Serving your bowstring is a crucial maintenance task that significantly impacts its lifespan and performance. A properly served string is stronger, more durable, and less prone to fraying, ensuring consistent accuracy and preventing potentially dangerous breakage. This guide will walk you through the process, covering different serving materials and techniques.
Understanding the Importance of Bowstring Serving
Before diving into the how-to, let's understand why serving your bowstring is so important. The serving protects the string's most vulnerable point – the nocking point – where the arrow rests. Without serving, the constant friction from the arrow release would quickly wear down the string, weakening it and leading to premature failure. Serving also adds bulk to the string at this crucial point, providing a more secure and consistent arrow nock.
Materials You'll Need
To successfully serve your bowstring, you'll need the following:
- Serving Material: This is typically a high-strength, waxed thread specifically designed for bowstring serving. Several materials are available, each with its pros and cons. Popular choices include:
- Dacron: A classic and reliable option, known for its durability and ease of use.
- Fast-Flight: A stronger, more abrasion-resistant material, often preferred for high-performance bows.
- Vectran: A high-tech material offering exceptional strength and durability.
- Serving Jig: This tool holds the bowstring securely in place while you apply the serving. There are various types available, from simple clamp-style jigs to more sophisticated rotating models. Choosing the right jig will significantly improve the speed and quality of your work.
- Serving Tool (optional but recommended): While you can serve a string by hand, a serving tool makes the process much easier, faster, and more consistent. It helps maintain tension and evenness in the serving.
- Sharp Scissors: Needed for cutting the serving material.
- Butane Lighter or Candle (optional): Used to melt the wax on the serving material for better adhesion and smoother serving.
Step-by-Step Serving Guide
These steps are a general guideline. Specific techniques might vary slightly depending on your chosen materials and serving jig.
1. Prepare the Bowstring: Carefully clean the area where you will be applying the serving. Remove any dirt or debris to ensure proper adhesion.
2. Secure the Bowstring in the Serving Jig: Follow the instructions for your specific jig to securely clamp the bowstring. Ensure the string is correctly positioned and taut.
3. Apply the Serving: Starting at the desired location (typically the nocking point), begin wrapping the serving material tightly and evenly around the bowstring. If using a serving tool, follow the tool's instructions. If serving by hand, maintain consistent tension throughout the process.
4. Build the Serving: Continue wrapping until you reach the desired serving length and thickness. The thickness depends on the type of bow and personal preference. A general guideline is to aim for a slightly larger serving than the arrow's nock.
5. Secure the Ends: Once the serving is complete, carefully tie off the ends of the serving material securely using a small knot or by melting the ends slightly to fuse them.
6. Finishing Touches: Trim any excess serving material, ensuring it doesn't interfere with the arrow's release.
Different Serving Techniques:
There are several serving techniques, including:
- Standard Serving: The most common method, involving a continuous wrap around the string.
- Reverse Serving: The string is wrapped in the opposite direction, sometimes used for added strength.
- Double Serving: A more robust method with two layers of serving, offering increased durability.
Choosing the Right Serving for Your Needs
The type of serving you choose will depend on several factors, including the type of bow you use, the frequency of shooting, and your personal preference. Consult bowyer or experienced archers for advice if you are unsure.
Maintenance and Replacement
Regularly inspect your bowstring serving for signs of wear and tear. If you notice any fraying, loosening, or damage, replace the serving immediately to prevent string breakage.
Serving a bowstring may seem daunting at first, but with practice and the right tools, it becomes a manageable and essential part of bow maintenance. Remember, proper serving is crucial for both safety and optimal performance. If you're uncomfortable performing this task yourself, consider seeking the assistance of a professional bowyer.
