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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: scott myers on February 10, 2019, 12:21:32 PM

Title: String jigs
Post by: scott myers on February 10, 2019, 12:21:32 PM
I need some suggestions on what to get or what to make for a string jig.  I've always bought them from string makers but I'd like to make my own.  Does it matter on Flemish or endless loop?  I've shot plenty of each over the years and both seem to be fine.  Any suggestion would be appreciated.

Scott
Title: Re: String jigs
Post by: Pat B on February 10, 2019, 12:28:43 PM
You can probably get a "how to" build along from You Tube. Flemish string jig won't work for endless strings but endless string jig could work for a Flemish string. Two nails in your workbench could work for either.
Title: Re: String jigs
Post by: Wolftrail on February 10, 2019, 12:31:22 PM
Just google this "flemish & endless loop string jigs"  you will get tons of results.  I built a flemish jig from a scarp board with some finishing nails.   I prefer flemish and have done some field tests and noticed that    Flemish is quieter.  Endless loop is quicker to make.   Or what Pat B says,  the Videos are great. .. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: String jigs
Post by: scott myers on February 10, 2019, 01:55:44 PM
Awesome!!!!  Thanks for the info
Title: Re: String jigs
Post by: Shredd on February 10, 2019, 02:05:28 PM
Here is the Jig that I built...  It works great...  I would make the uprights about an inch or two higher for more clearance...

http://www.tradgang.com/tgsmf/index.php?topic=156672.msg2791908#msg2791908
Title: Re: String jigs
Post by: scott myers on February 10, 2019, 02:08:39 PM
That looks pretty slick.
Title: Re: String jigs
Post by: OkKeith on February 10, 2019, 10:06:08 PM
Scott-

I started making Flemish twist strings and have always been happy with their performance. I like the two tone look. You could start a fight asking if an endless is better than a Flemish or vise versa... I don't think there is much difference when materials are equal (like B50). You begin getting into the high performance materials like the Fast Flight stuff, I think an endless shoots a little better, but that's just me.

I have made both FT and Endless. I find the Flemish easier to make (takes less room to build and the jig is much smaller). I use mostly B50 so that suits me. I also don't like doing a lot of serving so again, I prefer the Flemish.

Either way its fun to make your own strings. Kinda in the same vein of tying your own flies.

OkKeith
Title: Re: String jigs
Post by: scott myers on February 10, 2019, 11:38:18 PM
I've been running D97 the last couple years.  I was wanting to start making something like what I have been using.  I never cared if it was Flemish or endless.  Whatever shot and tuned the best was what I went with but I have heard folks like to debate that topic.  I was just more curious if one was easier or better to build than the other and why.
Title: Re: String jigs
Post by: OkKeith on February 11, 2019, 01:39:57 AM
Scott-

My Flemish jig is about two feet long and easy to store out of the way. Once the strands are cut I can sit in a shop chair and twist up the string. On big trips I can take it with me (along with a couple spools of material) and can whip up new strings if any hunting partners or I need one. The endless jig takes up a lot of space on the work bench and is not very portable.

Just my take ...
OkKeith
Title: Re: String jigs
Post by: Eric Krewson on February 11, 2019, 09:05:53 AM
I put feet on my string jig so I can sit in a chair and hold the jig firmly in my lap.

Title: Re: String jigs
Post by: OkKeith on February 11, 2019, 09:44:49 PM
Hey Eric... that's nifty!

I might need to figure out how to put something like that on mine which are removable.

OkKeith