Linen Bowstring

[stovie]

With many thanks to Toddy for supplying the materials, below is a picture of a 7 ply double twist linen bowstring with end loop served with knox linen thread. The string is beeswaxed after twisting, and the serving thread lightly waxed before applying. The loop end is spliced into the string and twisted before whipping. I will post another picture when i have completed the centre serving, but being at work means I don't have a bow with me

Will be trying it out in anger over the weekend and will report back on its performance...

 

[C_Claycomb]

So 14 ply overall? I it me, or are some bits lots looser twisted than others?


Looking forward to hearing how you get on with it.

 

[stovie]

Although not perfect, It seems to be fairly even under tension Chris. It's possibly just the way it's curled.

Am i right in thinking that too much twist reduces the strings efficiency?

 

[yarrow]

Looking good Stovie. Bows, arrows, strings, bet you make a quiver before long (unless you already have) Love your work, am going to have to get my head around these strings myself before long, nearly finished tillering my latest creation

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[wingstoo]

Stovie, where did Toddy get the raw material from to create the individual strands, It looks like an interesting project to try out. Would it be suitable for use with a high powered cross-bow? or is it best just for ordinary bows.

LS

 

[Toddy]

I bought the 7 ply cord from a retailer who was clearing out the last of his Barbour Campbell stock. Since Coats shifted their linen thread production to India there'll be no more of that quality available.
Our best hope now is some of the East European countries. I've been buying threads from the old E. Germany and Poland recently.
Normally I spin my own linen thread; Shadow57 posted a good, clear tutorial on how to grow and process the flax.

Cheers,
Toddy

 

[wingstoo]

Thanks Toddy, I will have to look that one up.

LS

 

[stovie]

Held up well over the weekend. No signs of deterioration. Well waxed so no problems with the damp early morning rise...