Best Bowstring for Beginners? Flemish Twist Single Loop for a Longbow. How to make a bowstring.
Best Bowstring for Beginners? Flemish Twist Single Loop for a longbow. How to make a bowstring.
USA Merch https://teespring.com/stores/lone-archer-store
UK Merch https://teespring.com/stores/lone-archer-store-uk
Although I am a novice in all things archery, people ask me many questions. Jasper asked if I could show him how to make a bowstring. So I demonstrate the simplest method I know - a single loop Flemish twist. I use Dacron B (Amazon link below) to make my two-ply 16 strand bowstring to be fitted to an 86lb triple laminate longbow (with a bowyer's knot plus a stopper knot to avoid it slipping). I like to make my strings so that I can use them as tillering strings or use them on bows of similar weights and lengths so I make it a generous length cutting the strands 20 inches longer than the nock to nock length of the bow. I use a bowyer's knot to secure the string to one of the knocks, the loop sliding up the bow limb and slid over the other knock when braced. I complete the string and brace the bow, allowing the string stretch before serving. I do not serve the string - but if anyone would like me to demonstrate serving a bowstring then please leave a comment to that effect.
Typical bundle sizes for different bow weights when using Dacron B50.
20-30# - 8 strand
25-35# - 10 strand
35-45# - 12 strand
45-55# - 14 strand
55-80# - 16 strand
I demonstrate a very simple single loop Flemish twist that needs no jig; it has two-ply loop at one end, a twisted tail and the body of the string is simply waxed and twisted . But it is possible to refine this string by adding a second loop which is preferred for bows above 70/80lbs - Dacron is a slippy material and the bowyer's knot will slip on heavy bows - hence making a second loop which is more secure than a bowyer's knot. The loop ends can be tapered by using a jig that enables the strands in each bundle to be cut at different lengths giving a nice, even taper on the tail of the loop(s).
Dacron B50 (Brown) https://amzn.to/2sLC5JQ
Fast Flight bow string material suitable for higher draw weight bows https://amzn.to/2LADbz9
Thanks for watching.
Subscribe here:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_zw4hK5YIIcE59-iymfxg
Connect here: https://twitter.com/AMGREDFOXWOOD
And here: https://www.facebook.com/redfoxwood/
And here: https://www.instagram.com/mickgrewcock/
Sidewalk by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/
#mickgrewcock #longbow #warbow