"Stringing bows in 28-54mm" Topic

Any ideas on what to use, tips etc. I am thinking of a thin wire, it would probably be easier than a string. Please let me know if you have any thoughts on this. Thanks!

First off, don't do it with any gaming figures. Handling is the enemy of such detail.

Absolutely, John. No these would be for collectors only.
Imagine stringing a unit of 20 aaaaarrgghhhhh!!!!

The ultra thin copper wire that is used to make small transformers is excellent for making bow strings. Quite sturdy and easy to work with. I have a small spool of it the will likely last a lifetime.

The gaming unit of Basti Archers I did this way has held up just fine in combat over the last six or seven years.

Thanks Kris, thats a great idea!

Try using quilting thread. I use Gutermann CA 02776. A good scale for 28mm and larger. Doesn't fuzz when paint or varnish is applied, easier to knot it onto a bow than to wrap a piece of wire, and it is strong enough for the job and to withstand any handling, so good for gaming figures. I also use it to rig 1/1200 ships. Check this post:

link

Hope it helps.

PC

Styrene plastic that has been held over a flame and stretched out into a thin filament has worked for me in the past.

If you have access to a white short-haired cat, I'd recommend white cat hairs. (note I am not suggesting plucking said-hairs; you'll have plenty of the dammed things all over the house; and be it also noted, I do not suggest using whiskers, that would be inhumane.) A dot of white glue at each end, dampened into place with the tip of your craft knife, should set each "string" nicely….

I do not suggest using whiskers, that would be inhumane

However, I have found whiskers on the floor occasionally.

I use the strong nylon thread which is intended for 'invisible' sewing repairs.

I string bows on the majority of my 28mm figures, all of which go on the table.

I have bow strings on dozens of 25mm Foundry and Old Glory Indians. No problem with handling them. Here is how I do it. It takes less time than it may seem. It all depends on how good you want your figures to look.

1. File a flat area at each end of bow.
2. With dental pick or point of X-Acto knife, make a pilot dent.
3. With a speed control, cordless electric drill, drill a small whole through each end of bow.
4. Unravel some picture hanging wire and cut about 50% greater length than you think you need for one bow.
5. Feed one end of wire through one hole and wrap it around 2-3 times. Hit with super glue.
6. Repeat step 5 at other end of bow.

Done.

As I said, I have done dozens of these. No big deal. Look great. Wear fine. In 25mm and larger, a bow without a string looks like a toy, not a model.

Tom

Tom thats a great idea. Not practical for some of the needles they are sculpting on some of the newer figs though. It would work great with some stuff I have though. Cool.

I have fat fingers the thread method usually ends up in furious frustration, lol.

Best method I found was brush bristles. Use those cheap packs you get in the £1.00 GBP shops.

Used to use fuse wire but this much less fiddly.

8/0 kevlar fly tying thread, attached with superglue. You can glue it down then make a twist so it looks like it's tied on. Warning – do not try to break it with your hands, but cut it with scisssors or a knife. Try to break it and the only thing that gets cut are your hands – deeply.

Find a length of scrap electrical wire, strip off the outer coating, and you'll have oodles of strands of thin wires to use….