Custom Flemish String Building Video

Ryan Sanpei · January 27, 2014, 11:14:00 AM

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

Pete McMiller · January 27, 2014, 12:16:00 PM

Very nice video Ryan, should demystify the process for a lot of folks.

2treks · January 27, 2014, 12:17:00 PM

Thanks Ryan,

Ryan Sanpei · January 27, 2014, 12:29:00 PM

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

CRS · January 27, 2014, 01:23:00 PM

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!

huntnut · January 27, 2014, 01:25:00 PM

Great video

Fritz · January 27, 2014, 01:29:00 PM

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.

TxAg · January 27, 2014, 03:31:00 PM

Great video

Ryan Sanpei · January 27, 2014, 05:14:00 PM

Thank you for the kind words Gang!

Appreciate the additional insight CRS.

Hopefully this video will help out future string builders.

Ryan

Green · January 27, 2014, 06:26:00 PM

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.

trad_bowhunter1965 · January 27, 2014, 06:56:00 PM

thanks Ryan

TxAg · January 27, 2014, 07:01:00 PM

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.

Ryan Sanpei · January 27, 2014, 08:11:00 PM

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

anw0625 · January 27, 2014, 08:38:00 PM

GREAT video Ryan!!!!!!! Now can you do a video on patience?

Ryan Sanpei · January 27, 2014, 08:50:00 PM

Andrew, that'll be an easy one to do! I'll just video myself teaching a Math lesson at work!

hoo-ray · January 27, 2014, 09:36:00 PM

Good Video Ryan. I've watched several of your videos on youtube. Thanks for all the info. Josh

January 27, 2014, 09:41:00 PM

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

Canadian Idle · January 27, 2014, 10:17:00 PM

Nice video Ryan,

David lozzano · January 27, 2014, 10:37:00 PM

Excelent video

Gracias!

CRS · January 27, 2014, 11:52:00 PM

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.