Main Discussion Area > Primitive Skills
Primitive flax string
Stringman:
Ok now that I have this phone a little better figured out, I'm gonna try Posting some pics. I know everyone has a different string making technique, so this is by no means the end all of the discussion. In fact I don't mind if you want to post your ideas here as well. When I first got involved with PA I called myself stringman cause that's why I did a lot of. Here's little of what I learned.
The crushing block is a jig I made to helP me get the chaff out of the fibers. After crushing the stalks I run the bundle over a lag bolt in the wall.
After I have several bundles of "processed" fibers I will start making string. The stuff that gets pulled from the bundles makes great tinder bundles, so don't throw it away!
I lay 2 bundle on my leg and start the reverse twist making sure that the loop will have plenty of thickness as this is a high friction area.
When the string starts to get a little thin just add a little more fiber. I prefer to add small amounts of fiber often as opposed to adding larger bundles less often. It keeps the string feeling more consistent.
Don't worry about the little tag ends, they can be cleaned up later.
Stringman:
This string came in just over 200 grains and it was only 40 gens heavier than the Dacron string it replaced.
It should be prestretched before tying it to a bow, and I recommend a bowyer's knot on the bottom.
JW_Halverson:
Awesome! Being into Colonial History re-enacting, I am always interested in seeing someone working with flax.
Did you rett the flax stems first? If so, does it stink as much as I have heard?
p.s. I'll take all the tow you can send! This new flintlock .62 will love the stuff for wadding and cleaning!
iowabow:
Scott and I have talked a lot over the last 4 weeks about bow srings. This is got to be the fastest and simplest way to make one. Scott's method is the kiss bow string. I've spent the last 2 days playing with his idea and adding a couple more steps and it exponentially increases the time. Great post scott! If I ever finish mine I will post it and state time for comparison
Stringman:
This tring took me about 45 min to make.
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
Go to full version