don't hang weights on my strings. Instead I do the following.
After making my strings I place one loop on a hook that is solidly anchored and a screwdriver through the other loop. I then pull back with both hands on the screwdriver to get a lot of initial stretch out.
Next step is to set the brace hight and shoot it for a day. After a day or two of this it stops stretching.
Here's what I've come up with. I hang my string on a hook on my exercise bench (about 6' high), then I hook the other end on my lat pull down bar (loose so it hangs). Then I stand on the lat bar thus placing my whole weight on the string to stretch it. I stand there for a minute or so. After doing this, I see very little creep in my strings.
I have a homemade jig that puts 250-300# of torque on the string (depending on how much I crank down). I leave it like that for a bit, then let it contract, then put it back under approx. 100# of torque for a final measurement.
Chad
I install the string on the bow, minus the serving, then I take a piece of leather and rub the string, vigorously. This will take out the bulk of the stretch.
I hold onto the string, in about the center with the bow handle facing down.
Works good.
Jim