# String Makers Discussion **URL:** \ **Category:** Yo-Yo Mods and Maintenance\ **Created:** [December 2, 2012, 2:55pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-makers-discussion/46003 "2012-12-02T14:55:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Big\_Yoyo](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/big_yoyo/32/1032_2.png) [@Big\_Yoyo](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Big_Yoyo)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2013, 3:20am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-makers-discussion/46003/81 "2013-01-03T03:20:58Z")
> [@Quickie\_Silver](#): > > > [@Quickie\_Silver](#): > > > > OK tried a second setup to little avail. It worked but like yal said the cable had to much weight. Headed to wally world to try and find a solution > > > > Solution found. I bought a dremel collet kit with different sizes and also a wall hook like for mugs. The wall is already lined up with the screw part to make it easier to screw in. So then i just put the hook in the right collet in the dremel and voila > > Also bought some ball bearing fishing swivels, work like magic. Did you get Spro swivels? Hands down the best, for fishing and string making. > [@GregP](#): > > So confused about a few things. I’m not following the whole “create a contraption for the dremel” conversation at all. Isn’t the bottom line that you need a hook (ideally one that won’t kill you!) in the collet of the dremel? I’m surprised at the elaborate lengths people will go to to accomplish this! > > Also, regarding multiple motors for a multi-string setup… it seems to me that a better idea would be a single motor with enough power and speed to drive several … hooks … ? at the same time, interconnected with any combination of gears and/or chains that you might have handy or which you can easily acquire. Cheap off-brand “dremel” tools may or may not actually spin at the same velocity when the switch is flipped. If they are set to somewhere in the middle of a variable rate dial, it’ll be even tougher to make them all spin at exactly the same rate. > > The fishing swivel… what does this part get used for? Presumably to twist strings they need to be fixed on one end (the anchor) and fixed (except for being on a motor!) on the other end, otherwise they won’t twist together. A swivel is meant to prevent twisting, not encourage it. > > Not saying there aren’t good responses to my above observations; just admitting that I’m losing the plot a little bit and not understanding everything that’s going on. The whole discussion on hooks was preety in -depth, tought to follow for an average maker or beginner. Basically, we are conversing on the safest and best way to do it. If you have ever made strings with a dremel, you see how fast it can go, and things can get out of control pretty quickly. Also, a dremel has a non-adjustable chuck (where the bit goes into), so you need something that can fit on the end of a Dremel bit. That’s where the whole “JB weld a hook into copper pipe and cold weld that to the bit” thing came from. That would essentially make it an extension of the bit, which would make it smoother and safer than taping on a nail (like I did). > [@gsimian](#): > > The fishing swivel is a handy way to do the KINK quickly and easily, however it is by no means the IDEAL method. > > It removes all forms of tension control from the KINK process and your end result relies SOLELY on the materials you’ve used and how they react to the initial tension amount you applied. > > Try doing the KINK by hand and you can IMMEDIATELY feel a difference in the strings playability. > > I am by no means discounting the use of a swivel but don’t go all, “WOW, LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL NOW” without realizing it has a flip side. There are always variables in this process. Speedier does not equal ‘better’ when it changes the resulting string quality. > > Here endeth today’s lesson from the string grandfather. :wink: > > /paul > /yoyoGstring > /oldguywithtonnesofknowledge Paul, are you trying to tell us that you take some of the G-strings and do the second twist by hand? Could you ellaborate on this? I am failing to see how this is possible to do in a timely manner. > [@Quickie\_Silver](#): > > > [@cruton](#): > > > > > [@GregP](#): > > > > > > Also, regarding multiple motors for a multi-string setup… it seems to me that a better idea would be a single motor with enough power and speed to drive several … hooks … ? at the same time, interconnected with any combination of gears and/or chains that you might have handy or which you can easily acquire. Cheap off-brand “dremel” tools may or may not actually spin at the same velocity when the switch is flipped. If they are set to somewhere in the middle of a variable rate dial, it’ll be even tougher to make them all spin at exactly the same rate. > > > > > > … > > > > > > Not saying there aren’t good responses to my above observations; just admitting that I’m losing the plot a little bit and not understanding everything that’s going on. > > > > yea I’ve been lost for a few days too. I agreed with you about the Dremil tool. i just can’t for the life of me figure out a way to chain them together. I have had some bad experiences with actual chain. I’m afraid it would snap, plus they are heavy and would put a lot of load on what ever is spinning it. > > > > I need to get out of this apartment so I can do some thorough testing. :-\ > > Im not sure I like this idea of chaining a dremel together with some cogs and gears, or