String making?

[wapitishooter]

Is there a secret to determining correct length of string I need to cut for a 68in bow? Ive cut 3 different lengths on my Flemish jig last one on the 72 in peg and they seem to all come up short.

[Roy from Pa]

Yup, trial and error...

Keep making them longer till ya get the right length.

How long do you start your loops? I start at 8 inches.

Those numbers on your jig are mainly reference numbers to get you close.

A lot depends on how one twists up the loops and string.

I build longbows and have my jig numbered for the measurement of the bow from string groove to string groove.

[Crooked Stic]

For a 68 in. I would figure the braced string would be 65 in. I add 16 in. to that and start my twists 8 in. from each end. Twist in the loops. Most times after a few twists the length will be about right. then it will stretch some. Like Roy said a little trail and error.

[Flem]

Sounds like you need to calibrate your jig   Like these guys said, if your happy with your loops, just keep making them longer till you get it dialed in. After I made my most recent jig, I had few strings to give away. Turns out people like free strings.

[wapitishooter]

Thanks for advice guys. I made my jig from a blueprint off ***********. until I get this figured out one end will be loop the other a timber hitch lol

[Roy from Pa]

LOL, don't feel bad.

I have many odd strings hanging in my shop...

[Pat B]

I make all my strings with a bowyers knot on the bottom. Always have. It's more traditional. 

[arachnid]

I don't use a jig. I just cut the strands longer then the bow, make the string about 3" shorter then the bow and adjust if necessary.

[Roy from Pa]

Dor, do you make the cuts all the same length or make each strand a little shorter etc.

[Wolftrail]

I don't use a jig. I just cut the strands longer then the bow, make the string about 3" shorter then the bow and adjust if necessary.

Basically same here there is always waste in anything you do no use crying over a few inches of material in the trash bin, Please..

[Roy from Pa]

Wasn't worried about waste.

A string jig makes each strand a little shorter so when twisting up the loop into the string body, it tapers in real nice.

[Flem]

I don't use a jig. I just cut the strands longer then the bow, make the string about 3" shorter then the bow and adjust if necessary.

Basically same here there is always waste in anything you do no use crying over a few inches of material in the trash bin, Please..

I don't use a jig. I just cut the strands longer then the bow, make the string about 3" shorter then the bow and adjust if necessary.

He's using a Flem-ish jig. My personal favorite

[monterey]

You can cut each bundle all the same length and then just offset each strand an equal amount.  That's how I did it when in camp and didn't have a jig.  The string was as nice as any that I make but that ain't saying much.

[Roy from Pa]

Yup Mike, I can see that working.