Bow String Maintenance

[ET]

In the past I tried to redo the serving on a bowstring and always had it come apart.
With this short video on You Tube I now know one way to properly do it.

il.youtube.com/watch?v=2MfjJtX-8pA&feature=related

Often I’m amazed at what can be found with the use of a computer.




Ed

[dougedwards]

I am going to try to do that although I don't have the jig or the cable spreaders. I am honestly not sure why you would serve the part of the string if you are adding a D-loop though

Doug

[dougedwards]

Strike that last statement. All of my bows have serving for the D-loop. The serving is the same color as the string on one of my bows.

Doug

[ET]

Doug

You had me perplexed for a bit.

The only real tool I need to make is a cable spreader and that’s easy enough to make. Piece of 6” plastic bar stock, drill two holes one at each end and cut out notch into holes. For division spreading the bowstring I would take some tension off the bowstring with my portable press so as not to damage any strands of strings. Once serving is fed through bowstring I’d just release the bow press and wind away.

One tool you will need is a serving tool. I have 2 so it’s a matter of choice for me.

I noticed he did it in the vertical position but I imagine the horizontal position would do it as well. Not knowing which position might be best I am modifying my current bow support bracket to do both. It is almost complete and functions nicely. Wish I’d listened to Harley when he mentioned it and it would have been now finished instead of doing it later. Live and learn.
But that’s another thread when I get the detailing done.

Ed

[Harley]

Ed, I think the horizontal position is easier to view and control, but it's not rocket science. The most important thing is to get the serving tight enough that it doesn't spread, leaving the string visible.

What type serving will you use? Will you first be sure that the finished string/serving diameter is correct for your nocks, or will you worry about that, later?

As always, I look forward to the treat of seeing the latest tool you produce.

Harley

[ET]

Harley

Thanks for your kind words and interest.

The bow holder or support bracket was simple to modify to allow horizontal and vertical adjustments. No welding just bolted together, even to my reloading bench. When I get the right sized screws installed and do a little corner notching I will post some pics on a new thread.

My bowstring-building jig is almost complete and plan to build some practice strings with cheap materials. I hope to get the right diameter serving to avoid having to adjust the knocks for fit. My research so far has me leaning to Angel Majesty for center serving. Pricey but supposedly one of the most durable from what I read. It comes in 3-diameter sizes.

I would love to build new strings and cables for my bow this winter. Should keep me out of trouble and satisfy my tinker blood. ;D
My choice for string will be BCY Trophy Bowstring.


Ed

[tasaman]

To answer a question that came up about why serve a bowstring that has a D loop. Well there are two reasons. First is the arrow nock will not fit right on a string without the serving. Second is for abrasion resistance. If you have ever whacked your arm, sleeve on a jacket or anything else you know that the area right in the middle of the string sees the most abuse. Don't mean to step on your thread Ed I just wanted to pass that along.
Ed #2

[ET]

Aug 21, 2010 3:40:46 GMT -5 tasaman said:

To answer a question that came up about why serve a bowstring that has a D loop. Well there are two reasons. First is the arrow nock will not fit right on a string without the serving. Second is for abrasion resistance. If you have ever whacked your arm, sleeve on a jacket or anything else you know that the area right in the middle of the string sees the most abuse. Don't mean to step on your thread Ed I just wanted to pass that along.
Ed #2

Tasaman

Anyone is welcomed to add info on any thread I start and never see it as stepping on my thread.

Thanks for your input.


Ed

[deadeye]

if you want a simpler way of serving & it can even be done in the field if neccessary. start of serving-slip approx 1 1/1'' through the string,tie one knot lightly pull the 1 1/2 down & serve over it/// finishing at the end of your serve- cut another peice of serving approx 1 foot in length,fold in half forming a loop, lay loop on string.continue serving approx 7-8 times around,then feed your serve through the loop,pull 2 loose ends pulling the loop through where you just wrapped & pull tight & cut. very simple.horizontal is much easier imo

[Dave W]

Aug 21, 2010 8:23:50 GMT -5 deadeye said:

if you want a simpler way of serving & it can even be done in the field if neccessary. start of serving-slip approx 1 1/1'' through the string,tie one knot lightly pull the 1 1/2 down & serve over it/// finishing at the end of your serve- cut another peice of serving approx 1 foot in length,fold in half forming a loop, lay loop on string.continue serving approx 7-8 times around,then feed your serve through the loop,pull 2 loose ends pulling the loop through where you just wrapped & pull tight & cut. very simple.horizontal is much easier imo

I have served both ways and agree with Deadeye, his method is easier.

Did you ever shoot in the IBO Triple Crown Deadeye?

[deadeye]

no on the ibo, i did get asked to shoot pro a couple of times,just not my cup of tea i am a hunter first who just happens to compete withhimself & enjoys taking interested learners to a much higher level. i displayed this for easiestness which i never had one come loose but i carry a little fastflight in the mountains approx 10 miles deep & if needed i could whittle up an inch or so & save the day.