Flemish String YouTube Clip

[D.A. Davis]

Someone once posted a YouTube video clip where a guy was showing how to freehand flemish strings without a string jig.  I made my first string after watching it. I would like to find it for future reference.

[Roy from Pa]

Go to youtube.com and do a search.

[D.A. Davis]

I have searched YouTube.  There are several videos that come up, but not the one I'm looking for.

[matts2]

Was it this one

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXaUxSqu63o

[CaptainJ]

Maybe this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4Hzh_LjUYE&feature=related


CJ

[D.A. Davis]

No, it's not either of those, but I finally found it.  Here it is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCPBfWi5gFw  

Thanks guys.

D.A.

[SEMO_HUNTER]

The problem I see with that video is that he cut all his strands the same length and didn't stagger them. If the ends aren't cut 1/2" shorter than the next your gonna end up with a big lump at the end of your braid and it won't be a smooth transition into itself. That makes the braid more prone to slip and eventually unravel itself.
Using the board jig will stagger those ends for you when you start laying out the bundles.

To each his own I guess?

[D.A. Davis]

I made one this way last summer and there was no lump at the end.  The string was smooth all the way thru.  And, I used a board jig on my first string, and even though they are idiot proof, it came out way too short.  I guess I'm too much of an idiot.

[Grey Taylor]

The only thing a Flemish string board does is help you measure the strings without walking up and down your workbench between two nails. It's for convenience's sake alone.
String boards can be set up in different ways. Is the center measuring peg set up for finished string length, AMO length, bow length...? If you don't know, or if it is inaccurate, then you can get results different than what you expect.
The boards do help stagger the strings so you get a taper but that's only for looks, it doesn't add to the function of the string. It's pretty easy to do that if the strings are cut in another manner anyway.
Personally, I like the compact board I use. It reminds me of the good friend and mentor who gave it to me and I can sit in one spot to measure out my strings. But if I don't have a board handy it's sure not going to stop me from making a string.

Guy