Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: rileyconcrete on August 07, 2009, 11:33:47 am

Title: Tillering Bows
Post by: rileyconcrete on August 07, 2009, 11:33:47 am
The first bow I made I tried to tiller just by stringing it up and eyeballing the tiller.  I have learned that This is not a good option for a beginer.  So I have started to build a tillering tree, which I hear most of you use.  The thing is there are so many different ways to build them, and I have Taken different Ideas from different pitures Ive seen on the web.  I was wondering if any of you would post some pictures of your trees so I can get some more Ideas for the one I am building.  I have an osage roughed out that I need to tiller and I will Post some pictures on here as soon as I can get the Tree built. Thanks for all your help on here guys I really appreciate it.
Tell
Title: Re: Tillering Bows
Post by: Pat B on August 07, 2009, 11:48:25 am
I don't have access to my pics now but basically it is a block to rest the bow on and a pulley below that at least as far down as your max draw length. Run a line(I used 1/4" nylon)through the pulley and attach it to the string. I use an "S" hook or clip for this. Have enough line so you can  stand about 6' back to get a good overall view of the bow while bending. Having a ruler attached or at least having your draw length marked is a good idea.
   I have a portable tree also that I can attach to another post plus my permanent version.
Title: Re: Tillering Bows
Post by: woodstick on August 07, 2009, 11:38:56 pm
if you go to page 2 on bows and you will see new bow by woodstick my tree is on there. which it is just a bow holder out of 2/4 and a line chart in 1 inch incerments, works real good.
Title: Re: Tillering Bows
Post by: JustAim on August 08, 2009, 01:03:28 am
Just something l drew up real fast. Get yourself some rope or cable ( l use paracord 550 ) and a ''S'' hook or ''Clip hook'' like the others said and the rest l'm sure you can figure out on your own. Just be sure to make the shelf strong so it doesnt break on you.




[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: Tillering Bows
Post by: osage outlaw on August 08, 2009, 03:27:38 am
Here is what I use.  Two pulleys, some rope, and a little bit of lumber.  I made the grid on it to help with eyeballing the tiller. 

(http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r55/clintanders/DSCN0851.jpg)
Title: Re: Tillering Bows
Post by: NOMADIC PIRATE on August 08, 2009, 07:01:15 am
The first bow I made I tried to tiller just by stringing it up and eyeballing the tiller.  I have learned that This is not a good option for a beginer. 


Why not ?
Title: Re: Tillering Bows
Post by: rileyconcrete on August 09, 2009, 12:24:12 pm
Well The tiller just wasnt right. I did what I thought was right and ended up with a hinge. So I thought a tiller tree would help me to better see the tilller.
Title: Re: Tillering Bows
Post by: Pat B on August 09, 2009, 02:07:54 pm
For most it is a lot easier to see tiller when you can stand back and look at the bent bow.
Title: Re: Tillering Bows
Post by: Del the cat on August 09, 2009, 02:14:05 pm
Here's a pic of mine, it has a winch on the bottom, and a 100 lb spring balance (both cheapo jobs off the interweb ;))
(http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp195/Del_the_Cat/tiller_rig.jpg)
That's an old Elm Longbow on it.
I keep meaning to round the top of the block a bit more so the the bow is supported at a single point, to allow free movement.
The wooden rule is slotted so it can be adusted to allow for different thickness bow handles (I take draw as back of bow to string) 
With ref to above post...quite right, mine is a pig, because I can't get very far away to get a good look, my workshop is just a single car garage :'(....I've seen some of the HUGE workshops some of you guys have :o... jealous moi? 
Del
Title: Re: Tillering Bows
Post by: sailordad on August 09, 2009, 02:15:29 pm
For most it is a lot easier to see tiller when you can stand back and look at the bent bow.

thats why i take pics and use windows paint to analyze them
only use my tiller tick for excersizing after scraping,other wise i floor tiller to a short brace then eye ball tiller
Title: Re: Tillering Bows
Post by: Del the cat on August 09, 2009, 02:20:55 pm
For most it is a lot easier to see tiller when you can stand back and look at the bent bow.

thats why i take pics and use windows paint to analyze them
only use my tiller tick for excersizing after scraping,other wise i floor tiller to a short brace then eye ball tiller
Yup, modern digital cameras are a great tool, so is standing in front of the wardrobe mirror (Not while Mrs Cat is in bed tho'  ;D)
Del
Title: Re: Tillering Bows
Post by: Pat B on August 09, 2009, 04:19:07 pm
I prefer to hand hold the pull cord as to not put undue strain on the bow being tillered with a static hold. Even a perfectly tillered bow shouldn't be held at draw for more than a second or two. This can add to stresses that cause set.
Title: Re: Tillering Bows
Post by: Del the cat on August 09, 2009, 04:32:39 pm
I prefer to hand hold the pull cord as to not put undue strain on the bow being tillered with a static hold. Even a perfectly tillered bow shouldn't be held at draw for more than a second or two. This can add to stresses that cause set.
Yes, I have to be carefull with the winch...I lost a nice Sinew backed Ash bow that way, I'd just picked up the camera to take the pic at full draw...BANG! :-[, still it's how we learn, it's handy at half draw allows you to peer along the limbs, draw around them, rub them with garlic and make the necessary incantations to Bastet the Cat God.  (What, you don't do the inacantations?? :o)
Del