How to Design a Bow String
Continuous loop bowstrings are typically used on compound and recurve bows. A continuous loop bowstring is constructed of a single length of bowstring material, looped multiple times, to form a bowstring that can handle the tension placed on it.
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Things You'll Need
- Bowstring material
- String jig
- Serving material
- Glue
- Scissors
- Bow square
- Bowstring wax
Instructions
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1
Determine the bowstring length and the number of strands of material needed. Bowstring length is found in the bow's owner's manual. The number of strands needed is found on the string-material spool.
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2
Set the string jig so all the posts are in a straight line. Adjust the jig to the length of the bowstring being constructed. Lock the jig in place.
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3
Tie the end of the string material to post "A." Wrap the string material in loops around the outer posts of the string jig. Continue looping material until you have the necessary number of strands; this number is based of the string-material manufacturer's recommendation. Both sides of the jig must have an equal number of strands.
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4
Cut the string material from the spool. Untie the string from post "A," and tie both ends of the string material together. Keep the strings wrapped tightly around the posts when tying the ends to each other.
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5
Adjust the jig to the serving position. Slide posts "B" and "C" under posts "A" and "D," forming a rectangle. Lock the jig in place.
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6
Measure the end loops of the bowstring. End loops typically measure between 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches in circumference. Measure the end loop of an old bowstring for comparison. Determine the string material's center point between posts "A" and "B." Mark the center position. Divide the end loop's circumference in half, and measure that distance on each side from the center position mark. For a 3-inch end loop, place marks on each side of center at 1 1/2 inches.
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7
Tie serving thread just past one of the loop area's end marks. Wrap the serving tightly from one end mark to the other end mark, completely covering the loop area.
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8
Set the jig, placing post "B" in line with the center of the jig. Slide the end loop area around post "A" until the serving is positioned equally on each side of post "A."
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9
Wrap both sides of the bowstring -- together with serving thread -- around post "A." This creates the end loop. Tightly wrap the serving about 4 inches past the end of the loop area. Cut the serving from the spool, and tie it to the string. Attach the serving to the string with a small amount of glue, and allow it to dry. Repeat the process at the opposite end to fashion the second end loop.
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10
Take the string off the jig, and string the bow. Find the nocking point, attach the bow square to the bowstring and place the opposite end on the arrow shelf. Square the string and mark the nock point.
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11
Mark the top and bottom of the nock area. The top point should be 2 inches above the nock point. The bottom should be 3 inches below the nock point.
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12
Tie serving thread around the bottom of the nock area on the bowstring. Wrap serving thread up and around the nock area. Cut the serving from the spool, and tie the end at the top of the nock area. Secure the tied end of the serving to the bowstring with a drop of glue. Allow it to set.
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13
Cover the string with wax. Avoid covering those areas not wrapped with serving thread.
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References
Resources
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