Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => HowTo's and Build-a-longs => Topic started by: Roger on December 15, 2006, 09:16:22 pm

Title: Installing Fur String Silencers
Post by: Roger on December 15, 2006, 09:16:22 pm
Thought some of the new bowyers might like to see this.

Installing Fur String Silencers

Using fur strips from an animal has been used to dampen the “twang” of bow strings for hundreds of years. It is a perfect natural material that if chosen correctly sheds water, doesn’t collect burrs in the field & looks primitive and attractive on any self or backed bow. Fur from Mink, Beaver, Muskrat and a variety of other mammals works well due to their ability to shed water.
You will need the following:
1)   A suitable amount of fur to cut strips
2)   A razor knife
3)   Scissors (optional)
Begin by taking the razor knife and cutting a strip or strips from your fur. For best results cut along the “lay” of the hair from the skin side. Cut the fur suspended in your hands if possible to keep from cutting the hair. Do not use the scissors or you will also cut the hair.

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y215/Sparky59/fur1.jpg)
 

Take your strip and taper the last little bit on the end. It should be about 3” long.  You can find the harmonic location by having someone hold the bow at a distance from you and pluck the string. Where the oscillations converge is the ideal place to put them. Unstring the bow and untwist  a little section of the string just big enough to stick the tag end of the fur strip into and twist it back.

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y215/Sparky59/fur3.jpg)


Carefully note the rotation of the twist when putting in the strip. You want to wind the strip in the direction of the string twist. Wind the strip as tightly as you can butting the edges together as you go.

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y215/Sparky59/fur2.jpg)

Continue winding until you have just enough of the strip left to once again unwind a bit of the twist and insert the end of the strip. Rewind the string to tighten around the strip. You have just completed  your first all natural fur string silencers. If you feel the fur is to long, you can trim it back with the scissors.

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y215/Sparky59/fur4.jpg)

Hope this helps someone...

R
 

Title: Re: Installing Fur String Silencers
Post by: Coo-wah-chobee on December 15, 2006, 10:48:18 pm
HARMONIC LOCATIONS ! WOW---too much for a southern boy to think about!!~!! HA-HA-Ha- great post ther Rog--bob
Title: Re: Installing Fur String Silencers
Post by: Roger on December 16, 2006, 12:53:31 am
Thanks Bob...may sound techie but it ain't...otherwise this redneck couldn't do it...LOL

R
Title: Re: Installing Fur String Silencers
Post by: George Tsoukalas on December 16, 2006, 10:14:09 am
Roger, I like  that harmonic thingy. Well done. Jawge
Title: Re: Installing Fur String Silencers
Post by: Roger on December 16, 2006, 07:54:43 pm
Thanks Jawge...it really does work...LOL

R
Title: Re: Installing Fur String Silencers
Post by: DanaM on December 18, 2007, 03:10:37 pm
ttt
Title: Re: Installing Fur String Silencers
Post by: jermcramp1 on May 01, 2012, 12:41:10 am
bump
Title: Re: Installing Fur String Silencers
Post by: karaterick on March 25, 2013, 10:08:58 am

Glad this was posted! I know it's a simple thing, but for us new guys it's a great help. Just what I was looking for!
Title: Re: Installing Fur String Silencers
Post by: Barefoot_Jake on March 25, 2013, 11:53:23 pm
So this only works on Flemish bow strings correct?
Title: Re: Installing Fur String Silencers
Post by: JEB on March 30, 2013, 08:45:18 am
Great tutorial.  Started using fur last year.  I like the way it works and the primitive look it gives.

Went to a traditional archery show this winter and a woman was selling clothes and she had three mink fur collars for $5.00 each.  We scooped them up real quick.

You can use fur with endless loop strings also if you twist the string up to adjust your brace height.  As mentioned apply the fur the same direction of the twist.
Title: Re: Installing Fur String Silencers
Post by: Dan K on April 07, 2013, 02:07:11 pm
Thanks Roger,
This is exactly what I needed.  Perfect timing!

Cheers!