When making up a string for a longbow, is it a rule of thumb to make the string 3 inches shorter than the NTN length of the bow? The reason I ask is that I find that my bamboo/ wood/ bamboo tri-lams need a string to be a fair bit shorter than this to come to the required brace height.
My latest bow has a string that is 6 inches shorter to come to a 7 inch brace. It's a real bugger to string up and I have to use a stringer.
Dave.

I go 3 inch short from ntn on longbows.

I find that if I go between 5-6" shorter the brace will be like 6 1/2" anything less dont cut it.

3 inches less is a general rule of thumb and serves as a starting point, but it really depends on the design of the bow.

I made a couple of longer strings and I have to twist them a lot to get the right brace height.
Right now I have a string that's about 4 1/2 to inches shorter on it and it looks better. Easier to string up too.
I think this particular bow is part of the problem though. It draws 53# @ 28 inches, but it feels like it's 10 pounds heavier. I don't know why. I have a 52# short recurve that is easier to draw.
Dave.

QuoteOriginally posted by jsweka:
3 inches less is a general rule of thumb and serves as a starting point, but it really depends on the design of the bow.

I was measuring the string when its on the bow hanging on the rack.  
 

I just measured one bow its 62" ntn, the string is exactly 59 1/2" having a good fistmele brace.

The longest string I can use and get to brace height is 65 inches long. The bow is 69 inches NTN. I guess that's ok. It shoots well.
Dave.

Sounds like your not using a FF material

QuoteOriginally posted by Onehair:
Sounds like your not using a FF material

X2
I know Dave uses b50 cause I have a fine bow from him. FF will require a slightly longer string because of essentially zero creep. My strings are 3" shorter with minimal twist. That gives me the room I need to adjust brace.

Do you use FF Ben? How do the wood bows handle it?
Dave.