Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: JoJoDapyro on November 02, 2014, 10:22:13 pm

Title: Raffia bow string
Post by: JoJoDapyro on November 02, 2014, 10:22:13 pm

Has anyone here made a bow string from raffia? It seems strong, but I can't find any info on breaking strength.

Title: Re: Raffia bow string
Post by: lenador on November 02, 2014, 10:27:19 pm

Can you find the working capacity?

Title: Re: Raffia bow string
Post by: JoJoDapyro on November 02, 2014, 10:49:31 pm

I could if I knew how.

Title: Re: Raffia bow string
Post by: JoJoDapyro on November 03, 2014, 03:07:15 pm

I don't know if I can find the working limit of it unless I twist one up. I made a 5 foot section last night while sitting watching TV. I guess I can try it and find out. If anyone has tried please let me know what the results were.

Title: Re: Raffia bow string
Post by: Marc St Louis on November 03, 2014, 04:00:27 pm

I believe Raffia is also called Chines Grass and it is extremely strong.  There was discussion on it over at PP in the Flight Shooting forum a few years ago.  I think Alan Case made a string out of some and he found that it was at least as strong as linen but did not like being bent at a sharp angle

Title: Re: Raffia bow string
Post by: JoJoDapyro on November 03, 2014, 04:04:30 pm

I have nothing but time. I'll twist one up tonight and see how it goes.

Title: Re: Raffia bow string
Post by: PatM on November 03, 2014, 04:05:38 pm

You're thinking of Ramie, Marc.
 Raffia is a fiber from a palm leaf and likely similar to Manila.

Title: Re: Raffia bow string
Post by: JoJoDapyro on November 03, 2014, 05:04:16 pm

I buy it for my birds. I have parakeets and they destroy everything. So I have been twisting up ropes for them to destroy for years. Just dawned on me last night that it may be usable as a bow string material.

Title: Re: Raffia bow string
Post by: Springbuck on November 03, 2014, 05:09:57 pm

  Similar stuff (palm leaf fiber) is used for bowstrings in some places in the Amazon.  From TBB, it is not nearly as strong as hemp or flax, but usable if thick and carefully made.

Title: Re: Raffia bow string
Post by: JoJoDapyro on November 03, 2014, 10:23:32 pm

I made a quick one earlier. Did a flemish on it, with a loop and about 4 feet of string. Only used 2 total strands (No splices). Took and put a metal rod through the loop and stood on the rod. It broke quite easily, so I grabbed it again and it broke again just as easily. I don't think it has the strength. I know I am tough and all  ::), but I did not put 120 pounds into it.