Serving a Small Loop for a Compound String or Cable

With the string jigs available in the UK being primarily designed for serving recurve strings it is sometimes difficult to serve a small loop for a compound string or cable. This method was demonstrated by GRIV and is reproduced here by watch_man (AIUK)

Using an Arten String Jig

The Arten string jig is probably the best one easily available in the UK to use

• It is relatively cheap
• It is easy to adjust
• a Crossbow attachment is available to make small strings and floating yolks

Step 1 - Attach the posts to the crossbow adapter if making a short string and set jig to length.

2. leave 12" string trailing and secured then wrap the string round the posts finishing at the same side. Repeat this starting from the other side. For example if your string requires 22 strands, wrap 6 times from the left then 5 times from the right = 11 wraps and 22 strands.

3. Now cross the 12" loose ends of the string behind the posts.

4. Pull the ends through the middle of the string keeping the loose ends to the correct side of the string without crossing over the front of the post.

5. Pull the loose ends backwards and snug after each pass through the middle of the string.

6. By repeatedly passing the loose ends through the middle and pulling back, you build up the side serving of the loop.

7. When the loop is large enough to come off the posts, cross both loose ends to one side of the string and pull tight.

8. Once pulled tight, wrap both ends tightly around the string 4 times pulling the two sides of the string together.

9. This shows the position after the loose ends have been wrapped tightly 4 times. The next step is similar to finishing off any serving.

10. Just like any serving, make a loop and wrap the loose ends 'inside' the loop 4 times back towards the post. You can see that the initial 4 wraps around the string finished on top of the string, and therefore the 4 wraps back should be started under the string.

11. Once the loose ends have been wrapped 4 times, pull the remaining string under and backwards behind the loop and towards the post.

12. Now unwrap the loop back over itself and over the string and loose ends you have just pulled to the back. This causes the string to wrap another 4 times.

13. Now finish off by holding the loop and pulling back on the loose ends to form a tight secure finish.

14. By pulling back hard the loose ends will pull the remainder of the loop to the string and form a secure finish. You can now cut the remainder of the loose string. I find by pulling really tight and using snips you do not need to use a heat source to melt the ends as they go underneath the serving and are held securely.