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Bows / Re: Straight bow, optimal tiller profile (VirtualBow)?
« Last post by bjrogg on December 16, 2025, 10:40:04 am »I’m with pappy. I prefer 3 but if I need a little more draw I usually end up with 4.
Bjrogg
Bjrogg
Recent Posts
32
Primitive Skills / Re: Life is good
« Last post by Pappy on December 16, 2025, 09:04:53 am »Thanks guys, shoulder is a little sore this morning but he said it would be for a couple of days then all should be good. 
Ya Pat, it dose look a little different but as you said at least they ant on the buildings. Thanks BJ, love working on them skulls.
Pappy
Ya Pat, it dose look a little different but as you said at least they ant on the buildings. Thanks BJ, love working on them skulls.Pappy
33
Bows / Re: Straight bow, optimal tiller profile (VirtualBow)?
« Last post by Pappy on December 16, 2025, 08:56:53 am »3 or 4 for me, probable prefer 3. Both are how I try to tiller mine. don't always come out that way because of the character of the wood I most of the time am using but that is what I am going for.
Pappy
don't always come out that way because of the character of the wood I most of the time am using but that is what I am going for. Pappy
34
Bows / Re: Straight bow, optimal tiller profile (VirtualBow)?
« Last post by Del the cat on December 16, 2025, 07:50:22 am »A thousand Quatloos on number 4!
Del
Del
35
Bows / Re: Straight bow, optimal tiller profile (VirtualBow)?
« Last post by Tuomo on December 16, 2025, 04:17:11 am »Great thoughts! You clearly know what you’re talking about. I’m using this program—it’s free and still being actively developed (current version 0.9.1, version 0.10 is coming soon and maybe the final version 1.0 is coming next year).
https://www.virtualbow.org/
https://www.virtualbow.org/
36
Bows / Re: Straight bow, optimal tiller profile (VirtualBow)?
« Last post by Threy Cameron on December 16, 2025, 03:47:12 am »Interesting question.
I'd have to go with number 3 as I'm not a fan of whip tillering at all, really dislike how it looks and feels.
I've found stiffer outer limbs especially when Eiffel towered like in your depiction are much better when left stiffer and barely working.
Additionally I've found whip tillered tips to reduce early draw weight and lower performance and arrow speed though this is with my limited testing
and admittedly biased perspective.
The performance aside durability wise it'd be safer to have the widest part of the bow bending more and storing the most energy.
I'm sure there are situations like the deflexed willow bow tips in some native American tribes where whip tillering is more advantageous
but for hunting use I believe they'd only be a negative.
That's a great program you've used for simulating the bows draw, would you mind sharing what program you used?
Cheers
I'd have to go with number 3 as I'm not a fan of whip tillering at all, really dislike how it looks and feels.
I've found stiffer outer limbs especially when Eiffel towered like in your depiction are much better when left stiffer and barely working.
Additionally I've found whip tillered tips to reduce early draw weight and lower performance and arrow speed though this is with my limited testing
and admittedly biased perspective.
The performance aside durability wise it'd be safer to have the widest part of the bow bending more and storing the most energy.
I'm sure there are situations like the deflexed willow bow tips in some native American tribes where whip tillering is more advantageous
but for hunting use I believe they'd only be a negative.
That's a great program you've used for simulating the bows draw, would you mind sharing what program you used?
Cheers
37
Bows / Straight bow, optimal tiller profile (VirtualBow)?
« Last post by Tuomo on December 16, 2025, 02:48:18 am »Primitive archery is a great practical hobby – I have just finished a bow. However, it is also nice sometimes to be more theoretical and play with a computer and VirtualBow…
Here is a small comparison: just a straight bow with a very optimized front profile. I simulated nine different constant taper rates (from −0.006 to 0.010) to see how they affect the bow’s stress and performance. In your opinion, what is the "best" and most optimal full-draw profile? How would you tiller your bow?
Here is a small comparison: just a straight bow with a very optimized front profile. I simulated nine different constant taper rates (from −0.006 to 0.010) to see how they affect the bow’s stress and performance. In your opinion, what is the "best" and most optimal full-draw profile? How would you tiller your bow?
38
Bows / Re: The best shape for a reflexed bow?
« Last post by Tuomo on December 16, 2025, 02:36:07 am »Isn't it the shallow angle at brace that gives the high early draw weight and increases stored energy?
whereas excessive angle at full draw leads to stacking or an increase in apparent draw force but not stored energy?
Yes, just like that! If you play with VirtualBow, you will find that the more string contact there is (especially with deflex–reflex designs), the more energy is stored. However, this requires that the string contact opens; in other words, there must be no string contact at full draw. See Model 4 with 90-degree recurves: because it does not open even at full draw, it is not a good design.
However, measuring the string angle at full draw is not very practical. As Simk said earlier, “It’s enough if we understand the concept and know the general guidelines to keep the angle low.” With the VirtualBow program, it is quite convenient to model different kinds of bows and gain a better understanding of bow behavior.
39
Bows / Re: yew - a madam's target bow 31# -27"
« Last post by Pappy on December 15, 2025, 08:07:55 pm »Beautiful bow , love yew and with a little character is a plus for sure. Pappy
40
Bows / Re: The best shape for a reflexed bow?
« Last post by Bob Barnes on December 15, 2025, 08:00:01 pm »Patrick has made probably the most powerful bow for its draw weight ive ever seen. He isnt on here much anymore, but his handle is Lebhuntfish.It was built using this (his original) form.