String length

[DC]

On an average length string say 60-64" how much do you think you can vary the length by twisting or untwisting?

[PatM]

How much can you or how much should you?

[upstatenybowyer]

How much can you or how much should you?

How much should you? I figure when the twisting results in the string starting to bunch up it's too much.

[PatM]

Just enough twists to hold the loops from slipping is ideal. Beyond that you start turning the string into a spring.

[bushboy]

I think minimal twists are best for longevity.my fastflite strings stretch about 1" after broken in.

[DC]

I'm wondering how close to the proper length you have to be when you make the string.

[Ryan Jacob]

Not sure if it’s just me being lazy but wouldn’t it just be easier to make 1 loop then tie a knot on the other end? In my little experience, keep the twist between 30 to 60 degrees.

[Del the cat]

If you are making continuous loop strings it is simple to get them perfect length.
Make an extra long "trial" string, adjust it's length by threading it round and round through a loop of metal (an old bearing will do) this will give coarse adjustment, use twist to give fine adjustment to get the correct brace height. Use this trial string to set your jig for the correct length.
Use a good quality low stretch material (I use Astro flite, base on cost/performance)
The one in the pic is a bit of Ali' that I turned on the lathe, but any metal ring will do.
This also makes a very handy adjustable "long string" for tillering.
Del
PS. Don't shoot using that string, the metal ring will dent the belly of the bow (so a friend tells me )

[Marc St Louis]

Good idea Del especially when trying to use a bowyers knot when making a heavy bow

[Del the cat]

Good idea Del especially when trying to use a bowyers knot when making a heavy bow

I should christen it Del's ring of confidence .... remember that ad? 
Del

[FilipT]

Anyone know why is flemish string stretching? I made my first yesterday, from Spectra fishing braid and despite labeled as no creep and stretch, 70# breaking strength, it stretches when I tiller my current heavy bow.

[BowEd]

Very nifty Del.I like it.

[Del the cat]

Anyone know why is flemish string stretching? I made my first yesterday, from Spectra fishing braid and despite labeled as no creep and stretch, 70# breaking strength, it stretches when I tiller my current heavy bow.

I'd guess the clue is in the name, it's fishing braid not a bow string material.
I try to use the same material all the time, that way I'll get consistent repeatable results when making strings to length.
Mind all strings stretch a bit, but with heavy bows you need decent material else it becomes almost impossible to brace them.
Del

[FilipT]

This spectra power pro fishing braid has been marketed as near zero stretch and creep. It shouldn't stretch at all.

[bradsmith2010]

I use a timber hitch on the bottom,, and try not to twist the string that much,, sometimes I have to put super glue on the timber hitch to keep it from slipping,,