How to Make a Simple Bow String
Hand-made equipment is a personal and integral part of many traditional archers' gear. Most archery equipment can be made by hand, and the bowstring is no exception. The classic flemish, or twisted, design is by far the easiest to make, and has a classic look.
Your string is made if braided fibers. Choose a fiber made specifically for bowstrings, like Browning's B-50 material. For extra aesthetics, use two colors of fiber, or try artificial sinew for a more traditional style.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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1
Determine the length and thickness of your string. Most bows with draw weights near 50 to 55 lbs. will take a string made with 12 fibers. If your bow's draw is heavier, add two strands for every 10 lbs. of additional draw weight. Add 5 inches to the length of your bow and cut the fibers to this length.
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2
Divide the strands into two groups of six and lay them next to each other on a flat surface. Pinch the two bundles together with your left thumb and forefinger, about 2 inches from one end.
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3
Twist the group of fibers on your right clockwise (to the right) with your right thumb and forefinger within 1/2 inch of the pinched section of string. Hold the twisted bundle and pull the other one behind with the free fingers on your right hand, so that you twist the bundles counterclockwise (to the left). Slide your left thumb and forefinger up to hold the twist in place.
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4
Pinch the untwisted group (now on your right) and twist it clockwise. Twist the two bundles counterclockwise and slide your left thumb and forefinger to hold the new twist. Continue this process to braid the bundles into cordage.
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5
Once you've braided about 2 inches of string, pull the braided section back on itself to create the loop for your bow limb. Combine the two unbraided bundles of string from the short end with those that you've been braiding and follow Steps 3 and 4 to lock the groups together. Continue to braid the entire length of the string.
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6
Once you've twisted your string, secure the other loop with a slipknot. This will keep that end secure on the bow, but allow the braided loop to slip down the limb when your bow is unstrung.
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7
Wax your new string with beeswax or a commercial substitute. String your bow and check the brace height. If the string is too long, you can twist it further to tighten and shorten the braid.
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1
Tips & Warnings
To add extra security to the top loop in your string, stagger the ends of the fibers in each bundle. You can clip them different lengths or slide some through your fingers when you've pinched the bundles together in Step 2. Wax will help keep the bundles separated as you braid the string, and will help secure the braid.
Do not use hand-twisted strings on compound bows. The strings are not meant to handle the stresses these bows produce. Don't make your string out of a high-performance fiber, like Fast-Flight, unless you are sure your bow is capable of using it.
