Stumped on string alignment

[cool_98_555]

Hello everyone,

I have a nice bow with lots of character im working on right now.  I am facing a dilemma right now though, and to say the least im confused.  When i put a string from tip to tip on the back of the bow when it is unstrung, the string lines up dead center in the handle.  However, when I string the bow, the string seems to be right of center.  Im not sure which one is correct and im not sure if i need to heat correct it more right now or not.  Any ideas? Is there some kind of illusion playing a trick on me since it is full of character?

[PatM]

The strung one tells you the alignment under stress. That's the one that counts. You can probably correct it easier by focusing your scraping on the left side of the limb to encourage it to drift that way.

[stuckinthemud]

Like Pat says, the limb most likely is slightly thicker on one side , perhaps only at one point along the limb - you'll need to locate that thick patch and reduce it. Heat treating is the wrong option this time

[gfugal]

If the string is aligned when it's not strung then heat treatment will do no good. Its a tillering issue, do what they said and you should be good. There is a limb twisting form that's been saved as a sticky on this page which helped me out.

[George Tsoukalas]

Also, make sure wood removal is even on both sides of the limb as you proceed.
Leave the handle full width and knocks an inch or so wide to track the string better. Later you can shape them to suit you.
I can continue, if you want.
Jawge

[cool_98_555]

There is a natural twist or two in the limbs but I like to keep them there because I like the character.  Perhaps that's the culprit?

[George Tsoukalas]

Could be. Show us some photos.

[Msturm]

every time that has happened to me it has been a thick spot on the edge. or thick spots.



Msturm

[cool_98_555]

When I looked down the sides they looked pretty even to me.  Do you think it would fix it if i heat out the natural twist in the middle of the limb?

[George Tsoukalas]

If it is just right of center, just take a few scrapes, as Pat M said, at the left of both limbs and check. You can do that while the stave is strung.

It does not have to exactly be down the center of the handle.

Jawge