AcornHouse Posted April 4, 2011 Report Share Posted April 4, 2011 Just scored a nice mahogany bow saw from Patrick Leach's latest list. Everything is in good condition except for the lack of tensioning string. So, what type of string or twine would be best? Bob? Shannon? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jon003 Posted April 4, 2011 Report Share Posted April 4, 2011 Fishing line in pretty strong, and has a known breaking point. I used several loops with mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AcornHouse Posted April 4, 2011 Author Report Share Posted April 4, 2011 Fishing line in pretty strong, and has a known breaking point. I used several loops with mine. I should have added, that I'd like to keep it as period appropriate as I can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoboMonk Posted April 4, 2011 Report Share Posted April 4, 2011 Hemp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AcornHouse Posted April 4, 2011 Author Report Share Posted April 4, 2011 Just scored a nice mahogany bow saw from Patrick Leach's latest list. Everything is in good condition except for the lack of tensioning string. So, what type of string or twine would be best? Bob? Shannon? Thanks Here's the link to the pic of the saw (plus a couple of other items I didn't buy). http://www.supertool.com/forsale/apr/t31.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beechwood Chip Posted April 4, 2011 Report Share Posted April 4, 2011 I imagine that you could use the same sorts of strings that were used for archery bows: linen, hemp, etc, sinew, silk, and rawhide. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmk89 Posted April 5, 2011 Report Share Posted April 5, 2011 While period is nice, I like to use something that doesn't break or damage the arms of the bowsaw. My preferred tensioning string is the synthetic string that bricklayers use for their stringlines. It's strong, has good tension and doesn't cut into the arms of the bow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Rozaieski Posted April 5, 2011 Report Share Posted April 5, 2011 What period ? Linen or hemp would probably be most similar to what would have been used in the 18th and 19th centuries, but honestly, even I don't get that eccentric . My bow saw has nylon (I think) twine. It does the job. Joel at TFWW recommends the superbraid type fishing line. Dacron fly line backing would also work fine. As would cotton twine, jute cord, or just about anything else you could find. Just be careful if you use some of the more modern synthetics (especially the superbraid fishing line). It is very easy to over tension them and damage the frame of the saw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RenaissanceWW Posted April 6, 2011 Report Share Posted April 6, 2011 Like Bob I have some kind of modern twine. I have used one of Mike Dunbar's saws where he suggests using waxed twine and it was very nice. These saws can be over tightened very easily so be aware of it as you get accustomed to whatever material you choose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AcornHouse Posted April 6, 2011 Author Report Share Posted April 6, 2011 Like Bob I have some kind of modern twine. I have used one of Mike Dunbar's saws where he suggests using waxed twine and it was very nice. These saws can be over tightened very easily so be aware of it as you get accustomed to whatever material you choose. Thanks to all. I can't wait till it gets here, so I can string it up. (Hmmm, maybe some old nylon guitar strings?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamV Posted June 8, 2012 Report Share Posted June 8, 2012 With my job I have gobs of 550 paracute cord around. So that's what I use on my own saw, works great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Conover Posted June 13, 2012 Report Share Posted June 13, 2012 Jute twine is available at traditional woodworker or you can just go to a craft store. Hemp is also traditional but have no idea where one would get it. Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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