Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: comsio on July 27, 2016, 07:28:19 am

Title: How to string a short bow of 44"?
Post by: comsio on July 27, 2016, 07:28:19 am
I just received a short bow of 44". How do I string the bow without damaging the bow or me?
I was searching the internet for advise but didn't find anything useful.
Title: Re: How to string a short bow of 44"?
Post by: Pat B on July 27, 2016, 07:34:36 am
I use the push/pull method but when in doubt, use a stringer
 You can also use the step through method without harming a wood bow.
Title: Re: How to string a short bow of 44"?
Post by: osage outlaw on July 27, 2016, 08:26:41 am
I use the push pull method on every bow.  It's worked on bows as short as 24"
Title: Re: How to string a short bow of 44"?
Post by: SLIMBOB on July 27, 2016, 09:01:26 am
I'm a step thru guy.  A little caution in where it bends during stringing should prevent any problems.  Push pull gives me the willies :) personally, but its probably safer for the bow.  The stringer is more idiot proof than either of them.
Title: Re: How to string a short bow of 44"?
Post by: sleek on July 27, 2016, 09:14:34 am
I am a step through guy and make bows that short. Works great, even on my shorty recurves.
Title: Re: How to string a short bow of 44"?
Post by: BowEd on July 27, 2016, 09:33:16 am
To me it can depend on how much reflex it has.A pic might reveal that.
Title: Re: How to string a short bow of 44"?
Post by: Thunder on July 27, 2016, 10:01:10 am
I usually use the step through method, its easier to string short heavy bows this way.
And Beadman is right, a pic will help.

Cheers
Thunder
Title: Re: How to string a short bow of 44"?
Post by: TimothyR on July 27, 2016, 10:02:39 am
I'm a push pull guy too. But the stringer is the best option. And they are very simple to make. A little 550 cord and a couple of pieces of leather and you've got yourself a stringer.
Title: Re: How to string a short bow of 44"?
Post by: bradsmith2010 on July 27, 2016, 10:25:23 am
I step through on the the short bows,,I am slow and cautious where the bow is bending ,, and take my time to get it lined up before I put the pressure to it,,
Title: Re: How to string a short bow of 44"?
Post by: loon on July 27, 2016, 11:22:01 am
some guy put the back of the bow facing the ground, one tip on the ground other holding it with the hand and put the foot on the belly of the handle to push it.

I find shorter bows are easier to string safely with step through because they can be perpendicular to your legs?
Title: Re: How to string a short bow of 44"?
Post by: loon on July 28, 2016, 12:46:05 am
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nsh2BpnZxb0
Title: Re: How to string a short bow of 44"?
Post by: Pappy on July 28, 2016, 06:49:56 am
Push /pull for mine unless it is a really long bow/heavy bow/recurve  or heavy hooks, then I use a stringer.  :) Step through is fine if you know what you are doing but I have seen a lot where the person doing it puts way way to much stress on the bottom limb. ;)
 Pappy
Title: Re: How to string a short bow of 44"?
Post by: loon on July 28, 2016, 10:40:17 am
I might have twisted my hornbow by doing step-through.. though I take care to try and put my leg near to the handle
Title: Re: How to string a short bow of 44"?
Post by: Urufu_Shinjiro on July 28, 2016, 11:18:31 am
I shoot asiatic bows, Manchu, Turkish etc, and step through is about the only way without a partner, but to do it right and like Pappy said not put too much stress on one limb, you have to step out wide like a sumo wrestler and hook the bottom siyah above your knee or it will flip on you and the handle behind your other thigh and kinda twist your whole body while you pull it around. Though mine are all fiberglass (spits on ground) so less worry about limb twist anyway, I think if I had a real horn bow I would string it with a partner every time, lol.
Title: Re: How to string a short bow of 44"?
Post by: wizardgoat on July 28, 2016, 01:33:37 pm
I'm a push pull kind of guy, step through always makes my back sore!
On short reflexed bows like horn bows I like to push pull with the back of the bow facing the ground.
Title: Re: How to string a short bow of 44"?
Post by: bow101 on July 28, 2016, 02:48:38 pm
Does not take much effort to build a stringer.   I broke a bow once using the push pull method.   Almost every Professional bowyer states on their website not to use the push pull or step through.  Warranty Void....!!!   >:D
Title: Re: How to string a short bow of 44"?
Post by: SLIMBOB on July 28, 2016, 03:02:38 pm
True, but it's kinda like the warning label on iron on decals that says "Warning Do Not Wear Shirt While Ironing on Decal".  I mean...really?
Title: Re: How to string a short bow of 44"?
Post by: bow101 on July 28, 2016, 03:07:28 pm
I wont argue with the Pros but then again the effort involved using a stringer is minuscule.  I is no Wimp........ >:D
Title: Re: How to string a short bow of 44"?
Post by: SLIMBOB on July 28, 2016, 05:13:29 pm
No pro here I assure you.  I'm a just a journeyman who's built them and broke them about every way conceivable, and yet I have never broken one with the step thru method.  Never.  I just wonder if there is anything to it, or is it just something that got repeated often enough that it has become one of the commandments.  I understand that if your not careful things can get twisted up wrongly, that's a given.  But just use a little horse sense for goodness sake.  You're right bow101, in that a stringer makes stringing one nearly bullet proof.  But in lue of that just exercise a little caution.  Stumbling and stepping on the limb could be the biggest risk.   
Title: Re: How to string a short bow of 44"?
Post by: loon on July 28, 2016, 07:26:22 pm
I bought a stringer and it didn't work well at all for my siyah bows. I should make one with paracord :\ then I won't need to make a bow press for horn bows, duh

The only way for push-pull to take less strength than step-through for me is to step on the bow at the handle. Otherwise push-pull is too hard for bows of >40lbs
Title: Re: How to string a short bow of 44"?
Post by: sleek on July 28, 2016, 10:26:34 pm
Warranty void if you string bow.....  ( no connec8with reality just a funny ( to me ) thought ))

I seen people almost squeeze out a turd doing push pull. Step through is a breeze, just be certain the handle is centered in your knee.