linking together multiple hobby motors just to spin more strings simultaneously. It sounds quite dangerous and beyond that, wouldnt this be taking away from the whole point of hand made string, the more and more mechanized your rig gets? I mean a rig that strings, twists, folds and kinks on its sounds more like a mass producing machine than a hand made high quality product with strict attention to the deatails. This is just my opinion and point of view, I am not by any means bashing anyones elses rigs or ideas. =] I don’t mean to be rude at all, and sorry if I am coming off rude, but chaining dremels together has to be the WORST idea I have ever heard. Can you imagine the danger factor (well, I mean I live in redneck Wisconsin, so I could care less), but also, I just cant iomagine that working very well. What you need is a power strip (NOT a multi-outlet strip, there is a huge difference), and some small to medium small sized DC motors. Run the motor leads to the power strip, and get yourself a DC power supply from a place like MSC Industrial (google it). This would be a very safe, and efficient way to make multiple strings. Install a switch to turn the power on and off and you’ve got a solid-gold rig. > [@GregP](#): > > > [@Quickie\_Silver](#): > > > > Im not sure I like this idea of chaining a dremel together with some cogs and gears, or linking together multiple hobby motors just to spin more strings simultaneously. > > Well, neither do I. :wink: I already said you couldn’t do it with a dremel motor. And I certainly wouldn’t link together multiple motors unless that “link” was just a power bar with a single switch (which would work fine… I was just saying you couldn’t be ensured consistency). > > But a motor that is suited to the purpose should be more than capable of driving multiple rotating points via a chain or gear (or both) system. I believe you will find that this is how most machines with multiple moving parts works… a single motor driving multiple endpoints via a series of relays. > > As for danger… I can’t imagine that shoving a set of naked cogs and naked chains together would be particularly safe. I made no claim otherwise. I’m not giving design advice, just making a high-level observation (a single motor driving multiple endpoints is the way to go for a serious endeavour). Beyond that, the details are up to anyone who would care to investigate. A belt instead of a chain… all of it enclosed in plexi, plywood, or metal chassis… who the heck knows what the real design would be in the end, but it’s not an _inherently_ dangerous approach. It’s the normal and expected approach to the engineering problem at hand. I really like your idea of the enclosed case/ protector shield thingy, as it seems very safe and well thought out. You could just have the motor shaft and hook protruding from the shield/case/box, and then you could still use the rig easily and efficiently ---
**Author:** ![GregP](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/gregp/32/1192_2.png) [@GregP](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/GregP)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2013, 3:21pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-makers-discussion/46003/82 "2013-01-03T15:21:31Z")
It’s really weird to have already written the original that did NOT recommend chaining Dremels together, and then clarify once, “No, you would not chain Dremels together” and then come back to this thread to see ANOTHER PERSON saying “Chaining Dremels together is a bad idea.” Learn to read. That is all. ---
**Author:** ![Big\_Yoyo](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/big_yoyo/32/1032_2.png) [@Big\_Yoyo](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Big_Yoyo)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2013, 2:18am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-makers-discussion/46003/83 "2013-01-04T02:18:19Z")
> [@GregP](#): > > It’s really weird to have already written the original that did NOT recommend chaining Dremels together, and then clarify once, “No, you would not chain Dremels together” and then come back to this thread to see ANOTHER PERSON saying “Chaining Dremels together is a bad idea.” > > Learn to read. > > That is all. Lol, I understand where you are coming from, but sometimes if you hear it from more than one person, you know, it makes it more like “Oh, I definitely shouldn’t do that”. If that made any sense ---
**Author:** ![ThorsStone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/43a26b/32.png) [@ThorsStone](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/ThorsStone)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2013, 5:30am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-makers-discussion/46003/84 "2013-01-04T05:30:21Z")
> [@gsimian](#): > > The fishing swivel is a handy way to do the KINK quickly and easily, however it is by no means the IDEAL method. > > It removes all forms of tension control from the KINK process and your end result relies SOLELY on the materials you’ve used and how they react to the initial tension amount you applied. > > Try doing the KINK by hand and you can IMMEDIATELY feel a difference in the strings playability. > > I am by no means discounting the use of a swivel but don’t go all, “WOW, LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL NOW” without realizing it has a flip side. There are always variables in this process. Speedier does not equal ‘better’ when it changes the resulting string quality. > > Here endeth today’s lesson from the string grandfather. :wink: > > /paul > /yoyoGstring > /oldguywithtonnesofknowledge Could you please explain or elaborate on “the forms of tension control” and the how you would “do the kink by hand” ? Thanks ---
