Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Oldvol on December 28, 2021, 12:38:38 pm

Title: Tillering Question
Post by: Oldvol on December 28, 2021, 12:38:38 pm
Working on a 66” hickory asymmetrical self bow. As I have removed wood from the belly some discolored areas have surfaced in the top limb. Don’t know what they are. Will this affect the tillering? The bow is 17/8” wide and has some natural reflex in the top limb. I hope to fire harden the bow and put reflex in the bottom limb before tillering. I am concerned about the discolored spots.

Title: Re: Tillering Question
Post by: Pat B on December 28, 2021, 12:46:19 pm
What's the source of your wood? Discoloration could be a sign of fungus infection.
Title: Re: Tillering Question
Post by: Oldvol on December 28, 2021, 12:50:47 pm
Wood stave cut from a tree about a year ago.
Title: Re: Tillering Question
Post by: Pat B on December 28, 2021, 04:17:35 pm
Was the tree live standing?
 I think I'd make both limbs the same using heat and a form.
Title: Re: Tillering Question
Post by: Oldvol on December 28, 2021, 04:36:50 pm
Tree was alive and standing. I tried to make the bottom limb match the top by steaming over a form. It worked for a short time but has gradually lost about 90%. I intend to try again by fire hardening.
Title: Re: Tillering Question
Post by: Pat B on December 28, 2021, 06:31:49 pm
Try it with dry heat and temper it at the same time. Take to a dark brown color and let it stay on the form overnight.
Title: Re: Tillering Question
Post by: Oldvol on December 29, 2021, 08:55:48 am
Will do. Thanks