Flemish String jig plans

Davy Tee

New member
Hi all I'm looking for decent links on building my own Jig
Looked at you tube but most seem to be ones already made I need dimensions etc
Anyone recommend a good link or two
Thanks
 

geoffretired

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Berny, am I right in thinking that the pegs running up the centre( where the string zig zags,) are a way to shorten the board so that it is easier to manage, rather than doing something special to the strands that would otherwise not happen?
 

Berny

Active member
Berny, am I right in thinking that the pegs running up the centre( where the string zig zags,) are a way to shorten the board so that it is easier to manage, rather than doing something special to the strands that would otherwise not happen?
Yep! only 1 hole/peg in centre used to set desired length of string, like being the mid-point of a W ....
 

geoffretired

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Thanks for that,Berny.
Looking at how the string is wound round, I can't guess what the scales down the two sides are for. The two scales I have seen on other boards, that is. Are they for something very different?
 

Berny

Active member
Thanks for that,Berny.
Looking at how the string is wound round, I can't guess what the scales down the two sides are for. The two scales I have seen on other boards, that is. Are they for something very different?
On my board they are just for measuring finished string length, using the 3 outer corner pins.
Along the bottom you'll see L->R 0/58 .... 29, so by using 0 & looping around 29 can check up to 58"
& along the top L->R 58 .... , so by using 0, looping around 29 & diagonally across to the top 58" can check up to 76" & beyond.
Like in this picture:

where i think it was a 60.75" string for a 62" Hex6/7 limbed bow (Black Douglas/Covert Hunter).
 

geoffretired

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Heehee, yes, that makes sense now. I thought it was for something exotic and specialised. It's a folded up ruler, then; but with no folds!!
 

Rik

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Heehee, yes, that makes sense now. I thought it was for something exotic and specialised. It's a folded up ruler, then; but with no folds!!
Oh yes. They are measuring jigs really. For the making part, you only really need two nails through a board.
 

geoffretired

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Hi Rik, Just two nails? Does that mean you get the nails the right distance apart for the string you want? Wind round the strands, cut them, stagger the ends, and get on with twisting?
So the ultra complex ones are for professors who play cribbage between winding on?
 

Rik

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Hi Rik, Just two nails? Does that mean you get the nails the right distance apart for the string you want? Wind round the strands, cut them, stagger the ends, and get on with twisting?
So the ultra complex ones are for professors who play cribbage between winding on?
Ah yes. You just wind the strands on a normal jig for measuring then use the two nails for the twisting/braiding. The complicated versions let you measure and stagger the strand ends at the same time, and are labelled with lengths. But the making won't be any different.
 

Valkamai

Member
Ah yes. You just wind the strands on a normal jig for measuring then use the two nails for the twisting/braiding. The complicated versions let you measure and stagger the strand ends at the same time, and are labelled with lengths. But the making won't be any different.
So you are using two "jigs' for a Flemish string ?

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Rik

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So you are using two "jigs' for a Flemish string ?

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In effect yes. One I already had, one which took 5 minutes to make.
I would empthasize that it's not as convenient as a measuring jig (in particular figuring out the length to set the string jig).
I tried making a string without the two nail jig. It's not so easy. Something as simple as two nails through a board makes a huge difference to making a laid in string.
 

dgmultimedia

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I have just uploaded the PDF I used for my jig - pattern includes dimensions and text explaining how it's used.
its in "utilities" section of the download library.

Click Here
 

geoffretired

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Rik you say wind on using a normal jig, then use the two nails board for twisting.
But my normal jig is two nails.
 

Rik

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Rik you say wind on using a normal jig, then use the two nails board for twisting.
But my normal jig is two nails.
Yes, but the ones I used are are a few cm apart, rather than metres...

I'm no expert with laid in strings - I'm using my first one. I've been making endless strings for 20ish years, though. I was pleasantly surprised by how straightforward a flemish twist is. A few gotchas, certainly (I won't forget that brrrr as a string unravels under tension, in a hurry). But that moment of revelation about "so that's how they make a rope" was fun.
 

geoffretired

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Ah yes, I see that, but mine is literally just two nails. It is very portable so it is easier when travelling to do demonstration string making sessions around the county at different clubs. I just find a table or use the floor and hammer in the nails at the required distance apart.

A few gotchas, certainly (I won't forget that brrrr as a string unravels under tension, in a hurry). But that moment of revelation about "so that's how they make a rope" was fun.
Seriously, I appreciate the fun to be had from learning a new skill. It has to be done for yourself before you really "know" what it's all about.
I found a book on plaiting leather belts using just the single piece of the belt and no cutting and joining separate lengths. One minute it's a mess and next minute it is finished and looks so complicated and neat. It is a lovely feeling.
I am still confused by the Flemish string; twisting of the loops at the end. I see how it's done and can manage it OK, what keeps jumping into my head is the splicing I have seen on ship's ropes. I thought that is how the end loops would be made on a Flemish string.
 
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