Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: ajbruggink on August 01, 2016, 10:46:24 am

Title: D-bow tillering question
Post by: ajbruggink on August 01, 2016, 10:46:24 am
Heh guys,

I have a question about tillering D-bows; do you remove wood from the area that you grip with your hand when tillering or can you leave it alone? The reason why I ask is because the tiller on the bow that I'm working just doesn't look right, I'm using the bow on pg. 37 in TBB vol.4 as a guide and my handle-section does not bend as much as the bow on pg. 37. I think they are other problems with my tiller as well, I wrecked this bow because I took too much wood off and I know it will not reach my intended draw weight. I don't remember if I removed wood from the handle-section on the last D-bow I made so I decided to ask you guys.  The wood is red oak lumber, dimensions are 1 1/2" wide from center to mid-limb on both limbs then tapers to 1/2" nocks, 70" tip-to-tip, 68" nock to nock, I am at 21" of draw. Your replies are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Aaron


 
Title: Re: D-bow tillering question
Post by: SLIMBOB on August 01, 2016, 11:17:32 am
Yes you do want to get the handle moving so you will remove wood from it at some point.  I get the handle moving dead last so I am not removing wood from it until I have the limbs bending evenly, and I am approaching my desired draw length.  Last 1-2 inches of draw I will get the handle moving.  Earlier than that and you end up with too much bend in the middle.  Very hard to make weight as you often have to play catch up with the outers.
Title: Re: D-bow tillering question
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on August 01, 2016, 11:19:13 am
At that length, leave the handle be. Tiller looks just fine. 
Title: Re: D-bow tillering question
Post by: loon on August 01, 2016, 11:27:28 am
What wood is it? If it was me I'd just try narrowing the handle before it starts bending
Title: Re: D-bow tillering question
Post by: ajbruggink on August 01, 2016, 11:40:14 am
What wood is it? If it was me I'd just try narrowing the handle before it starts bending
It is a red oak board, straight grain from end to end
Title: Re: D-bow tillering question
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on August 01, 2016, 11:43:50 am
If you aren't pulling that bow 30" plus, then all you will accomplish getting the handle to bend is loosened teeth.
Title: Re: D-bow tillering question
Post by: Pat B on August 01, 2016, 11:45:03 am
Like Slimbob said leave the handle area last and work the bend back into the handle after both limbs are bending well. I like to feel the handle just barely give at full draw. If you are not building reproductions it really doesn't matter. You can have wide handles, narrow handles, ones that bend and ones that don't. Whatever floats your boat.
 It looks to me that the outer right limb could bend a wee bit more.
Title: Re: D-bow tillering question
Post by: bushboy on August 01, 2016, 11:50:38 am
Like pearl drums said.
Title: Re: D-bow tillering question
Post by: bradsmith2010 on August 01, 2016, 04:06:25 pm
I agree with Pearl,, depending on your draw, you might cut it shorter and up the weight