Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: dmenzies1950 on April 13, 2013, 10:59:36 pm
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A couple of days ago I was reading a post talking about breaking bows while stringing them by the step through method. I have to confess that I always use the the step through method while stringing my self bows. I've been building bows since 1980 and have never damaged one while stringing it! I do use a stringer while stringing recurves however; it's too easy to twist the tips when you string those.
I'm just curious to hear what you guys do. I will appreciate your feedback.
Thanks, Dale
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I always use the Step Thru method too. Never had negative results either. It seems easier to me than push/pull, especially with heavier bows.
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......... :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: Yes I agree Step thru is safer than push/pull...........but watch out I have been bit already...... :o from using the push pull method. I now use a stringer on bows over 35#....thats my 2 bits worth.. ;) Wisdom tells me to only get hurt once.....!
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Push/Pull
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I use step thru only reason people think it can break bows is if your doing it wrong which Ive done before and caused a splinter to pop on one of my bows i still use step thru I just make sure i do it right
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Step through is fine for wood bows but will warp a glass bow. I use push pull unless the bow is too strong for me or to long then I use the step through method or a stringer.
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What Pat and OO said!!
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I use push pull on all my bows up to 75#, and that's as heavy as I got
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Howdy, I've been using step through on my old Ben Person recurve since 1968, with no signs of warping or problems. I normally use push/pull on wooden bows (long bows and flat bows.) I use a stringer on newer recurves and on very heavy or long (length) bows. One caution... do not use push pull on a recurve!! That upper nock is aimed straight at your face. One slip and you'll be aiming with the left eye from now on! Ron
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Step thru. I'm careful to keep the bottom tip against my foot, have the center (fulcrum) against my thigh or hip depending on length of the bow. I don't disagree with those that recommend push-pull or a stringer, probably safer, but I've never had a problem, not one.
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Push pull for most bows except the more extreme recurves which I use step through. Can't see how a set through can be bad for the bow if done properly. Wide stance handle behind left knee and placing the weight evenly in the limbs.
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Step through,never had a problem unless the bow wasn't ready for a short brace!
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I always use the step through method. If done properly it doesn't hurt the bow. The push pull method scares the Hell out of me for one reason. Think about this, when a bow blows, which way do the pieces fly? Away from the back, right? Now the next time your push pulling, think about what's exposed if it lets go while bracing. Eyes, face and throat are right in the path of shrapnel. I already have bad eyes and I'm homely enough to get a job haunting grave yards. I really don't need to worsen the situation. I know what your thinking, if you use the push pull method there's less chance of the bo. w blowing. Maybe, maybe not. But even if there is an increased chance of damaging the bow with the step through, the majority of the pieces are blowing away from you. I can make a new bow. Not the case with my eyes, face and throat. Just my .02. Josh
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I always use the step through method. If done properly it doesn't hurt the bow. The push pull method scares the Hell out of me for one reason. Think about this, when a bow blows, which way do the pieces fly? Away from the back, right? Now the next time your push pulling, think about what's exposed if it lets go while bracing. Eyes, face and throat are right in the path of shrapnel. I already have bad eyes and I'm homely enough to get a job haunting grave yards. I really don't need to worsen the situation. I know what your thinking, if you use the push pull method there's less chance of the bo. w blowing. Maybe, maybe not. But even if there is an increased chance of damaging the bow with the step through, the majority of the pieces are blowing away from you. I can make a new bow. Not the case with my eyes, face and throat. Just my .02. Josh
If a bow breaks while you are bracing you then it sure wasn't meant to be a bow!! :o
Step through if done correctly probably won't damage most bows. The problem with it is that people rarely do it absolutely correctly, or at least the people I see all the time.
Push pull if done properly will never damage a bow.
Stringers again if used properly will never damage a bow.
The problems start when the bow is well reflexed.
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Push/pull here. BUT I always close my eyes and turn my head while doing it for the safety reasons Doc mentioned. I've
only had one blow on me while stringing, but that will happen when a fool trys to string on backwards in the dark. :o
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Thanks Guys! It looks like we primitive guys do what feels good to us! I guess that's why we are in to this kind of archery. You guys are the best and that's the truth! Dale
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Strictly step through. I dont even know how to do a push pull. I just place the lower limb tip on the front of my right ankle, handle centered behind left leg knee, and hand on the upper tip pushing the limb to the string. If its a recurve, even better, the limbs curve wraps around my ankle even more secure. I am not sure what the issue with it is? the only thing that could go wrong is not having the handle centered under your left knee.
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I use push/pull most of the time. I use step thru on heavily recurved bows. I think either technique can mess a bow up if you don't watch what you are doing. Getting good balanced bending and pressure right in the middle of the handle is all important, regardless of your method. I have watched people string bows with real bad technique and I always cringe. It breaks your heart to see somebody bending the hell out of one limb and leaving the other one straight while they ugly a string onto a bow...
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I always use the step through method. If done properly it doesn't hurt the bow. The push pull method scares the Hell out of me for one reason. Think about this, when a bow blows, which way do the pieces fly? Away from the back, right? Now the next time your push pulling, think about what's exposed if it lets go while bracing. Eyes, face and throat are right in the path of shrapnel. I already have bad eyes and I'm homely enough to get a job haunting grave yards. I really don't need to worsen the situation. I know what your thinking, if you use the push pull method there's less chance of the bo. w blowing. Maybe, maybe not. But even if there is an increased chance of damaging the bow with the step through, the majority of the pieces are blowing away from you. I can make a new bow. Not the case with my eyes, face and throat. Just my .02. Josh
If a bow breaks while you are bracing you then it sure wasn't meant to be a bow!! :o
Step through if done correctly probably won't damage most bows. The problem with it is that people rarely do it absolutely correctly, or at least the people I see all the time.
Push pull if done properly will never damage a bow.
Stringers again if used properly will never damage a bow.
The problems start when the bow is well reflexed.
Many professional bowyers will not gaurantee a bow if strung using the Step Thru method..!
We all know many have built countless bows and have their way of stringing a bow, but I understand why the Pro's are dead against the step thru method because most newbie arhcers are inexperienced using a bow.
Having said that I will not argue with a Pro bowyer no matter how many bows I have built.
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maybe I just have big thighs but at brace hight most selfbows are darn snug
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Step though here....but I do it carefully and try to get both limbs to bend evenly.
Big hiking boots and low brace hight of selfbows can pose a problem tho;-)
Cheers
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100% stringer for heavy bows, and push/pull for lighter bows. If you step through, my warranty is void.
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Push/pull or stringer. :) Like Mike said if step through is done right it would be OK,but most don't and way over toque the bottom or top limb,it has to be done
evenly,even if using the push pull you need to bend both limbs even as you string the bow. :) I prefer to see folks use a stringer if they are new at it. ;)
Pappy
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Thanks again guys! I guess if I ever break a bow while stringing it, I might change my ways, but for now I'm too old to change.
Dale
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Always a push/pull or a stringer.