serving a bow

[choochootrain]

i want to know how how to center serve a bow

[nuts&bolts]

i want to know how how to center serve a bow

Welcome to ArcheryTalk, choochootrain:

Two methods.

You can replace the center serving while the string is on the bow.

or

You can take the bowstring off the bow,
and put the bowstring on a stretching device
and stretch the bowstring up to 300 lbs of tension (use a ratchet strap)
and then install the new center serving.

The 2nd method is the better way to do it. The 2nd method prevents the bowstring from twisting when you install the center serving.


You will need a serving tool.
You will need center serving thread.

[nuts&bolts]

Here is a picture that shows the basics.

[88 PS190]

All the major stuff has been posted, I will add, unspool enough serving to do the job, then twist it back on in the center. This will keep the tension for varying as the serving thread goes back and forth from extreme to center

[Doum]

Do you need a serving tool or it could be done without one?

[MikeK]

All the major stuff has been posted, I will add, unspool enough serving to do the job, then twist it back on in the center. This will keep the tension for varying as the serving thread goes back and forth from extreme to center

This is good advice (as I learned the hard way).

[88 PS190]

in theory it can be done without, but it would be a pain in the rear, and very hard to keep your tension consistant.

[XP35]

Unspooling and rewinding.....have not tried that. YET! Thanks.

I have reserved on the bow a couple times. I used two pieces of arrow shaft about 5" long and put nocks in the ends. I place them between the string and cables to get enough room to get the serving tool in.

[nuts&bolts]

Do you need a serving tool or it could be done without one?

Yes, you need a serving tool.
I prefer the Spigarelli.

http://www.lancasterarchery.com/shop...oducts_id=2202

[Grand River Zip]

and stretch the bowstring up to 300 lbs of tension (use a ratchet strap)

Any hints on how we know we are around 300 lbs, that must be about as tight as a typical Rachet strac can go?

I have a 100 pull scale, but nothing that big...

[88 PS190]

get a bigger scale.... Or tie a rope to 300 pounds of weight. that is hanging off a bench.

[Myk]

The 2nd method is the better way to do it. The 2nd method prevents the bowstring from twisting when you install the center serving.

I prefer to do it on the bow, often waiting until the string is on the bow when making a new string.
I used to have less twisting of the string on the bow by sticking a rod in the peep. Although I do have a gadget I made that does the same thing for on the string jig so now it's a wash for either way.

Doing it on the bow allows me to get it perfectly centered so I have plenty above (without crowding the peep) and below the nock point to avoid slippage.

[hoggin03]

What serving material do you guys prefer?

[Deezlin]

What serving material do you guys prefer?

For center serving, it depends on the type of shooting. Loop shooters with std super nocks, I would use .022 Brownell Diamondback. This serving is very tacky and holds a loop the best.

For finger shooters, I would use .022 Brownell Crown or perhaps Brownell 3D. A lot of this depends on the nock fit desired.

On think, I might added. Serving should always be applied in the direction of the string twist. Center serving should also be applied in the direction that the shooter's hand would tighten it. This is especially true for finger shooters, but I believe, it has some benefits to rope and loop shooters, too.

[MikeK]

[. . .]I used to have less twisting of the string on the bow by sticking a rod in the peep.

Cute idea, Myk!

I use a couple of large clamps, the kind used to hold potato-chip bags closed. Some fellows use hemostats.

[IChim2]

DiamondBack .22 dia.Nocks seem to work on this good..not to tight and not to loose..

[Myk]

Diamondback .022 is what I use most of for centers.

Cute idea, Myk!

I use a couple of large clamps, the kind used to hold potato-chip bags closed. Some fellows use hemostats.

That's basically what I made for my string jig, a pin vise long enough to get blocked by the beam.

I have a set of vascular hemostats in one of my tackle or tool boxes, I should try to find them and bend them out so they don't meet again. That would be quick with a minimum of bulk.

[mwaym]

This is real easy. I work with the son of a pro shop owner. One day when I was making selfbows, I need to start making my own strings. So... I go to him and ask him how to serve a string. He said he could teach me in 5 minutes......... and did. He used a vise handle and a piece of rope. I understood right off the bat with him showing me. I suggest you have someone SHOW you. Once they do, it will be soooooo simple.

[choogiem]

How do you start from the begining? I am confused on show to start should i seperate the string and run in thru or should I tie a split and tie an overhand knot and start that way? I just want to do it right the last serving I had done was not very good it did not last very long at all.
thanks
Leonard

[EPLC]

Important! Serve in the same direction as the string is twisted... Clockwise for strings that are twisted clockwise and counter-clockwise for counter-clockwise strings. If you don't, your peep will never settle down.

[Myk]

How do you start from the begining? I am confused on show to start should i seperate the string and run in thru or should I tie a split and tie an overhand knot and start that way? I just want to do it right the last serving I had done was not very good it did not last very long at all.
thanks
Leonard

Running it through is the easiest. But if you have patience you can manage the same kind of whip finish knot you start with.
I wouldn't do an overhand knot or you will have a bump. I guess it depends on how anal you are about those things.

Important! Serve in the same direction as the string is twisted... Clockwise for strings that are twisted clockwise and counter-clockwise for counter-clockwise strings. If you don't, your peep will never settle down.

You do know that "clockwise" depends on where you're looking from and which direction you are going don't you?
But "right handed twist" or "left handed twist", as in the threads on a bolt does not depend on perspective to convey what you mean. A right handed twist is always a right handed twist no matter where you are standing.

Since I put a left handed twist on the serving of my right handed twist strings and my peeps don't spin I'm thinking "same direction" is either incorrect or it doesn't matter and improper terms for this like "clockwise" allows you to think you are doing it in the "same direction" or "opposite direction" depending on which way you think is right.

[Myk]

To further explain,

If you make your strands go like,
////////////////// that is a left handed twist.
You can achieve that going counterclockwise away from you or clockwise towards you.
However calling it by the proper name of right or left handed twists whether you're looking from either end, going either direction or looking from the side (which is where most of us are when we are serving).