When to switch from long to short string?

[SimonUK]

When do you guys switch from long to short string?

I find if you switch too late you get a bow with a low draw weight. If you switch as soon as you reach brace height, you can discover a previously hidden weak area which develops set.

I'm wondering if I should be tillering with the long string but using a higher than planned draw weight. Then switch to the short string and stay with the planned draw weight from then on.

I noticed that Steve Stratton does almost all of his tillering with the long string. When the short string goes on, that's pretty much the final bow.

[Pat B]

I've only built 1 war bow but on other bows I switch to a short string with a low brace height(4" or so) after I get to about 8" on the long string. By bracing low then I can be sure the string is tracking properly and that both limbs are bending the same and together.     Pat

[SimonUK]

Thanks Pat, that's more or less what I do at the moment. I'll stick at it and tiller with care.

[Yeomanbowman]

Simon,
I only really make warbows, so cannot speak about others, but I try and get a tight string ASAP.  More so with a reflexed stave.  As long as the string is brace by even a small amount it gives me a good indication of how it will tiller-out.
Jeremy

[markinengland]

Simon,
I know my recent and well publicised mishaps mean I am no good example but I would go for as short a string as possible as soon as possible.
Mark

[stevesjem]

I noticed that Steve Stratton does almost all of his tillering with the long string. When the short string goes on, that's pretty much the final bow.

Thats news to me I only use the long string to check the initial bend and when i'm happy with the initial shape, i will get the bow braced as soon as possible so i can check string alignment and limb balance.

Steve

[Rich Saffold]

  The price of fame   All those rumours   I will flex the stave floor tillering style and see how its bending, but on the heavier ones I'll use a snug string to help get it flexing if necessary.. 110#'s or less I can usually get a good floor tiller on it for stringing..course I'm using a bit of body weight and some help from Roger Clemens trainer ....

Rich-

[SimonUK]

Sorry Steve!    It's the impression I got from reading your buildalong on the other forum.  I take it all back.

[Marc St Louis]

With lighter weight bows I don't even use a long string but go from floor tiller to brace. With heavy weight bows, 70# and up I long string tiller to just past brace