I'm new here and new to making bows. For my first bow I am making a red oak board bow. I am to the point where I need a string.
My question is, can I just buy one of the many strings off of **** and use it for a tillering string and then use it for my bow string? Or will I need to use two strings?
William
You will probably need more than one string because you want a very low brace height when first strung so you can see how the limbs are flexing before putting any major stress on the limbs.
Also,Welcome to tradgang!
I just use a paracord with pockets for my long tillering string and switch to a homemade string for the bow as soon as it can be braced safely.
This was discussed at length not long ago:
Tillering String Discussion (http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=006004#000001)
Lots of good info there.
Welcome to Trad Gang!
CJ
Do yourself a favor and go out and buy two spools of B50 string in two different colors and learn to make your own flemish twist strings. Jig plans are abundant as is the tutorals all over the net. Don't forget the serving string material and some crimp on nock points. Once you do a couple short practice strings it's easy and fun!
What Nimrod said. Yes, you'll probably need a long string and a short string. Flemish twists aren't too hard to make and with a simple jig endless loops are possible.
Stan
There is a tutorial on you tube by some Australian fella. An easy step by step way of making a flemish string. I made one on my first attempt.
I'll add a vote to make your own. I have made 3 now, and it isn't hard, just takes practice.
I didn't even mess with the crimp on nock points, just time then on
Pete
you'll save a lot of money in the long run. you can splice in a single loop with a timber hitch aka bowyers knot on the bottom. you can splice both loops in. make strings with or without a jig. you can use b-50 to tie on your nock instead of crimping on a brass one. don
Yep, same as above......learn to make your own especially if you plan on making more bows in the future it will pay for itself in a short time and it's not all that hard to do.
Here's a pattern for a flemish string jig board. I made one just like it.
http://www.tradgang.com/stuff_bin/stringjig.jpg
You just gave yourself the perfect excuse to get started making your own strings.
I recommend B50 or B55 and the thickest dia. braided serving material you can get, plus some large brass crimp on nocks. Don't forget the serving jig, and I think they have a kit you can buy that comes with a spool of serving thread and a jig. You also need string wax, which is cheap and you probably already have.
Thanks for the advice guys. I am going to buy a string and see how I do with this bow. If it turns out ok and I start anotherone I will buy a couple rolls of the B50 string.