Steel cable for string?

by kenh Tue Aug 14, 2012 6:42 pm

kenh: Crossbow Junkie
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Post n°1

Steel cable for string?

by kenh Tue Aug 14, 2012 6:42 pm

I understand that a steel cable string might do more damage to the rails than a 'string' string, especially if the rails aren't capped with metal. But is there any other serious reasons not to build a bow using 1/16" or 1/8" steel cable with a serving of say Kevlar(tm) twine to fatten it up where the string meets the trigger and bolt? It just seems that with the quality of braided cable we can get easily and cheaply, it would make sense to use cable rather than multi-strand string.

by Kale Schlegel Tue Aug 14, 2012 9:33 pm

Kale Schlegel

Kale Schlegel: Tinkerer
If there is a will, there is a way.; Posts : 75
Join date : 2012-08-14
Age : 32

Post n°2

Re: Steel cable for string?

by Kale Schlegel Tue Aug 14, 2012 9:33 pm

I'm currently designing a compression spring crossbow with a steel cable. What I've been looking into is medieval ball bows with little bolt to frame contact. In theory should reduce bolt friction and as you stated , cause less wear. My only problem is where to find a big enough compression spring, as a garage doors is big enough in diameter, but too long.