String length and number of twists

[EVC]

Hi. I am about to make my first string (8125) for my bow. I am using a StringFlex 8125 but it is somewhat long so that I had to twist it a lot to get to the adequate brace height. Assuming a brace length, how much longer should I make the string to leave room for the twists. BTW what is the appropriate range of the number of twists.

TIA

Elder.

[geoffretired]

EVC, I have a chart that says 20-40 twists in a string is ok.
To get the string made to the right length, I would have your current string twisted so it gives the brace height you want. Then remove it from the bow and don't allow it to untwist as you do that.
Then take out 20 to 40 twists.( count them out as full twists) Then use the string, in that state, to fit quite tightly onto your string jig. Make your new string using those settings.Putting in 20 to 40 twists, when finished, should bring it back to the current shooting length. Twist up the original string to get it back as it was too, if you intend to keep on using it.
If the current string has a lot more than 40 twists it could be a bit heavier than the new one; you may have higher sight marks with the new one as a result.

[waterstar]

not up on string making but I've read various bits that suggest minimum of 25 twists in the string

[tel]

depends on the material - different manufacturers give different recommendations which then change because they don't apply to 'your set-up'....what a giggle it all is!

[Robin the Hood]

If you are trying this for the first time then you will have to be quite patient with yourself.
Depending on which string you are using, they all have a stretching allowance that needs to be made. If you have a fairly new string handy, set it up on the jig as if you have just made it, then put the string on the bow and let it stretch as usual. When you take it back off the bow put it back on the jig you'll see how much difference there is between the 2 settings.
This will give you an idea of the allowance to make when setting up to make one.
Also if you take the old string and set the jig you can also have an idea as to the allowance you need by applying twists and seeing how much shorter the string becomes with X + Y twists.......Hope this helps slightly, but patience is the virtue....

Paul....

[HOTHOUSEDOG]

Ah string making. A constant source of dissapointment and frustration for me. I have only made a dozen or so strings and i am yet to get one exactly the length i planned! Thank Jebus for twists! Its all practice.

[EVC]

I followed the hints: untwisted the string till it had the length for my bow minimum brace and set the jig.
The string looks nice (considering it is my first one) and shoots well . Still it is a bit shorter than expected . It was supposed to give me the minimum brace height in the recommended range (22.5cm) but it gave 23cm after shooting 72 arrows (started with 23.5cm) with some 10 turns or so. As I am currently using a 23.5cm brace (midway in the brace range - I did not worry finding the optimum brace as I need to tune the archer first and the bow is rather silent anyway) I think it is OK (must take around 20+ twists to get to the brace).

Also I am accounting on the string creeping a little after a while till it sets up to the final length. Any idea of how much a 8125 string creeps?



Elder.

[Robin the Hood]

Elder...... the number of twists may increase but don't worry, 20 is still a small amount to some. You can tell when it gets to the point of too many twists, this will be indicated by the loops at the top and bottom not seating correctly. If you do find it stretches enough to make the twists excessive then as said before reduce the twists to a reasonable amount and see how much the string has increased by, to give an idea of the reduction to make with the new one....

Paul...

[EVC]

Originally Posted by Robin the Hood

Elder......

This is me. Given name, not a title or condition ...yet (46 but feeling like 36 )

the number of twists may increase but don't worry, 20 is still a small amount to some.

I did not count turns but yesterday I give it a few extra ones and the number now must be around 20 for a 23cm brace height. Bow shooting nicely and sight mark up 0.5cm (30m). The only caveat: I bought it green thinking it was a dark one (based on some pictures of online stores) and it is a fluorescent green that looks weird (to say the least) on a red bow.



Elder.

[Brett k]

Originally Posted by EVC

This is me. Given name, not a title or condition ...yet (46 but feeling like 36 )



I did not count turns but yesterday I give it a few extra ones and the number now must be around 20 for a 23cm brace height. Bow shooting nicely and sight mark up 0.5cm (30m). The only caveat: I bought it green thinking it was a dark one (based on some pictures of online stores) and it is a fluorescent green that looks weird (to say the least) on a red bow.



Elder.

That’s not a bad thing to have clashing colour like that, it will make you string picture very obvious. It may help in the long run, especially when shooting indoors or field.