**Author:** ![gsimian](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/gsimian/32/315_2.png) [@gsimian](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/gsimian)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2013, 1:37pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-makers-discussion/46003/85 "2013-01-04T13:37:26Z")
By “forms of tension control” I mean what method you are using to apply your initial tension; drill, dremel, Ooompa Loompas, etc. To KINK by hand means exactly that. You remove the string from the center hook after the fold. Grasp it around 5 inches from the loop end while also keeping it pulled taut from what will eventually be the knot end. The 5 inches kinks up, then you slowly move down the string, in 4-5 sections total, and kink up each section in turn. End result: By hand kinking -section by section- the tension is applied differently to your materials and the end result is NOT THE SAME as using a swivel or reverse motor method. I, and my 7+ years of happy customers, find it far superior. Have I explained that clearly enough now? :wink: /paul /yoyoGstring /GrandfatherofString ---
**Author:** ![ThorsStone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/43a26b/32.png) [@ThorsStone](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/ThorsStone)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2013, 5:34pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-makers-discussion/46003/86 "2013-01-04T17:34:04Z")
Yes, crystal clear. Thanks ---
**Author:** ![Quickie\_Silver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/quickie_silver/32/1129_2.png) [@Quickie\_Silver](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Quickie_Silver)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2013, 6:48pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-makers-discussion/46003/87 "2013-01-04T18:48:04Z")
> [@gsimian](#): > > By “forms of tension control” I mean what method you are using to apply your initial tension; drill, dremel, Ooompa Loompas, etc. > > To KINK by hand means exactly that. > > You remove the string from the center hook after the fold. Grasp it around 5 inches from the loop end while also keeping it pulled taut from what will eventually be the knot end. The 5 inches kinks up, then you slowly move down the string, in 4-5 sections total, and kink up each section in turn. > > End result: By hand kinking -section by section- the tension is applied differently to your materials and the end result is NOT THE SAME as using a swivel or reverse motor method. I, and my 7+ years of happy customers, find it far superior. > > Have I explained that clearly enough now? :wink: > > /paul > /yoyoGstring > /GrandfatherofString Brilliant. ---
**Author:** ![gsimian](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/gsimian/32/315_2.png) [@gsimian](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/gsimian)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2013, 7:23pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-makers-discussion/46003/88 "2013-01-04T19:23:57Z")
I should also state that I neither use a swivel method NOR kink by hand anymore. A few years ago I developed a semi-automatic process that produces an end result IDENTICAL to the hand kink but in 1/10th the time…with no wear and tear on my hands and finger joints. It was one of my prouder R&D moments. /paul /gsimian /yoyoGstring.com /oldguywhoknowsathingortwoaboutstring ---
**Author:** ![Big\_Yoyo](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/big_yoyo/32/1032_2.png) [@Big\_Yoyo](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Big_Yoyo)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2013, 11:36pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-makers-discussion/46003/89 "2013-01-04T23:36:49Z")
> [@gsimian](#): > > I should also state that I neither use a swivel method NOR kink by hand anymore. A few years ago I developed a semi-automatic process that produces an end result IDENTICAL to the hand kink but in 1/10th the time…with no wear and tear on my hands and finger joints. > > It was one of my prouder R&D moments. > > /paul > /gsimian > /yoyoGstring.com > /oldguywhoknowsathingortwoaboutstring Thanks for clarifying Paul! ---
**Author:** ![Mctron](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/mctron/32/1188_2.png) [@Mctron](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Mctron)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2013, 5:43pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-makers-discussion/46003/90 "2013-01-05T17:43:06Z")
just started making my own string with the classic drill board nail with hook configuration. it is good string that holds tension well, so I have that going for me. ---
**Author:** ![Mctron](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/mctron/32/1188_2.png) [@Mctron](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Mctron)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2013, 9:58pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-makers-discussion/46003/91 "2013-01-05T21:58:42Z")
finished my rig, still have to twist each one individually but it is a big improvement I will post pics after I eat ![](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/yoyoexpert1/original/4X/f/7/e/f7e4c2c87538bf8363c66c83211daf63182ff7a0.jpeg) Also I will start using the modify post button but it won’t let me delete my post, Sorry :-[ ---
