Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Allyn T on December 08, 2020, 07:20:42 pm
-
So do you guys reverse twist the whole string or do you do two separate loops and then just add a few twist
-
I reverse twist my strings with a loop on one end and a bowyers knot on the other. I hand twist the loop and the taper, and then use a drill to reverse twist the main body. I then do the last several inches by hand making it thicker. It's a tedious process, but I can make good custom strings with little $$. I may under build my strings, but they've worked fine so far. TBB II is my primary, almost only, guide.
-
Just the two loops and straight twist in the middle.
-
I reverse twist with loop at one end,, boyers knot at other,,
-
One Flemish twist loop and a bowyers knot for me. I usually rat tail the knot end to make a better knot. The body of the string has a few twists.
-
So no one really reverse twist all the way down, is that because the string stretches too much?
-
I have heard that the more twists in the string the more stretch it has.
-
I have heard that the more twists in the string the more stretch it has.
That should be correct as the twists all have to tighten up before the string stops stretching.
Mark
-
Do you guys reinforce the loops and or bowyer's knot
-
I reverse twist the whole string because FF has so little stretch to begin with, and because I can't figure out how to make a string with reverse twist loops and a plain body that won't untwist. I also read that reverse twist is generally a bit stronger per mass.
-
You can probably figure that out that problem in about five minutes by following a simple how to.
-
I know how to reinforce I'm asking if you do or not
-
It depends on my mood at the time. Though I typically do a couple loop Flemish twist with the main body section straight strands.
I havnt a clue how many reverse twists I put in the bundles after twisting the first loop. I just reverse twist until it looks right and make the bundles match. If I go a really skinny string or have softish tips I’ll add extra strands to the loops but anymore I’ve settles on 12 strands on D97 and don’t worry about it.
Kyle
-
Thank you fellas
-
No, you shouldn't have to reinforce a Flemish twist string because the loop has twice as many strands as a continuous loop string. Flemish twists are stronger and quieter but a bit heavier than a continuous loop string.
Tradecraftman, You can add enough twists to the body of the string to keep the loops from untwisting. I don't use FF string so I'm not familiar with it's properties. String wax not only lubricates the string it's stickiness holds the string together while you are making it.
-
Ok, the wax explains it. My Dacron is very heavily waxed, but the FF is not. Maybe wax will help, but I haven't had any issues so far. What kind of wax works with synthetic strings?
I gave up on continuous loop because I had a hard time getting equal tension in the strands, and because Flemish Strings are less massive and more elegant IMO.
I've never been able to figure out how you can put a Flemish loop on each end of the string. An eye splice yes, but that's different.
-
Any wax will work but a slightly softened beeswax works very well. A fresh beeswax candle is very good.
Doing the second loop is very easy. You just have to persevere and make sure you are twisting the right way each time.
Not sure why a flemish would be less massive, particularly if you have a knot on one end.
-
Trade craft, when you say your reverse twist the main line with a drill are you twisting each ply separately and then using the drill to twist them together?
-
If you reverse twist two bundles and place them together they naturally want to join together. That's how rope was invented.
-
A Flemish string is less massive because doesn't need a double thick body.
To use a drill, twist individual bundles of strands together in one direction, and then twist all of the bundles together in the other direction. This leads to 0 net twist and a very stable string.
-
Not true. Endless strings just have half thickness loops.
-
Right right, the twist each bundle and then twist them together the opposite way that's what I was asking. It's hard to describe on here that's why I was trying to clarify what you were saying. So PatM when you make your 2 loops and then twist the main body are your bundles already twisted up or loose?
-
Allen, I think we're on the same page about twisting.
Pat, if the loops are half thickness, then they are to weak for safety. I know this is an old controversy, but maybe I don't understand it all the way.
-
A 14 strand continuous loop string has 7 strands in each loop where a Flemish twist string has 14 strands.
-
Which means the continuous loop string is half as strong.