Flat bow Tillering

[Nicole]

ok so im new to this site. Im not even sure im on the right board. Regardless im hoping someone out there can give me some feedback on my tiller. This is a 57in (nock to nock) hickory flatbow.

[BowEd]

The tiller looks pretty good Nicole.Slight propeller in limbs but that's ok.It's a self bow.I take it's pulled to about 24 to 25 inches?A picture of the bow resting will tell more.Top view look would be good too.

[Pat B]

I agree with Ed. The bend looks good but there is a bit of propeller twist. Check the thickness across the limbs. I'd bet one side was slightly thicker than the other and opposite side on the other limb.

[Nicole]

define at rest please

[BowEd]

define at rest please

Unstrung.
Good point Pat.Thought of mentioning that but let it slide.

[Nicole]

Hope these are good enough.

[BowEd]

Does'nt look too bad either at rest I think.Is the back against the door knob or the belly?Is that a glued on handle?

[Nicole]

Back. yes i glued that on. it was necessary since this was from a board at home depot.

[BowEd]

Ok.You have some slight string follow then.That's ok.Parallel width limbs mostly and eliptical tillered and that's good.I would'nt hook your bow at full draw on  that tillering stick for too long any more.Do you know the poundage of your bow at the draw weight your shooting?Have you checked for even limb thickness side to side along the limb?It's the reason for your propeller twist in your limbs.If that was a board bow it should of been even thickness to begin with.When evening that up you'll lose a little poundage.
If that's your first bow that is'nt too bad.Congratulations.Next one you can try to do better.

[Nicole]

Its my third actually. The poundage is 20 pounds at 20 in. im also very inexperienced with hands tool. or any wood working tools really. I only kept working on this bow for the practice in various techniques in which i am obviously lacking.

[Hawkdancer]

Nicole,
Welcome to PA!  These guys have a wealth of knowledge!  It looks like your skill with hand tools is rapidly improving, I'd say!
Hawkdancer

[Morgan]

Its my third actually. The poundage is 20 pounds at 20 in. im also very inexperienced with hands tool. or any wood working tools really. I only kept working on this bow for the practice in various techniques in which i am obviously lacking.

Well, I started out with lots of experience with hand tools and my third bow didn’t look near as good. I think you did quite well.

[Nicole]

wow. thanks. I really appreciate the tips and i feel alot better about my progress.

[Greg DeJanes]

Nicole,
When building a board bow you will need to off set string follow with a backset to handle area, putting some curve in the tips or both. Yea I have heard that you can avoid set if your good enough at tillering. I question that.


My daughter is named Nicole.


I ounce went on a shooting get together  . We had an old fella walk up wearing a big cowboy hat. Said He was from Kansas. He had a long fat brown with age hickory bow with almost two in. of string follow. The old feller kicked al of our ----s .


My first few bows out of boards were not as good as yours.


Greg

[Rākau]

haha looking good! so exciting huh, so much to learn!