**Author:** ![Jake\_Elliott](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/49beb7/32.png) [@Jake\_Elliott](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Jake_Elliott)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2013, 10:10pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-makers-discussion/46003/92 "2013-01-05T22:10:17Z")
Please, use the modify button. It means that you don’t have to post four times in a row. ---
**Author:** ![Big\_Yoyo](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/big_yoyo/32/1032_2.png) [@Big\_Yoyo](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Big_Yoyo)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2013, 3:43am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-makers-discussion/46003/93 "2013-01-07T03:43:47Z")
What if you city the strings at the end with a very hot tool, like a hot wire cutters? Then in theory you wouldn’t need to tie a knot, or use a scissors Sent from Ice Cream Sandwich Eatin’ Optimus V ---
**Author:** ![MattB](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/mattb/32/14529_2.png) [@MattB](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/MattB)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2013, 5:35am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-makers-discussion/46003/94 "2013-01-07T05:35:25Z")
> [@Big\_Yoyo](#): > > What if you city the strings at the end with a very hot tool, like a hot wire cutters? Then in theory you wouldn’t need to tie a knot, or use a scissors > > Sent from Ice Cream Sandwich Eatin’ Optimus V When poly gets hot enough to melt, it shrinks back as it melts. There is a tendency for the two main stand groups of the string to seperate and not weld to each other. ---
**Author:** ![Big\_Yoyo](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/big_yoyo/32/1032_2.png) [@Big\_Yoyo](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Big_Yoyo)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 3:53am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-makers-discussion/46003/95 "2013-01-08T03:53:40Z")
> [@MattB](#): > > > [@Big\_Yoyo](#): > > > > What if you city the strings at the end with a very hot tool, like a hot wire cutters? Then in theory you wouldn’t need to tie a knot, or use a scissors > > > > Sent from Ice Cream Sandwich Eatin’ Optimus V > > When poly gets hot enough to melt, it shrinks back as it melts. There is a tendency for the two main stand groups of the string to seperate and not weld to each other. Oh. It seemed like a good idea on paper lol Sent from Ice Cream Sandwich Eatin’ Optimus V ---
**Author:** ![gsimian](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/gsimian/32/315_2.png) [@gsimian](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/gsimian)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2013, 5:45pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-makers-discussion/46003/96 "2013-01-10T17:45:18Z")
The trick is to apply the heat across a larger angled plane vs a thin single point of contact. Also to have the string held tight and close to the point of heat contact so it doesn’t “spring” away. /paul /yoyoGstring.com /grandfatherofhandmadeyoyostring ---
**Author:** ![Big\_Yoyo](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/big_yoyo/32/1032_2.png) [@Big\_Yoyo](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Big_Yoyo)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2013, 11:56pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-makers-discussion/46003/97 "2013-01-11T23:56:11Z")
> [@gsimian](#): > > The trick is to apply the heat across a larger angled plane vs a thin single point of contact. Also to have the string held tight and close to the point of heat contact so it doesn’t “spring” away. > > /paul > /yoyoGstring.com > /grandfatherofhandmadeyoyostring Good idea! ---
**Author:** ![modman10](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/modman10/32/874_2.png) [@modman10](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/modman10)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2013, 1:50am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-makers-discussion/46003/98 "2013-01-13T01:50:34Z")
Wanted to show off some of my new string, will be sending some to n00beginer for a review. ![](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/yoyoexpert1/original/4X/2/2/3/22333a984ab7444bf658659b8a9d35b4b0f5811f.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![GregP](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/gregp/32/1192_2.png) [@GregP](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/GregP)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2013, 4:39am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-makers-discussion/46003/99 "2013-01-13T04:39:36Z")
> [@modman10](#): > > Wanted to show off some of my new string, will be sending some to n00beginer for a review. Lookin’ nice (and consistent)! ---
**Author:** ![Big\_Yoyo](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/big_yoyo/32/1032_2.png) [@Big\_Yoyo](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Big_Yoyo)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2013, 12:20am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-makers-discussion/46003/100 "2013-01-14T00:20:15Z")
Nice job with the strings, they look good! [Previous page](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-makers-discussion/46003.md?page=4) [Next page](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/string-makers-discussion/46003.md?page=6)