how to make power cables

[sambow]

I want to have a go at making cables for my compound bow. I have built a jig which will make them under tension and I have made recurve strings before now, so understand the principles.

The thing I am not sure about is how to make the power cables with a Y one end.

Do I make two identical length strings, serve one end with loops and then join them together and server the two together at the other end?

Or do I make up half th string server one end then loosen it out the way and make the other half of the string, server that end then go back to the other side and server the two together?

Or is there some other strategy?

[Watch_Man]

You can make a split Y (like winners choice) or a floating yolk (like Hoyt standard strings).

The Floating yolk gives you the same thickness on the V part as the main | of the string. This string is made in two parts with the V at the top being 14" on my Hoyt. If the label on your bow says something like 38" for this cable then the | part would be 31" and the V part 14" (when folded = 7") and before attaching to the bow you would assemble both parts and put the end loops of the V part on the same post so you can measure the overall length.

The loop on the | where the V fits through should not be served, but be kept 'soft' ie just the string material.

To make the 14" cable I use an arten jig with a crossbow adapter fitted. It is probably the cheapest way.

The Split yolk can be done by wrapping a Y shape from one post out to 2 in two parts. Say if you want 20 strands, spool out half your string so you end up with the two loose ends at one of the V posts and then do the same with the other half so the two loose ends end up at the opposite V post. Use the GRIV serving method (shown in another thread) to serve the small loops at the V end. You can now go to the | end and serve the single loop in the normal manner.

The advantage of this is that it is easier to tune individual sides of the Y but if its not done correctly you can induce cam lean.

No doubt there are many other methods out there - this works for me