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Bracing

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meanewood:
OK we only have one surviving horn nock from the' Mary Rose'.

It's about 65mm long and has one slot.
This could be the standard for both top and bottom or it could be a dedicated bottom nock.

There is evidence of two slots on some bow tips which may indicate that a second slot was cut into top nocks to hold a stringer!

It could also indicate that the maker used two slots when he was tillering the bow but once the bow had the horn nocks fitted, only one slot was cut into the horn.

I make my horn nocks 60-65mm long and have one slot cut into it for both top and bottom.

My Stinger is made the same way as my bow strings. It has a bowyers knot on one end and a running loop on the other.

The end with the bowyers knot sits on the lower limb pulled tight and rests up against the bowyers knot on the bow string which is sitting in the slot.

The running loop is placed on the upper nock about 10-15mm above the slot and pulled tight, because this is a self tightening knot combined with the fact that the horn tapers, it won't slip when pulled.

I suspect a second slot was cut into the top nock of the 'Mary Rose' bows but while this method works for me, I shall continue to make  top and bottom horn nocks the same.

The other thing to consider is when stringing the really heavy bows, the archers were in groups and it makes sense to help each other with one archer using both arms to pull up on the bow while another slips the loop into place!

ravenbeak:
I have thought about using the crank winches used to pull boats up onto trailers.  They self lock as you get further and further.  I think it could work like a charm.

DC:
Hi Jamie. I thought of that too. That's what Del uses I think. I'm just too tight to spend the bucks for one bow.

FilipT:
I had the same problem when I making my first warbow last year. Every stringer stretched and it was impossible to brace the bow and dozens of posts sprung up in my thread with some people that couldn't believe I am struggling so much. Before first bracing bow was likely over 150 pounds. I managed to brace it immediately when I made stringer from nylon belt that was used to secure industrial cargo. That was it.

Just make a very good stringer and use deadlift technique to pull bow with one hand.

DC:
I decided that I'm going to modify my shooting machine slightly to brace the bow. It has a 2-1 reduction on it so it will make my life easier I think. I may have to replace the top tip on the bow as it may be a bit small to use either a running loop or a second nock. Maybe I 'll get to it tomorrow. Stuff keeps getting in the way.

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