14 replies to this topic

[Moon]

If so, for compound crossbows, what do you use for a press? If you can re serve your center servings, do you still take your crossbow to a dealer to re serve the string for you? If you will, list the brand of crossbow/crossbows you shoot. Thanks:-)

[BD1]

I have a Sure-Loc X-Press Pro & Hydra-Press. Mathews Bows & SZ380

[Cyclonic]

I live only 4 miles from an Archery Shop that I helped start. New owner is a friend of mine, whom I helped teach to make strings. Since I recently moved, he is making and serving my string for me. He has been using a thick, brown center serving made for crossbows. I can't remember what make. We think it is too "round" and, are going to try an "Angel" serving soon, to see if it has less separation issues. I think it may have more bite on the string, and stay together better.
As you know, I am shooting an Exomax. Hard on center serving, but well worth it! BTW, I will be sending my trigger off to have the latches smoothed out after hunting season to see if that makes any difference in serving wear.

[Moon]

Try BCY Halo and serve it tightly. It smooth's out nicely and is slick.

[vixenmaster]

I reserve my vixen's center servingt & make strings fer it. If'en i buy a compound model this coming yr i will have to build a press. I am still watching the SZ350 & am no hurry to spend my funds on a model that won't hold up to 10,000 shots.

[H&S Archer]

I have served Lots of compound and crossbow. Halo is the best for most center serving. If you have a real problem with fast wear I would served the first layer with .024 Halo and then a small section right over the rail in .010 Halo. Its very tough.

[xbowguy]

What are most shops charging these days to reserve crossbow strings?  Cheaper to buy a new string?

[dropzone]

I have a home built press I use because I don't trust the local shop. I have a Explorer. I just got a Brotherhood and plan to get a portable press to use on it. I also use halo serving. I put a viper X on my explorer this time around but I have 2 factory strings re-served. I used .020 on the center serving to try and lessen the down pressure on the deck. I forgot to mention I made a re-serving jig so I can put tension on the string.

Edited by dropzone, 22 December 2011 - 09:38 AM.

[Old Longhair]

I reserve my own, and never use a press. I want tension on the string, so I just pull the riser assembly off to reserve. If it's a compound, I usually have to place a block of wood between the string and cables to have enough room to work the jig. Been using .024 Halo, and have had no signifigant wear isues since going to straight beeswax to lube the rail.

[Cossack]

Made my own press, string stretcher and string making jig for less than $75.00 TOTAL. Use .030 Halo or .026 Angel Majesty, here's a great tutorial on how to serve: http://www.crossbow-.../TechCorner.htm

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[dropzone]

Cossack, on 22 December 2011 - 09:35 AM, said:

Made my own press, string stretcher and string making jig for less than $75.00 TOTAL. Use .030 Halo or .026 Angel Majesty, here's a great tutorial on how to serve: http://www.crossbow-.../TechCorner.htm

What did you use for the post on you string jig?

[Old Hoosier]

Old Longhair, on 22 December 2011 - 09:26 AM, said:

I reserve my own, and never use a press. I want tension on the string, so I just pull the riser assembly off to reserve. If it's a compound, I usually have to place a block of wood between the string and cables to have enough room to work the jig. Been using .024 Halo, and have had no signifigant wear isues since going to straight beeswax to lube the rail.

DITTO on Old Longhair's method. I worked in an archery shop for 3 years and re-served many strings. I have a PARKER HORNET EXTREME that the serving wore out in approx 75 shots. I removed the riser from the stock and put it in a very well padded vise and snugged it up until it didn't move. I was very careful to not tighten it up too much. I re-served with HALO .024 (that is the dia. the Parker rep said the factory uses). I also believe it is better to serve a tight string. The serving is much tighter and the string is easier to work with. Since re-serving with HALO, I have had no signs of excessive wear on the serving. I got the HALO from Wyvern.

[Pock]

I used halo 024 and BCY 030 for my crossbows.

[rbylo1]

I used BCY .030 for material. Since my Kodabow is a recurve limb, I just took my string off and put it on my Yellowstone string jig and wound it tightly. First time serving a crossbow, but it came out great.

[Cossack]

Old Hoosier, on 22 December 2011 - 09:42 AM, said:

DITTO on Old Longhair's method. I worked in an archery shop for 3 years and re-served many strings. I have a PARKER HORNET EXTREME that the serving wore out in approx 75 shots. I removed the riser from the stock and put it in a very well padded vise and snugged it up until it didn't move. I was very careful to not tighten it up too much. I re-served with HALO .024 (that is the dia. the Parker rep said the factory uses). I also believe it is better to serve a tight string. The serving is much tighter and the string is easier to work with. Since re-serving with HALO, I have had no signs of excessive wear on the serving. I got the HALO from Wyvern.

Cool, whatever works. Personally, I want my string to be served tighter than when it's under no tension on the bow. Using a string stretcher I can get well over 200 lbs of pressure on the string while serving it , so much in fact that a 20 lb weight barely deflects the string when placed on it. Separating servings are now a distant memory.