My first attempt at serving: Please critique

[Benny Nganabbarru]

The serving on the string that came with my new Howard Hill longbow soon came undone (it was loose, and some observed that it was situated too far up the string).

I ordered some string-making gear, including the serving gear, and today I bumbled and fumbled my way to re-serve the string (I've been shooting with a wonderful string made by American Graham Bunting that I won on the TradGang St. Jude's auction). As I started, trying to follow the instructions, it remained a mystery as to how to control the jig; hence, the start is quite despicable. As I went on, I learned how to keep the jig tight. My ending, however, is also quite a blob. I also believe I got a bit carried away, and served nearly eleven inches. And further, once it was all done, I think I was serving in the opposite direction to the twist in the string, and I recall something about this, too, but can't remember the specifics.

I put a dab of Loctite 406 on the finishing end.

The serving is Brownell No. 4.

Please, if you could, make a few comments for my further education.

Thank you!

Ben




The bottom-end of the serving (the finishing).


The top-end of the serving (the start).

[piggy]

Mate looks good, the more you do the more you will improve, well done

[Nephew]

Mate, you'd laugh your bum off if you'd seen my first, and so far last, attempt to apply serving! Ask Grahame A. He showed me how to make a string one day, and I'm still kinda nervous about shooting with it, so sad was my attempt!
If you approach the task with the same enthusiasm you seem to approach life with you'll be fine at it Ben.

[Benny Nganabbarru]

Thanks fellows!

I took my re-served string (and the bow) out into the back yard to smack the pet pig around. The poor pet pig experienced her first major blow-out!

[Stickbow Hunter]

You will get better at it with time. Where you finished your serving isn't the best IMO. It appears to me that the serving was too lose and bunched up on you as you pulled the stand back under the others. How did you do that Ben, buy using the seperate piece of string method or using the serving to serve back over itself - I prefer the latter method. Also, there should be no need whatsoever to apply any type of glue to the ends of the serving if done properly.

Jeff

[Benny Nganabbarru]

Thanks, Jeff. Yep, I used the seperate piece of string method. Next time I'll try the other method. I watched a DVD where a fellow did that other one you mentioned, but then I followed the instructions that came with my jig. Those instructions also mentioned putting a drop of glue on, whereas in the DVD it wasn't required. What about the direction of serving, Jeff?

[Stickbow Hunter]

What about the direction of serving,

Doesn't make any difference IMO.

Jeff

[Benny Nganabbarru]

Cool. Thanks, Jeff.

[Gringa Bows]

i think you did a very good job for your first attempt Ben................Rod

[nimrod]

mate thats better than my attempts one of the best instructions i have seen were on Doug Besherse website pretty good clear pics thats the way I am using now cheers

[clinton miller]

hey mate, i'll hopefully be in katherine next weekend. i'll give you a demo. i've got endless strings to make for my own bow so there will be lots of serving going on. got to tune my bow too. just changed to D97 from B50 and a new lowered shelf. hopefully i can get it tuned for the donkeys.

i can show you both ways of finishing the serving and you can decide for yourself which one you prefer. i can show you how to make an endless too if you like.

[Benny Nganabbarru]

Cool, Clint! Looking forward to it!