Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Muskyman on December 21, 2022, 10:29:52 pm

Title: Bow string material
Post by: Muskyman on December 21, 2022, 10:29:52 pm
I have a spool of B-50 Dacron that I’ve had for probably 35-40 years. I’ve made a few strings with it lately and haven’t had any problems with it so far. It’s black and I’m thinking I’d like to get a couple colors of the newer material out there. I’ve been looking online at the DynaFLIGHT 97 for making Flemish twist strings with. Wondering what you guys like or use and what you like about it.
Title: Re: Bow string material
Post by: Pappy on December 22, 2022, 07:41:29 am
I use D97, works well with little stretch, holds up nicely. It also helps some with speed, quietness and string slap.IMO.  :)  Remember you can't mix it with B50.
 Pappy
Title: Re: Bow string material
Post by: Muskyman on December 22, 2022, 11:29:52 am
Thanks Pappy. I kinda figured I wouldn’t want to mix the different materials. I did think about buying a different color B-50 but the stuff I have is so old I figured I’d get some new stuff.
I’m hoping to make it to the classic one day, maybe this year, who knows.. I’m from Crossville and haven’t been back home in a long time. Miss it.
Title: Re: Bow string material
Post by: Selfbowman on December 22, 2022, 11:57:36 am
Pappys right as always.🤠
Title: Re: Bow string material
Post by: Muskyman on December 22, 2022, 11:59:16 am
I kinda get that, stay warm out there  (S)
Title: Re: Bow string material
Post by: bassman211 on December 22, 2022, 06:12:57 pm
Yep pappy, and 8 to 10 strands is plenty.
Title: Re: Bow string material
Post by: bentstick54 on December 22, 2022, 07:03:48 pm
I started with B50 on my 1st selfbow about 11 years ago. Was at a shoot and someone said I should use D97, that my bow could handle it. So I tried it, liked it, never had a problem with it, and never saw a reason to change. Its all I use on all my Osage selfbows.
Title: Re: Bow string material
Post by: Piddler on December 22, 2022, 07:54:13 pm
Do you need tip overlays with D 97. Thinking about a different string material when mine runs out.
Piddler
Title: Re: Bow string material
Post by: bentstick54 on December 22, 2022, 08:35:26 pm
Piddler, here is the way I finish up my tips, no frills, no overlays. Just going for good shooting, durable, knock around hunting bow. So far all Osage. I twist up 12 strand D97 Flemish strings for all of them, from 35# to 57#. I have bows that have thousands of shots through them with no signs of wear.
Title: Re: Bow string material
Post by: organic_archer on December 22, 2022, 08:43:49 pm
D97 is an excellent bowstring material that’s light years ahead of B50. It won’t hold a conventional bowyer’s knot though. Too slippery. You don’t need tip overlays as long as you take the time to smooth all the sharp edges of your nocks. I’ve got several hundred selfbows in circulation without overlays, all with D97, and haven’t had any issues. 
Title: Re: Bow string material
Post by: Muskyman on December 22, 2022, 09:19:53 pm
So far my nocks kinda stink. One a fuzz higher or lower then the other.
Angle a little off from the other, etc,etc  also never been really sure about the angle. I could probably make them a little steeper.
Thanks for the comments about string material. I’ll probably place an order in the next few days
Title: Re: Bow string material
Post by: richgibula on December 22, 2022, 09:42:04 pm
What material is D97?
Title: Re: Bow string material
Post by: Muskyman on December 22, 2022, 10:11:36 pm
BCY DynaFLIGHT 97 Bow String material

The original high strength Dyneema (100% SK75 Dyneema

Pulled right off the internet
Title: Re: Bow string material
Post by: richgibula on December 22, 2022, 10:49:50 pm
Thanks for that.  Do think polyester is better than UHMW polyethylene (spectra)?
Title: Re: Bow string material
Post by: Pappy on December 23, 2022, 08:20:05 am
I cut my knocks at about a 45 to start and then feather them out at the belly side as need to make the string lay smooth, I usually do over lays but not really needed for D97 if it is on some hard wood, softer wood like yew or cedar and such I would recommend overlays, I do over lays just because i like the look of them mostly. :)
 Pappy
Title: Re: Bow string material
Post by: Eric Krewson on December 23, 2022, 08:48:39 am
I have posted this before on how I locate the right angle for string grooves. I always use overlays, like Pappy I like the way they look.

I cut the groove across the back and use that on the strung bow until I get to full brace. At full brace I use the string to show me where the side nocks need to be. I mark either side of the string and cut my nocks.

Title: Re: Bow string material
Post by: Muskyman on December 23, 2022, 10:10:26 am
Thanks Pappy and Eric. I actually watched a video last night by Richard Head longbows about putting cow horn on bow tips that was pretty much like y’all were saying about doing nocks. I’ll use your method on my next bow which I’ll probably put overlays on.
Hope everyone is staying warm in this weather we’re having. -8 here this morning 20-30 mph winds. I hope my power doesn’t go out, a common occurrence where I live.
Title: Re: Bow string material
Post by: Chumash on December 23, 2022, 11:41:24 am
B 50 or B 55 is polyester

Spectra and Dyneema are  Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (PE-UHMW) oder high-modulus polyethylene (HMPE))

D97 and Fast Flight + is Dyneema SK 75
Spectra is analog to Fast Flight - Dyneema SK65
Title: Re: Bow string material
Post by: Piddler on December 23, 2022, 07:31:29 pm
Thanks for the info fellas.
Muskyman, A tip on cutting string grooves the same, that I believe I got from this site, is to use two files. Barely start a good groove then put it on bottom. Place a file in it and use it as a guide for cutting the other one. I do a little at a time so I have correction time.
Pappy, I usually do a 45 as well but seem to need to open the bottom a bit for a smoother transition as you mention. I have some overlay material just haven't done one yet, with the exception of a kid bow that the tips got too skinny to cut a string groove. They are about the same as Eric described and work good. I do like the way overlays look though.
Piddler