Hey Gang,
A few had asked that I put together a video of how I prefer to build my flemish bowstrings. I finally had the time yesterday. It isn't the greatest, but it should give you an idea of how I twist my custom strings.
http://youtu.be/5lkSeL3mwUQ
Aloha!
Ryan
Very nice video Ryan, should demystify the process for a lot of folks.
Thanks Ryan,
Thanks guys!
Pete, thanks for the kind words. These videos are tough as it's so easy to make things even more confusing. I'm glad you think that it may help others to understand the process.
Aloha!
Ryan
Ryan,
Excellent video.
I second the lots wax.
The terminology I like to use when teaching is twist and wraps. Always done opposite direction.
One thing that I do is fray the ends of the strands. I feel they blend back in better.
I had never thought of the dental floss trick to keep the colors separated. I have always put twists into the strands before putting in the back wraps in to help keep the strands separated.
I do not do this if it is a one color string.
I do not have a dedicated stretcher, so I just string the bow up with a higher than normal brace height. If you throw a bow square on it, you can see the creep come out.
A couple other differences.
-Jig is C-clamped to my bench
-Clamp mounted on my jig to hold the string while making the loops.
-Use pegs on the jig to hold the loops as I am putting in the Flemish twist.
Lots of trial, error, and ciphering.
Great video!
Great video
Very nicely done, Ryan! I just payed $25 for the same info. While I am pleased with my dvd, your video is just as good.
Great video
Thank you for the kind words Gang!
Appreciate the additional insight CRS.
Hopefully this video will help out future string builders.
Ryan
Great video Ryan. No matter how many strings we build, one always picks up tips that make them come out better. Thanks. Oh yeah, how about a quick video on the details of your stretcher setup? I like your use of the scale and boat winch.
thanks Ryan
Ryan, do you do anything special to ensure the string bundles become round when twisted versus cork screwed?
I've not made my own strings before, but i have noticed that when purchasing, some guys make a nice round string (preferred) and some have more of a cork screw shape...kinda like a drywall screw.
You're welcome and thank you guys!
Rob, I'll try to get one done...
Jeff,
If I understand you correctly and if I were to take a guess, the strings aren't built with a "back twist". More telling is if the cork screw is only on one section of the string.
In the past, I feel that some used a 3 bundle to solve the "cork screw" problem, but I prefer to use a "back twist" to get all the strands "equalized". Sorry, but I don't know all the correct terms. I always make up my own words or use the wrong words... :D
GREAT video Ryan!!!!!!! Now can you do a video on patience?
Andrew, that'll be an easy one to do! I'll just video myself teaching a Math lesson at work!
Good Video Ryan. I've watched several of your videos on youtube. Thanks for all the info. Josh
Good video Ryan. I make my own strings and twist up the loops a little different than you. I have been trying to figure out the backtwist thing for a while now and it always drives me nuts. Your video may help me with that from here on out.
Bisch
Nice video Ryan, :wavey:
Excelent video
Gracias!
QuoteOriginally posted by TxAg:
Ryan, do you do anything special to ensure the string bundles become round when twisted versus cork screwed?
I've not made my own strings before, but i have noticed that when purchasing, some guys make a nice round string (preferred) and some have more of a cork screw shape...kinda like a drywall screw.
Burnishing really helps round out the string. I am a big fan of burnishing as it helps get the creep out and makes for a nice round string.
Any leather will work, but I have a couple of small pieces of buffalo leather that I use.
Aloha brudda! Howzit? Is your cyst back under control? I'm needing some strings if you're back to twisting again and have time outside of the class and chasing pigs all over the islands.
If you guys have not had the pleasure of shooting one of Ryan's strings, they are without a doubt the best I've used. Not only is the attention to detail perfect, he will build them exactly how you want them. Truly a custom string.
Great video Ryan! I do a few small things different than you, but you explained everything perfectly!
Very informative Video Ryan! Your strings must be outstanding for all the time and precision in the process of building. :thumbsup: :archer:
Thank you Ryan!
Mahalo Gang! I really appreciate all the kind words.
Bisch, give me a buzz anytime if you've got questions.
:shaka:
What's up bruddah JC!!! I still have that nagging ganglion in my hand and I've been crazy busy as I've been working with a new hunting apparel company.
I may be able to build a few, but it would have to be on my next break. Keep in touch!
Thank you for taking the time to make the video and sharing with us. Your video is very easy to follow... I will make the plunge and start trying to make some strings for myself.
Thanks Again,
Ben
That's awesome! You're welcome Ben!
Ryan,
I am sporting a new string on my longbow that I made without a jig. My ole buddy Rod sent me some string a while back when I said that I was interested in making my own strings. After watching your video it was on. The first one was a little short but I nailed the second one. I will be making a jig this weekend:)
Thanks again, I can see were this string making could get addictive... I am about to watch your video again :)
Thanks,
Ben
Too cool Ben!!!
Stoked that you're having fun with this!!!
You should see the "testing" I've done for fun over the years. I always wanted to know where the "weak" or "slip" point was in a flemish string. I always figured that it would just pull apart at the twists if enough pressure was applied, so I hooked up one side to a cement pillar, then the other to my truck. Surprisingly, every string that I broke, actually broke and didn't slip... I should've filmed that. LOL!
Next you'll be experimenting with strand count, material type, serving size, etc....
Aloha!
Ryan
Great video Ryan!
I've been making strings on a jig for a long time using instructions I print off the Internet. I picked up several tips that will help me out.
I appreciate you taking the time to explain every step in your video.
Thanks Mick!
Mahalo for taking the time to comment. I'm glad that you were able to pick up a tip or two...
Aloha from Hawaii! :shaka:
Ryan
Ryan, another thank you for taking the time to post this video along with all the other videos you've made. Like a few others, who've posted above, I've been inspired to give it a try.
I ordered a jig, some string, wax and serving and a serving tool. I think I'll build a string stretcher like the one you've made yourself, too.
I'm looking forward to starting to make some strings! The twisting of the individual bundles, and the alternate direction of twisting the two bundles together is exactly how I learned to make primitive twine or string from the fibers of the yucca plant leaves (staves). Haha... I wonder how the breaking strength of a yucca flemish string would compare to B-50 or Fast Flight!
Anyway, thanks again for taking the time to make and post these great instruction videos!
Anthony
That's cool Anthony! Thank you for viewing the videos.
Building primitive twine sounds fun! Do you hunt with primitive gear too? I've built a few guava selfbows in the past and that was a blast!
Comments like yours as well as well as the ones from others makes spending all this time on videos well worth it! :thumbsup:
Aloha!
Ryan
Ryan, no, not yet, although I do think I may try my hand at making a self bow someday, maybe. For now I have a Toelke Whip (longbow) that I am looking forward to taking my first deer with (and maybe a pig too)... hopefully this year.
I have only taken deer with a rifle in the past, but those days are behind me, and I am now only interested in hunting with a bow moving forward. Trad archery has captured my heart!
Hey brother, It took me 4 tries over the course of the week to find the time to watch the whole vid, been a little crazy around here!!!
Most excellent!!!!! :notworthy:
As you know I build my own, but have area's I know I can improve.....this will without a doubt help :shaka:
Thank you brother, I'm glad you like it!
Best of luck with the trad endeavor Anthony!