Tillering--need a second set of eyes

[Hrothgar]

Currently working on a hickory flatbow, 63" ntn, 3" brace height and have it pulling 42# at 17". My goal is 47-48# at 27". Width is 1 3/8 at the handle and through the fades. Was wondering if it should be bending more through the handle?
Thanks for advice.

[JonW]

On bendy handle bow I leave the fades and handle area for last. So I say work the outers back into the handle.

[Danzn Bar]

really need  to see an un braced pic to give the best advice...............
DBar

[George Tsoukalas]

Do you want a bend in the handle bow, Hrothgar? Tiller looks pretty good. I'd scrape near the handle on the right limb to get a bit more movement there and both limbs look to bend mid limb on just a bit more. Jawge

[Hrothgar]

Yes George, I'm wanting a bend through the handle bow, native american style.

In lieu of a picture, both limbs already have over 2" of string follow.

[bowandarrow473]

At 2" of follow, the moisture content is probably way to high. That said, I like to get the handle bending last so I don't over tiller it.

[Pappy]

Like was said make sure it's dry, Hickory like dry. Looks pretty good to me. I would go ahead and get it to full brace and see how it looks ,it can change things.
 Pappy

[Badger]

  As others have said, it sounds like it has high moisture. I would have stopped at the first sign of taking set unless I was very close to finished. You mention having fades and wanting to bend at the handle, Not sure what how you will do that? Is the handle area narrowed? Most bend throgh the handle bows don't have fades.

[George Tsoukalas]

Yes, put it aside and let it dry, Hrothgar.
This is where I moisture meter comes in handy.
I know they are expensive but they sure are handy.
I bought the Mini Ligno many years ago (available from 3 Rivers).

[lebhuntfish]

Looks like you are still on the long string. Am I right?  Is does sound like it is still to wet to me to.
Patrick

[simson]

Good advice above.

Are you sure with the set?
Have you measured before tillering?
Or was there some natural deflex?

When not, what the others said. Leave it on a dry place til ready for going on. Then I would heat treat some reflex (2 or 3") in before starting tillering again

[Hrothgar]

Thanks for the replies. I'm sure moisture is a factor. My shop is in the basement and I've had a de-humidifier running most of the summer because the summer was so wet.
   
 You're right George, I could use a moisture meter.
     
Badger, the handle is slighty narrowed. I've seen a couple examples of eastern native american bows from Jim Hamm's book.