Advice on twisting strings before I start?

[ishiwannabe]

Just finished building a flemish sting board. I have two spools of BCY 500, a server and serving. I even have some earth scented string wax(season opens in a few weeks    ). I have watched Doin the twist twice, and plan a third time tomorrow while the boy naps. I have researched and read everything I can find on flemish string making.Then I think Im gonna jump in with both feet.
I dont know though...somehow I think it seems...too easy? Did I just jinx myself?
I also plan on building an endless loop jig and trying that too...

Any and all advice would be appreciated.

[Jim Keller]

I bought 3 rivers dvd on flemish strings. Watched it and thought " nothing to it." I was right . nothing to it. It is fun shooting with a string you made yourself. You'll enjoy it.

[bawana bowman]

Jamie,
I've been making endless loop strings since the early 70's. Started twisting flemish strings around 1981. Most guys don't realize how easy string making is. Don't over think the process, just make the string. After you finish the first one you'll pretty much have learned 98% of what you need to know to make a working string. The other 2% is getting a feel for having the length turn out where you want it consistently. I've always thought the hardest part of string making is getting the right tension set on the server.

Remember one thing, if you tell everyone you made your own string, before you know it you'll be making them for everyone! ( Now you've gone and done it!)

Good Luck!

[Big-un08]

Jamie, The only advise I can offer here is to try and be consistent. The tightness of your twists can vary the overall length of the string.

[AkDan]

I'd pick up doing the twist, dont need it but it WILL take you from beginner to perfection in just a string or two...all the lil tricks are there!

[Killdeer]

Dan, Dan, Dan... Ishi here said that he was about to watch it for the third time. Good advice, though, and it was this video that reinforced what I had guessed at all along. There is a lot of detail in there that will help you get the string of your dreams.

And that 2% thingy is right! I made about six strings getting one the right length. Then the next one cae out right, but I had to finagle it by making the second loop   just big enough to wriggle over the lower nock. Of course I tell folks that's on purpose so that the string won't fall off while the bow is unbraced.  

I should have it licked within four more strings...
Have fun, Jamie! Hey, where did you get that "dirty" string wax?
Killdeer  

[whitebuffalo]

Youtube has some short videos from three rivers and other folks on twisting strings,,

[ishiwannabe]

:rolleyes:  

So Im thinking 16 strands is way too thick of a string...
Im also having an issue with it untwisting before I can wrap it back towards me. I think I need better wax...

[razorback]

I always (4 strings) have trouble with the second loop and keeping the twists right. Should probably get the "doing the twist" dvd to get the secrets.

[AkDan]

razor, just curious what you're doing on the 2nd loop that is wrong?  Have a friend having this problem, he does get on here and might see this thread (or might not dunno) but he lives a ways away from me so I cant fix the problem, ugg!

[DCM]

B50 doesn't hold twist like the FF materials.  Wax will help.  

It IS simple.  So simple it's dang near impossible to explain in words.  It's the concept that's important, not so much the technique which can be unique for each individual.  In the most basic terms, each lay is twisted in one direction.  Then when combined together twisted in the other direction simultaneously untwisting each but wrapping around each other.  Again, too simple to put into words.  I don't "twist" the whole string for example, just the loops.  I do put about 20 turns reverse twist into the lays though, which is the critical step, BEFORE you start the second loop.  

You don't need a "jig" to measure the stands either.  Just lay one on the braced bow, wrap it around the nock extending an appropriate lenght back onto itself to allow for joining the loop.  Leave about 2" extra for the twist factor, then stagger the stands about 1/4" each.  

There's a certain knack to it you develop after a while, like most manual tasks.  It's great fun at first but has become a burden for me actually after countless dozens.  

I did twist up a little lenght of cordage for my dotter in the yard one spring day, from stalks off a dead hybiscus plant.  I just twisted the stalks and beat the bark off the fibers rough like and went to reverse twisting.  Took maybe 2 minutes while she watched, and it was admittedly ugly but she was much impressed by the strenght of it when finished.  She's older now, and at 14 it takes a lot to impress a girl!  LOL

Reverse twist cordage is a primitive skill perhaps unrivaled in it's role in advancing civilizaton, imho.

[Jeremy]

If you don't get it figured out in a couple weeks we'll twist a string or two in camp  

I normally make my B50 strings with 12 strands (~60# @30" bows) can't remember if BCY's material is the same diameter as Brownell's or not.

[ishiwannabe]

OK better wax helped a ton! Im making one up, but had to pause for baby duty. It wont be pretty, but would work...if I had a 90# 60" bow.  

[ishiwannabe]

Make that a 50" bow....not sure what happened there, unless I messed up building the board. Anyway, it is a string. Doubt it will ever be used, but it is a string. LMAO.

[ron w]

12 strands is ok for the poundages that you are gonna shoot. The more you make strings the easier it gets, took about 5 or 6 before I said ,"why have been buying stings"; take your time you 'll do fine!!!

[razorback]

Problem I have is the reverse wraps on the second loop. Never seem to have enough of those. By the time I get to the end of the second loop it is all balles up and doesn't want to twist right. Akdan, havn't got it fixed yet but havn't done many strings either.

[ishiwannabe]

My second one came out much better! Sadly, I think it is way too short, unless B500 stretches about five inches when it is all said and done.
I think I need to tweak my homemade flemish board and build a few more. Overall...Im liking it. Easy once you find your...whats the word....system?

Any of you thinking about trying it, go for it. I think it is yet another skill that will come in handy.

[AkDan]

it all balls up? hmmmmm...now that aint right LOL.  I never heard of counter twisting till I met Chad and never had them ball up while twisting....that's one I'd love to see too!  Dognabit, I live to far ugg!

[Benny Nganabbarru]

I've just started too, and use a jig bought from Kustom King. Using that, I haven't yet had a problem with string length. They've turned-out the right length. Now, I just need more practice getting the twists tighter...

[stringstretcher]

Every time I make one, one of the bundles always end up about 1-2 inches longer after making my first loop.  Not sure what I am doing wrong, but need to find a copy of doing the twist I guess.