Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: aruge on July 16, 2010, 06:06:41 pm

Title: negative tiller?
Post by: aruge on July 16, 2010, 06:06:41 pm

I have two hickory self bows that I finished up in march, when the heat and humidity were low. They both measure about 66" 1 3/4" fades to mid limb to 3/8" at the tips. When I finished them and shot them in this spring they had about 1/4" more tiller on the top limb than the bottom. One pulled 60# at 28" and one pulled 50# @ 27". I just took them out to shoot a bit and discovered that the tiller was reversed. They now both have 1/4" +/- more tiller on the bottom limb. The 60# bow now pulls 50#. I keep them in the house where it is heated and air conditioned, but the RH is still about 60% in the house this summer. I live in western NY. I was going to do some retillering tomorrow, but thought I would ask if I should wait until September when conditions get better. The limbs are the same length with the arrow pass 1 1/4"above center. Thanks again for your help.   Al

Title: Re: negative tiller?
Post by: aruge on July 16, 2010, 07:32:35 pm

I forgot to mention that the bows have 6 coats of spar urethane finish. Al

Title: Re: negative tiller?
Post by: Jesse on July 16, 2010, 07:46:50 pm

The bottom limb does get stressed more.  .The humidity doesnt help. I think it will pick some weight back up in the fall. can you flip it and use the top for the bottom?

Title: Re: negative tiller?
Post by: aruge on July 16, 2010, 08:55:26 pm

I thought of flipping them, but I have a lot of work in the arrow rests and grips, so it would be easier to retiller and restain. I think I'll just wait and rework them.

Title: Re: negative tiller?
Post by: Pat B on July 17, 2010, 12:44:15 am

Do you have a hot box? If you can keep your hickory bow in a more controlled environment the weight and tiller will stabilize somewhat. The humidity will be lower near a heat/ac register. Can you store it near one? 
  This could be a good experiment for the HOW TO section. Check the weight and tiller as well as the R/H and ambient temps from now until the dry times of winter. Might help you and us know when we can and shouldn't use our hickory bows.  8)

Title: Re: negative tiller?
Post by: aruge on July 17, 2010, 10:32:03 am

Now I've got them over an AC vent. They will stay their for a month or so and we'll see what happens. Maybe a hot box is in my future. Just have to figure out where to keep it.  Al

Title: Re: negative tiller?
Post by: George Tsoukalas on July 17, 2010, 01:21:41 pm

Yup. Been there. Now I tiller the bottom limb stiffer at full draw in my hand but just a bit. Jawge

Title: Re: negative tiller?
Post by: aruge on July 17, 2010, 05:28:18 pm

So, what I'm doing is I shortened the bottom limb about an inch. Gonna let it sit in climate control for a while and retiller the top limb. Otherwise all the little birds and deer on the bow will be upside down. When this project is done I will be sure and share it with all you patient people. Thanks,  Al    Funny, how a little piece of wood can keep a 64 year old entertained for so long, isn't it?

Title: Re: negative tiller?
Post by: denny on July 17, 2010, 08:05:26 pm

I agree with george, Leave a little heavier on the bottom limb in building. Denny