Even the hardened archers and long-term members of Griffin will have to admit that outdoor archery on a dark field in the cold and damp air of the evening is not something that they would recommend.
So, as the clocks have turned back and the evening draw in, we have had to postpone evening sessions for shooting. We do have our new and amazing indoor archery activity centre here at Rockingham. So, we have decided to run some evening workshops for practical knowledge and hands-on experience. Plus, we have the training range that we can use to do some coaching/training drills.
So, how long is a piece of string?
The first such workshop took place on Thursday evening. “String workshop”. Archery strings are far more technical and specific than you might realise.
The number of strands, the weight and thickness of the string material, not to mention precise measurements and an understanding of waxing and twists. Then there are the decisions: colour choices, performance?
With online shopping, it’s really easy to just buy a ready-made item, you put in a few details about your bow and pay. You pay for the privilege of receiving a generic string. Members were watching one being created – it is like watching magic. Then being allowed to experience making your own, is something that a few of our members have experienced this week.
You need specific measurements to get the right length and thickness for your bow, and with his years of experience, our Chairman John can tell what size string you need for your bow length (it’s not as straightforward as a 68” bow gets a 68” string!).
How long is a piece of string? – well, it depends …
All these details are what the members were there to learn in the workshop. Then you need to consider your limb weight, your arrow size and type, plus the sort of shooting you do. Are you looking for a performance string that will match your kit and become part of your formula? Are you ready for a performance string? Is your bow capable of using it?
It may have an effect on your shooting, the way your arrows release etc. How many strands? What colour servings? John had their attention, and the string making began.
The jig itself, as the winding begins, looks like a large version of the old fashioned children’s game “Cat’s Cradle”. John’s string making kit has loaded bobbins that he has already wound, for the serving threads. There are questions as the demonstration begins, why start at that corner? Why not end at the same corner? What would happen if you lost count and did an extra loop of thread? (The answer is it would be a heavier string and would affect the nock fit, and the way the arrows fly)
Then serving the ends for the loops, they watched and chatted, not quite understanding. Until the jig – and John – did their magic twist! Suddenly it was obvious – now we could see how the loops are created. This caused more questions and debate; would the serving thread affect the weight of the string? Could you have a different colour for the top and bottom loops to allow easy identification?
There are definitely projects coming …
Alan had a go, Keith had a go and decided he could build a jig of his own – watch this space! Oliver made a new string for his bow. Borna removed and re-served his string where it had begun to unravel. Everyone felt a great sense of achievement. The ‘other’ John had come along to lend his knowledge and experience. He brought with him a string jig that his father had made, and which is still going strong. He helped with questions and overseeing the novice string makers.
On request, John set up another session on Saturday to show Trevor and Alan what was involved involved in making new strings. They both went away with new bow strings. It was agreed by all that it’s a workshop that should be repeated.
If this story has made you interested in archery, why not contact us