Main Discussion Area > Primitive Skills

help with first cordage string

(1/3) > >>

Newindian:
This is made from Spanish dagger, gets to thin for my liking in a spot about 4mm. The bow it is for isn't finished but I don't think it will be more than 50#. I may be able to do another Flemish loop on the other side to thicken it up. Oh yah don't pay attention to that suspicious looking object in the corner ::)

PrimitiveTim:
If it gets thin in an area that means there weren't enough fibers in it so you could just go back and add a few more fibers.  What I do with my agave strings is make a thin string about 14 feet long then double it over on itself.  That way things kind of get evened out.  Not sure how how the flemish loop is going to work with that though. 

When I start making a string I start at the size I want the whole string to be and as I go I'm constantly comparing the newest part of the string to the first part and check the size.  That way I'll have an idea of how many fibers I need to add to keep it even.  Just be a little more careful and slow when you're making your string.

iowabow:
I think that the strings that makes up your cords are not equally wrapped. This will cause one to fail.

richardzane:
yeah its pretty important to get an EVEN cord. I'd be careful with that one. :-\    you could hurt someone.
If you really want to make your own strings you'll need to simply put in the time making yards and yards
of it just to get the feel for it....eventually you'll feel with your fingers when to add more.
when you have four or five yards of string you'll be able to pick out a section of even twist.
knots;
one method that works good for cordage bow string without the flemish loop is the knot
you'll find on an old lariat . make a single knot on the end then pull a slip knot to it.
if you aren't sure what i mean i can try to show you with pics.  it works great...and won't slip.

 

PrimitiveTim:
Richard, I'm interested in this knot you speak of!

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page