Here you go longcruise.
This type of stringer has been around since 1964. Hugh Rich was a fan. He had seen too many people twisting or braking limbs and sometimes injuring themselves by stringing a bow the wrong way.
Bow-Pal was the original and someone changed it up a bit and made one that was sold by many companies, including Bear Archery. The one we're making is more or less a knock off of the second version. Black Widow sells one very much like this.
CAUTION! DISCLAIMER...Used properly this stringer is very safe and can be used for recurves and longbows. Used improperly, I don't think I need to tell you what can happen. Make it at your own risk.
What leather to use? Something about 3-4 ounce in thickness, or about as thick as the leather used for a tab. Thicker is not better. Oil tanned is preferred because it remains supple and has less tendency to dry out and crack.
Where do you get it? Tandy leather may sell scraps and some hobby stores sell squares and rectangles of it.
What tools do you need? Nothing fancy. A utility knife, box cutter exacto knife. pocket knife or even a set of heavy duty scissors. A #8 hole punch is nice, but not necessary. As you will see you can use ¼" grommets, also not necessary.
What about the cord? You may already have some. 550 paracord is preferred. Do not skimp on this! Nothing from the Dollar Store will work, although there is a video out there that shows that being used. You can buy it by the yard at some sporting goods stores and home improvement stores. The Home Depot has it, at least i my area. No need yo buy 50feet. Get 3 yards and that will be more than enough for one stringer. Overall length of the stringer is about 6 feet. You may need to adjust that.
This is what we will be making. The upper left one is Bear Archery. The lower left is the original, the Bow-Pal. The others I made.
Please, no comments until this is done. Thanks.
Bowline knot
I have used this stringer and it works, and it comes with a great diagram. I am not using a different design, and will add some pictures soon.
That's it! We are done.
When you first use the stringer make sure the string is securely on the lower limb and the stringer pockets are straight. Yes, the larger pocket goes on the lower limb.
I prefer to put one foot on the stringer and the other back a bit. You'll have to see what works best for you so you maintain your balance.
Pull up a little on the bow, which you should be gripping at the center of the handle and make sure you are not twisting the bow and you are pulling up evenly. Take your time.
I also sometimes round off the bottom of the pocket as you can see in the first photo.
Now we knot the cord. I don't know the name of this knot and you can use anyone you like, as long as it's not a slip knot.
Now we add the cord.
This is also where you would add the grommet.
Now we start folding.
This is what you end up with.
Here's the cutting pattern you will need.
Here's an example of the tools.