string length

stonewall · Post by **stonewall** » Sun Aug 14, 2016 4:27 am

How does one estimate the length of a string for a Mongol style horn bow, or horn bows in general? Is there a general formula like several inches shorter than the nock to nock length along the back?
Thanks

Bede · Post by **Bede** » Mon Jan 16, 2017 4:52 am

Because of the different geometries of the various types of composite bows, it can be hard to estimate the string size though that did not stop old authors coming up with some remarkably complex formulae for calculating it. The best solution is to make a long string with adjustable knots and find the best fit, then use it to make a new custom string.

Ralph · Post by **Ralph** » Thu Jan 26, 2017 10:12 pm

It could helpful, if you know the brace heigth of the bow. With this amount you should be able to make a string in the correct length.

pcoutin · Post by **pcoutin** » Fri Jan 27, 2017 10:22 pm

Hornbows in general... can have brace height from 3" to 14". More or less. But most are probably gonna be 5" to 8".

Ralph · Post by **Ralph** » Sun Feb 05, 2017 1:22 pm

@ pcoutin

Yes, it is true.
But I think, that the most type of (horn) bows in the same style from the same period have more or less the same brace heigth (it is so in case of chinese bows).

Because of this I think, if Stonewalls Mongol Style Horn Bow was made according to an historical model - please have a look at the difference between "Mongol Style Bows" of the time of Qing-Dynasty and Yuean Dynasty - it should be possible to know the typical amount of the brace heigth of this model.

For the typical amount of brace heigth of the model it is helpful to research in historical sources (litarature ) or to have a look at historical objects.

Bede · Post by **Bede** » Sun Feb 05, 2017 2:03 pm

The geometry of the tips can dictate the brace height. The point where the string knot rests on the belly of a bow with a recurved tip is the critical area. Getting the clearance of the kasan area in Turkish bows is the best way to estimate how the bowyer meant the bow to be braced. This is even more important on long necked bows like the crab bow.