Dacron b50 bowstring making

[Chris Grimbowyer]

Hey guys I have been making flemish twist strings with some dacron I bought on 3 rivers. (pre waxed). Can anyone tell me what the breaking strength of each strand is? I have just been making them out of 4 strands of each color so 8. All of my bows are less than 60 pounds so I think I am overkilling with the string.

[SEMO_HUNTER]

The problem with that is the serving. Anything less than 12 strands and I have a hard time serving the string to where the nock will stay on the string. Hope that makes sense.

[SEMO_HUNTER]

What I meant was the fewer the strands, the smaller the serving. Less mass at the serving so the arrow nock will not want to "pinch" the serving.

[Chris Grimbowyer]

I never serve my strings I like em with just a flemish twist. I do like mine the thickness they are (8 strands of b50) because I noticed my arrows all lach onto it juuussst right.

[Dick in Seattle]

I don't remember the pounds per strand figure, though it was given to me way back, but I do know that it worked out that up to 50# 12 strands was recommended (two bundles of six) and that's what I've used ever since.   This works out well for me in terms of nocks, too.   One round of serving works fine for the nocks I use on the lighter arrows I shoot most.  When I occasionally shoot heavier arrows with larger nocks, I just pad it with a small serving of dental floss.   I finished a 55# bow yesterday and made a string for it and used 14 strands.   Once caution... when I increase the number of strands, it changes my jig setting.  I have to move the peg as if making the string one inch longer.  Guess twisting the thicker string changes the equation.  You'll likely run into this if you go from 8 to 12.

[Chris Grimbowyer]

Oops my bad. I should have said mine are 16 strands in tottal. I use a homemade jig that is very simple. It is just 72 inches apart bolts that I wrap each color around four tipes and then snip what is on each side of the bolt, then I twist them togeather. Sorry I got confused and made it sound like I had half the srength bow string. Thanx for your help tho guys. For my most of my bows I will do 12-14 strands from now on to preserve string.

[Bent Rig]

20-30lbs =  8 strands
30-35lbs = 10 strands
35-45lbs = 12 strands
45-55lbs = 14 strands
55-80lbs = 16 strands

[frank bullitt]

B50, Brownell brand, was said years ago to have a breaking, tensile strength of around 45lbs.

By this, 8 strand would suffice, but the issue than becomes the "shock" strength, and stetch!

I would suggest 12 strands, but if your happy 8, that works! Being that your making your own, you can keep an eye on it, and fix any issues, as needed.

Dick is right about the adjustment for different diameter strings. I have said this before to folks who want to try making "skinny" ones. It's like the ratios of gears. Your measurents will change.

[Sal]

Dick is about spot on on the number of strands.  I use 10 strands up to 40#, 12 up to 50# and 14 up to 60#

You're using 16 strands which is enough for bows over 70#, nothing wrong with a little overkill.

I have no issues with nock fittings, I don't depend on the "snap" action of the nocks.  Must be from years of preferring selfnocks.

[NYArrow]

Great post. Excellent timing for me. I just ordered material to start making my own. I'll use this thread as a reference.

[nr]

on the tag with the brownell b36 string, it states it is 36 pound strength. i thought b-50 was 50# per strand. i don't have any b-50 to check tho.

[Sal]

nr, you have some b36?  How old is that stuff?  It must be from the 60's.

[PEARL DRUMS]

I strongly suggest serving your string. Its done for one reason......mostly. Thats to protect the string each time it slaps your arm, coat or whatever else, hence the 8" length. You dont want those bundles getting damagaed and breaking mid point..............ouch........

[Chris Grimbowyer]

I have bought expensive strings before and either way the servings allways start unwrapping on me at somepoint.