Band Locks for Sliding Legolini

thingiverse

This design gives a sleeker finished look to the bands. Instead of requiring a knot, you simply melt the string end into a mushroom cap shape that can't pass back through the band lock. To achieve this, twist the flame for a few seconds until it melts and curls. I recommend printing with PETG as PLA will break at this size under flexing when installing into bands. Although I haven't used it long-term yet, so far they have held force well past what the bow requires. Paracord fits snugly and can be a little difficult to install, but patience wins out. For string size, cut the knots off a previous bow string and reuse them, giving you string lengths of 35mm after the knot for the end, 18cm for the center string. Place on locks, melt ends, insert lock into rubber band, and zip tie. Tips: * Continually twist and lightly push to insert string into band lock. * One lock can be installed in reverse (open tines end) on the center string and slid all the way across for a little more ease. * Turn the string while melting with a lighter to ensure even melting into a mushroom cap shape or press the end against a non-stick surface and let cool before pulling it away. You can melt it multiple times until it looks right; it's forgiving. * Work the part between your fingers if you hear it crack (it is audible); don't use it, print extras. Warning: I'm not an engineer, so use at your own risk. I've tested the connection for a few days working on an older TheraBand piece roughly and beyond what the bow would ask of it, to the point the band has turned from black to grey around the connection showing slight striations in rubber (my thumbs ache from acting as a continual stress machine). I was concerned about the bands' connection to a plastic part but have seen nothing to dissuade me from posting this part. So far, no failure in my testing of this design and actual bow use should be less aggressive, leaving only long-term use and bow care to be evaluated. Bow band failure is more of a disappointment than actual risk, but the human ability to harm themselves in incredible mundane ways has always amused me; so be careful. Don't use your fingers to shape melted string unless you have nerve damage and can't feel it, but also find melted bits of plastic in your skin interesting. If you like this part and use it, please consider donating to the originator of the Sliding Legolini Files at https://www.paypal.me/lukaszjanikowski.