Hi ya'll,

I just built a string jig based on Tim Flood's drawing and have a couple questions:

1.  Do the numbers on Tim Flood's jig indicate bow length or string length?

2.  Do you add 4" to bow length or subtract 4"?

3.  How many strands of B50 should I use for a 53# longbow?

As always, thanks in advance!  Take care.

Tim

I'm not familar with the jig, but the string should be 3" shorter for longbows, 4" inches shorter for recurves. You may want to vary that a bit to suit your taste. 14 strands about right for 53#.

1. Do the numbers on Tim Flood's jig indicate bow length or string length?

No idea, but I'd mark it for string length.  Just wind a strand at a given peg, then measure it.  For a 57" string, it should measure approximately 73".  Going by bow length will cause you a lot of headaches if you make many strings.

2. Do you add 4" to bow length or subtract 4"?

AMO says subtract 3", longbow or recurve (actually says the bow marking should be 3" longer than the string that puts it at proper brace).  That isn't always the case.  I've seen recurve strings vary from 2.5" to 6" shorter than the AMO bow length;  longbow strings from 1.5" to 4" shorter.  Like I said on #1, go by string length, not bow length.

3. How many strands of B50 should I use for a 53# longbow?

12-14

Awesome.  Thank you!

I ran a single strand like you suggested and on the 58" notch, it measures 72.5", which is a little shorter than your approximation.

as chad is indicating, a flemish string jig, and bundle lengths, are going to vary dependent not only on bow length but on you, the builder.  there is no perfect set of jig or bundle dimensions for twisting up a flemish string.  yer gonna hafta twist up a bunch and see for yerself.  

a flemish string jig is a guideline, and a way to taper the end strands, no more or less - it's up to you to figure out what bundle lengths are gonna work best for you and the bow in question.

Thanks, Rob.  I'm beginning to realize that.  Thanks for the tips.

Yep--what Rob said.  The "rule of thumb" is allow yourself an extra 8" or so (7.5" should work fine) for each loop.  How you twist, etc. will make some difference, but that should be plenty.

Measure and keep notes when you twist--it will save you some headaches.  Be consistent with your twist--a tight twist is good when making the loops.

The finished length WILL vary depending on the material you use, the number of strands, size of the loops, etc.  That's one of the nicer things about flemish strings though--they are somewhat adjustable.

Good luck!

Chad

WHEN I STARTED TWISTING I HAD STRINGS TO SHORT THEN SOME WOULD BE TO LONG. SO I JUST STARTED TO BUY BOWS TO FIT ALL THESE STINGS! LOL  BILL

Awesome idea, Bill!  I'll see if my wife will buy off on that one.