How to Make Your Own Crossbow String

This is a easy to follow "how to" step-by-step process of how to make your own crossbow string. All of the things you'll need can be purchased at most any location that has archery supplies

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• string jig
• serving jig
• Brownell Dacron B50
• Brownell .026" Diamondback braid
• mono-filament

1. set aside an 18" strand of Dacron B50

2. at one end of the serving thread tie a granny knot around the string where you want to begin serving, leave a few inches on the free end. Lay the free end down along the string you want to put the serving. Using the serving jig wrap the first inch over the free end of the string. keep the wraps tight and close.

3. Lay the loop formed from the string material you set aside earlier, so the loop end is beyond the end of the serving area of the loop. Relax the tension on the serving jig a little for this step. Finish the serving w/ a half hitch leaving three or four inches free. Use the loop of the bowstring material to pull the end of the serving thread back under the wraps. Cut the free ends of the serving material to 1/4" from the serving, then burn the ends with a match or cigarette lighter. Pinch the ends of the serving thread while they are still hot with a wet finger or sponge.

4. tie a short loop in the end of the string material and clamp it temporarily to one of the pegs. Put 20 wraps or 40 strands total around the pegs, but not so tight. Tie end of the string off in the loop you tied earlier. Pull it semi-tight but not all the way tight. Serve 5" of half of the strands in the exact center of the two pegs. Rotate the string back so the served ends are centered on the pegs. Mark the location of the other serving with tape. Rotate the string again so that you can serve it when the end is in the middle of the pegs. Rotate it back so the served ends are centered on the pegs.

5. In order to finish the end servings, position the unfinished end serving so that the free end is 1/4" shorter than the other side. Pinch the strings together and finish serving the first end. leave 4 or 5 inches of slack for this step. pinch the other end together and serve it.

6. finally, serve 6 inches in the center for the center serving. Use a layer of the diamond braid used for the loops. After the diamond braid, tie on an additional layer of Dacron cord using an alternating half-hitch, then rub a generous amount of wax into the string (beeswax/ silicon bowstring wax). At this point your new crossbow string is complete!

Tips & Warnings

• don't burn yourself while burning the ends of the string!