Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Socal on September 13, 2012, 04:37:58 pm

Title: Second Bow - Tillering Help
Post by: Socal on September 13, 2012, 04:37:58 pm
Hey guys!  Brand new to the forum and bow making, and I'm working on my second bow now, a 63" red oak board with a maple riser based off the Meare Heath design.  I'm shooting for 35# at 26", got it to were I can string it with about a 3" brace height, and I was wondering if anyone could give me a second opinion on how the tillering's going.  I've heard some things about red oak, so I want to make sure I'm doing it right.

(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t468/angu0193/26831dde.jpg)

Here's it pulled 10":
(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t468/angu0193/6128333a.jpg)

I think there's a hinge on the left limb, but confirmation never hurt.  Any feedback would be great, thanks guys!
Title: Re: Second Bow - Tillering Help
Post by: Carson (CMB) on September 13, 2012, 06:13:24 pm
It doesn't look too hingey to me.  I like to get a normal brace as soon as possible to confirm the balance of the limbs. Looks like you could put a shorter string on there at this point.  Looks like mid-limb is a little stiff yet on both limbs.
Title: Re: Second Bow - Tillering Help
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on September 13, 2012, 06:23:00 pm
Yup. Full brace it and see what it says. Start at about 5 1/4".
Title: Re: Second Bow - Tillering Help
Post by: Socal on September 13, 2012, 06:24:59 pm
Alright cool, thanks guys.
Title: Re: Second Bow - Tillering Help
Post by: bubby on September 13, 2012, 06:39:08 pm
after you get full brace, make a tillering gizzmo, top of the how to page, will help alot tillering, Bub
Title: Re: Second Bow - Tillering Help
Post by: mikekeswick on September 14, 2012, 04:24:01 am
I wouldn't be bracing it higher yet.
A higher brace height = more stress = more string follow.
The right limb is bending a little too much just to the handle side of mid limb with the tipwards side being stiff.
The left limb is the same but not quite as pronounced.
Get the outer limbs working a little more.
As your limbs are parallel width for a long way you will have a taper in the thickness.
As the wood thins out towards the tips the bend should be increasing - elliptical tiller.
Title: Re: Second Bow - Tillering Help
Post by: Pappy on September 14, 2012, 07:21:52 am
Agree with Mike. A few scrapes on the right mid to outer limb and about twice as many on the left ,same area and then I would go to full brace. Looking very good so far. :)
   Pappy