Thx for the pm Mr Bowslayer :) &having read thro some of your posts, i feel the need to reply publicly.,,
No. i am not a bowyer. ~i just got lucky first time around. it sometimes happens like that lol. on the other hand, you my friend are a bowyer. here's why i think so:
you show a keen interest. &on this forum, don't just lurk but are brave enough to participate, ask questions & let folk know what you're up to.
in the process of making your sticks, you have taken some stick. yet you have clearly been able to identify the good advice and at the same time have not been dis-heartened by the odd naysayer. good for you ;)
&you have dared to take-on difficult things despite being warned not to. this is of course foolishness, but afaik, the only way to becoming adept is like this, since the fool knows no bounds! rotfl
although i am far from qualified, frankenstein seems a well tillered & v.fine & lovely bow! -i also like the z~grip ;)
my only suggestion would be, now that you have a good feel for the tillering business, to concentrate on choosing the right piece of wood. whatever the endeavour, i tend to think most of the real work is done before the physical work begins, if that makes any sense.
