Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: rockrush69 on September 26, 2013, 12:44:34 am

Title: question .... dental floss for bowstring ?
Post by: rockrush69 on September 26, 2013, 12:44:34 am
I was flossing my teeth and it hit me.  Floss feels like it would work ... i could not break it it almost cut my finger off . Would this work ? I am broke and jobless right now and have a pacific yew elb with parachord on it !!! Its depressing
Title: Re: question .... dental floss for bowstring ?
Post by: TimPotter on September 26, 2013, 01:48:43 am
Yes it works. say 8 strands double-braided. Basically it's the same thing as the artificial sinew they sell at craft-stores, except white. If I was in a pinch and needed to make a bow string I'd give it a whirl, I've made strings from the artificial sinew before when I was younger and it stretches to all heck at first, so it takes about 3 times stringing and shooting before you get the loops right. What could it hurt. You can still use wood splinters for your dental hygiene. :laugh:
Title: Re: question .... dental floss for bowstring ?
Post by: mikekeswick on September 26, 2013, 03:30:25 am
Test the breaking strain.
Multiply the draw weight of your bow by 4.
Divide that number by thebreaking value of the floss.
Split the answer into 2 or 3 and you've worked out the number of strands per ply needed to make a strong enough string.
Vital you do a breaking test first.
Title: Re: question .... dental floss for bowstring ?
Post by: Hamish on September 26, 2013, 03:44:12 am
I know its hard, but please  be patient. I would hate to see a yew bow busted because of a crap string. Someone might donate a custom string or proven string material. Friends or relatives might help you out. You just don't risk a good bow of yew worth many hundreds of dollars over a couple of dollars of string material, as you will be devastated if something goes wrong.
Title: Re: question .... dental floss for bowstring ?
Post by: mullet on September 26, 2013, 08:10:38 am
Spyderwire fishing line is almost lthe same as FastFlight string, also.
Title: Re: question .... dental floss for bowstring ?
Post by: TimPotter on September 26, 2013, 08:27:30 am
Yes, Mullet is right, if you have it that is. Expensive, and it will not stretch. You pretty much do and endless loop and whip the ends and center. I tried it a few times in the past cause I needed something and didn't have the money.
Title: Re: question .... dental floss for bowstring ?
Post by: skarhand on September 26, 2013, 10:59:11 am
If you use the minty fresh kind it can also help cover your scent. :)
Title: Re: question .... dental floss for bowstring ?
Post by: Marks on September 26, 2013, 11:20:25 am
Do you have long hair? Apparently hair will make a bow string.  >:D
I'll sell you my beard for a reasonable price.  >:D
Title: Re: question .... dental floss for bowstring ?
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on September 26, 2013, 11:25:33 am
B50 is what $8-10 spool? That's cheaper than dental floss or fishing line.
Title: Re: question .... dental floss for bowstring ?
Post by: The Gopher on September 26, 2013, 12:02:20 pm
B50 is what $8-10 spool? That's cheaper than dental floss or fishing line.

I was going to say the same thing, once you bought enough floss to actually make a string, i think that B50 would actually be much cheaper.
Title: Re: question .... dental floss for bowstring ?
Post by: rockrush69 on September 26, 2013, 12:23:08 pm
Thank you guys for the help . Last night . I posted in the trading post . ... and within an hour i recieved a calll from someone on here.  ( i was told not to advertize) and without asking for anything in trade ( which i offered sinew) he is sending me enough dacron to do five bows . I gave him all my measurments . He said he will do the math and hook me up . See . That is what i love about archery . And this site expecially . A bunch of stand up dudes ... no doubt . I am proud to be a member of pa. :) i think of all of you ad brothers .... yes there are going to be creative differences . But dude . We are all good people . And better than most at building bows . Thanks everyone and god bless .
Title: Re: question .... dental floss for bowstring ?
Post by: echatham on September 26, 2013, 04:28:28 pm
do ya need some serving?
Title: Re: question .... dental floss for bowstring ?
Post by: rockrush69 on September 27, 2013, 01:47:31 am
Yeah actually . I do . But i am a broke man at the moment . I got some cow tendons ? But besides that . I dont have much . Oh and some small chunks of obsidian .to small and thick for arrowheads.  ( at least with my skiill)