help.

Hello, Everyone!
As you can see, I'm new but I need help in replacing my bow string.It's a 16th century crossbow reproduction with an 80 pound pull. Can someone help me?

Welcome, are you looking for a replacement string or how to install a new string?

Todd

If your wondering about stringing a crossbow. There seem to be two main ways of doing. one is to use what is called a "bastard string". Similiar to a bow stringer for a long bow. It would be a thin rope with leather cups at the end. This is used to pull the prod so the sting can be pulled over the other end. (this is assuming the sting is already looped on one side)

The other involves bending the prod by putting one end on the ground, the butt of the bow in your stomach and pulling the other end down by hand. It is sometimes refered to as "the hard way"

For better descriptions and pictures download Iolo's First Book of Crossbows from here: http://www.crossbows.net/ifboc.php the stringing information is towards the end but I would highly recomend reading the entire thing. Its not that long and really informative.

Thanks Tom for the help in string the crossbow. I also need help in finding a bowstring preferably sinew.Can someone direct me?

lyonsmayne wrote:Thanks Tom for the help in string the crossbow. I also need help in finding a bowstring preferably sinew.Can someone direct me?

Making bowstrings is not especially hard, so you could try making the string yourself. There are pretty thorough instruction here:

http://users.utu.fi/sjsepp/paja/making_bowstrings/making_bowstrings.html

There are also other good howto's on the net. For some reason "back
serving bowstring" on Google gave good results. Talking of back serving
- I suggest using that instead of the tying method described my page
(link above). I have not yet had time to update the page with new
information. Meanwhile, back serving is described here:

http://paleoplanet69529.yuku.com/topic/6234

I don't think sinew thread (or sinew bowstrings) is available anywhere commercially. Also, sinew also stretches a lot (~10%) and is heavy for it's strength. Not sure about the qualities of synthetic sinew. I suggest training with Dacron - it's strong enough, cheap and easily available. Linen is better choice if you want to avoid synthetic fibers. Bookbinders thread linen thread is a very good choice and is available at least from here:

http://apps.webcreate.com/ecom/catalog/product_specific.cfm?ClientID=15&ProductID=18576

Hope this helps,

Basileus