Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Bkingston216 on November 13, 2015, 01:15:56 pm

Title: String Questions
Post by: Bkingston216 on November 13, 2015, 01:15:56 pm
I'm new to bow making but I want to learn!
I have the wood supply for bows, arrows, and string all lined up.
But I know that for certain strength bows you need more strands of string material the higher up you go in poundage.
My 45# bow has 12 strand Dacron b50. It's sufficient for that bow. But what if I wanted to make 50, 60+? Is there an equation with Dacron (which is all I can get my hands on)?
Title: Re: String Questions
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on November 13, 2015, 01:18:18 pm
12-14 strands of Dacron is fine up to 60#. Maybe jump up to 16 strands for 60# plus.
Title: Re: String Questions
Post by: Bkingston216 on November 13, 2015, 01:25:07 pm
Thanks!
Title: Re: String Questions
Post by: PatM on November 13, 2015, 02:28:13 pm
Can you get access to fishing line?
Title: Re: String Questions
Post by: Bkingston216 on November 13, 2015, 03:02:16 pm
I may. Is that good bow string?
Title: Re: String Questions
Post by: jeffp51 on November 13, 2015, 03:31:52 pm
google "flemish twist bowstring" and you will find a number of good tutorials on making strings.  You don't really need a jig to do it, although I am sure they help.
Title: Re: String Questions
Post by: bowandarrow473 on November 13, 2015, 09:42:31 pm
Two nails and a razor blade work fine for making strings, use the same idea as per the jig, just wind around the two nails and cut your strands.
Title: Re: String Questions
Post by: PatM on November 13, 2015, 10:29:26 pm
I may. Is that good bow string?

  Braided line is Spectra which is the same basic stuff as fastflite type materials. Infinitely better than B50.
Title: Re: String Questions
Post by: Del the cat on November 14, 2015, 05:58:20 am
+1
But B50 is cheap and much better than tying to make do with nylon cord or bale twine!
Any of the modern Fastflite type materials (Angel Majesty, Astroflite  etc) are vastly superior to B50 can use far fewer strands but are expensive.
I use 8 or 10 strands up to about 50# then go to 12 even up to 100#
B50 is totally useless on anything much over 50# especially when actually making a bow and trying to brace it because it s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-s:laugh:
Del
BTW. If you have linen thread, then that is v good (low stretch), but not so hard wearing.