Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Swamp Bow on November 09, 2009, 12:55:37 am

Title: Bow string material ID?
Post by: Swamp Bow on November 09, 2009, 12:55:37 am

I bought some bow string a while back that I assumed was B50, the vendor I bought it from knew what I was using it for.  I just noticed it is labeled B-500.  Since this has been my first foray into bow string making, I don't know.  Also what is the BS of B50 or whatever it is that I have? Thanks.

Swamp

Title: Re: Bow string material ID?
Post by: Hoot on November 09, 2009, 01:56:38 am

B-50 is from Brownell and B-500 is from BCY...both are Dacron and essentially the same stuff.

Title: Re: Bow string material ID?
Post by: Swamp Bow on November 09, 2009, 09:57:10 am

Thanks Hoot.

I assume the BS of both B-50 and B-500 is 50#?

Swamp

Title: Re: Bow string material ID?
Post by: Dano on November 09, 2009, 10:17:19 am

"I assume the BS of both B-50 and B-500 is 50#?"

I can't remember the exact rating but I think it's more like 300# per strand.

Title: Re: Bow string material ID?
Post by: Swamp Bow on November 09, 2009, 10:28:46 am

Wow! Does that mean using the 4X draw weight formula you could make a single strand string for anything under a 75# draw?  Not that I would for what I do.

Swamp

Title: Re: Bow string material ID?
Post by: TBod on November 09, 2009, 10:59:07 am

I tested that BCY B-500 in a primitive way about 25# BS

Title: Re: Bow string material ID?
Post by: Barrage on November 09, 2009, 03:11:46 pm

Yeah, I believe the manufacture rates it at 50# breaking strength per strand.  I've never tested it myself, but several people seem to get about half that on single strand break tests.  In a string you'd probably be safe to assume about 35-40 lbs per strand.  I use 10 strand flemish strings on bows pulling 55-60lbs, which would work out to ~25lbs per strand at 4X draw weight - plenty strong!! 

Title: Re: Bow string material ID?
Post by: Swamp Bow on November 09, 2009, 08:56:17 pm

Thanks everyone.  I really won't be going less than ten strands for anything no matter how light it is.  I expect that would just kill my fingers.

Swamp

Title: Re: Bow string material ID?
Post by: PeteC on November 09, 2009, 09:16:08 pm

Dang,10 strands? I don't build any string with less than 15 strands. :o  God Bless

Title: Re: Bow string material ID?
Post by: Dano on November 09, 2009, 11:06:29 pm

Boy, I was a tad off on those specs ::), maybe I was thinking of Fast flight. I think 12 strand is recommended for that weight. There is a chart for different weights in this link.
http://www3.sympatico.ca/ragiwarmbear/diy/flemish/flemish.html

Title: Re: Bow string material ID?
Post by: avcase on November 09, 2009, 11:50:01 pm

I tested B50 between 22# and 24#. I also found that the more modern fast flight type materials test at about half the break strength that is commonly quoted.
Alan