string making questions

[M P Clark]

So I'm in the process of finishing my endless loop jig and have a few questions concerning string construction.  I can get ultra cam locally and was planning on using it for the strings.

1) What are the recommended strand counts? I've seen as low as 8 for a #50 bow.

2) Can someone explain the purpose of padding the string loops as well as how to go about doing it?

3) Whats the recommendation for building up the center serving? I figure the string is going to be pretty skinny.

Thanks guys and gals

[macbow]

Padding the string loops is to make them thicker so as not to harm the string grooves.
It 's simply adding extra strands before serving and making the loops. It 's a little tricky holding them in place to start. Leave them long and trim after.

On the serving you can do the same or double serve to get a thickness that will fit tour arrow nocks.

[M P Clark]

Thanks mac.

Do you use the same material for padding, or could I use some of the B50 I have?

[karrow]

you can use the same material as the rest of the string or you can use a different material. i would use b-50

[L82HUNT]

When I made strings and sold them I used ultracam for a few years.   I always preferred 10 strand if on a hunting bow where it's being drug thru the woods
 On the endless you can double serve the endloops with whatever material you where going to use.  Then you don't have to pad them with string material
 10 strands of ultra cam.  Double served needs .018 then .021 to make a good nock fit on most arrows.  Or you can use Teflon tape IMO it works better is quicker and easier.  It will take two 6.5" pieces.  Put one on at a time length wise and roll it on then repeat with the second.  Round it out a little with your fingers.   Then use .022-.26 and adjust tension on the server to give good nock fit

[macbow]

Good info on the Teflon tape. Never heardofputting it under the serving.