Bowstring maker's jig

A client asked if I would make this jig, similar to other homemade or proprietary units, so that he cn make his own bowstrings and maybe supply others too.

The jig comprises two main elements, each a tee-shaped assembly of steel plates, the cross-piece capable of being swivelled 90 degrees. The two elements are mounted, and slide, on a spine of Unistrut channel as used in factory ceilings for suspending services like lights or sprinklers.

Each cross-piece carries two sturdy posts topped by dowel pins, around which string strands are wound. Plates are 75mm x 12mm section and the posts 25mm diameter, so this really is a sturdy assembly.

.Here the elements are close together for the photograph, but in practice will be some distance apart, determined by desired overall string length.

Each element has two clamping knobs, one through the pivot point, (a more refined arrangement than some varieties) and another at the tail end. The swivelling cross-piece is provided with a locking dowel at each 90 degree position.

Clamps operate on discs relieved centrally to ensure clamping occurs at the periphery for maximum effect.

A further rquirement is the ability to stretch strings to a predetermined tension, and this is achieved through a plug-in module which fits into the end of the Unistrut, and incorporates an M12 leadscrew running through engine valve-springs, and an angular contact ballrace to act as both a journal and thrust race, housed in the plug-in block body.

The module is plugged in, and the main element is slid along to allow the leadscrew to enter a threaded block below the pivot clamp.

With string attached between the far element (locked in place) and the near element (free to slide), turning the leadscrew tensions the string whilst compressing the springs. Calibration shows that 22mm compression gives 150lbs tension, a target figure shown in this position.

In practice I expect the Unistrut will be firmly fixed to a builders' board, worktop or similar.

You now know as much about making bowstrings as I do, i.e. not a lot, but YouTube videos are available which explain all. It's more involved than you might think.

Wow. Great work. That's a heap more sophisticated than the 4x2 plank and coach bolts I used as a jig back in my archery days 30 yrs ago. My only bespoke parts were two steel flats with 3 holes each, a single hole at one end of the plank and a slot at the other. Since it was for making strings just for my own bow the plank spacing was a one-off adjustment. I still managed to shoot master bowman scores. Doubtless there are other advances but my choice was between dacron or kevlar for the strings. Dacron strings had to be 'shot in' due to inherent stretch. Kevlar strings gave more cast but had to be shot limited due to a tendency to break unpredictably around the thousand shot mark. Each new string had to be charted for it's performance and sight adjustments.
Sadly I abandoned the sport after returning to it from a hospital recovery and tearing the tendons in my right fore-arm at full draw - 48lbs on my bow.

pgk

Great piece of kit, do you have any drawings for this please ?

Ah! I see, now. It wasn't until I'd read all the way through and got to pgk pgk's reply that I twigged it was for an archery bow! I'd assumed it was for making a violin bow! Silly me.

Should have read the sub-headline.

John

Edited By John Hinkley on 30/01/2023 09:37:04

Made my oiwn strings years ago, recurve strings easy to do, compound bow strings need a lot more effort.

Then you have to consider cost of string material for the different bow types and serving material.

What and how many colours will you be using, good quality string material is not cheap.

Will they be single or multiple colour strings?

Would you trust a home made string on a £1500 bow?

Seems to be a right of passage to do your own strings, most end up buying commercial made strings after the novelty has worn off.

To make pro grade strings needs more than just a string jig, it needs a fair amount of investment to cater for end user requirements AND a fair amount of knowledge/skill.

Don't let me put you off though.

been there! done that!

I used to make all my own strings. Mine were better made than commercially available ones and I could make them exactly the length, number of strands and from the material I wanted. Cheaper as well. I tried a variety of materials but always went back to FastFlite. This was many years ago so I’m not sure the current Fast Flight material is the same? When I used to make strings it was only available in white. The new stuff is available in lots of colours. My jig had alloy bars with steel rods and was on an Oak board with a routed slot.

That’s a very nice string making jig, is there any way of measuring the load you put on the string.