Bow string selection

[Springbuck]

I have never had B55 stretch like that. 1.5" seems like a heckovalot.

I do plan on them settling in a bunch, and I make strings just shy of an inch short on purpose.  Then I stretch them on a bow by putting the handle on the floor and leaning some extra weight on the tips.

[osage outlaw]

Whenever I make a string I stretch it over night on this jig.  Doesn't matter if its D97, FF, endless loop, or flemish.  They all get stretched until the metal brackets start to bend.  Its more tension than when they are on a bow.  I wax the string heavily and rub it with a leather pad while its on the jig.  When I string a bow for the first time with one it doesn't stretch at all.

[BrokenArrow]

Could you post a picture of your jig you use to stretch the string?

[osage outlaw]

That's it in the picture.  I only make flemish twist strings now.  I'll make a double loop string and put it on the jig pictured above.  Then I'll tighten the nuts on the bolt hooks to stretch it out until the brackets start to bend a little.

[JoJoDapyro]

Do you mean over twisting as you're making the string or when you're adjusting the length?

Either way. Mostly as you are making them though. When I make them I go 3 twists per inch, or less.

[Marc St Louis]

I have made a recurved osage orange 60 inch unbacked bow and made a flemish twist string (16 strands) using B55.
The string stretches over 2 1/4 inches when I can muscle it on to the blow with enormous effort.
What would you suggest I use with a homemade bow like this as it is 50# at 24 inches.
I notice the typical dacron 16 strand I bought from 3 Rivers stretches 1 1/4 inches and is easier to put on the bow.

Suggestions with reasons please:)

If your string stretches more than 2" and the store bought one only 1 1/2" then it is a given that you are doing something wrong

[bushboy]

I use ff for all my strings now.9 strand dose the job for a 60 lb bow, no failures!over twisting a string will lead to a shorter life as it will break down rapidly!