hows she looking

[danny f]

hi all,  i have started on my second bow its a sister stave to a 2"x2" ash board  i got and did my first bow with. i just wanted a few expert eyes to see if the tiller is looking ok. also i am aiming for around 50 pound at 28", i fell short last time and got 36. the tips are moving about 7" should i go for a low brace at this stage or take off abit more wood first. i dont want to remove to much and fall short again thanks.

[Josh]

I would go ahead and get a low brace on her if I were you.  Try to do that as soon as you get it bending evenly so you won't come in under weight.  Looking good but hard to tell till you get it braced. 

[paulsemp]

Looks good, but I would get the last 2/3 moving just a LITTLE bit more. I agree with Josh in the idea you are ready for brace.

[danny f]

thanks for the quick replys.

[PEARL DRUMS]

Your right limb is stiff midway. Maybe 10-15 scrapes then a 2-3" brace. No hinges is the biggest concern at first brace, and you look fine.

[Del the cat]

Like the others say... if the tips are back 7" you can get proper string on it.
Pull it back carefully aiming towards getting it back to target weight (or close) as you adjust the tiller to slowly increase the draw length.
E.g. Get the tiller good at target weight, then slowly remove wood to bring back the draw length whilst maintaining/adjusting tiller.
Looking pretty good, right limb is a tad stiffer, but it will prob show up more on the short string at a 50#.
You don't say what weight it's at in the pic...
Del

[danny f]

i  now have it pulling to 21" and it is 48 pounds. i think the right limb looks abit flat just past midway out towards the tip.

[danny f]

it is braced 2 and half inch from the inside of the handle

[danny f]

it is now drawing to 24" and it is 52 pounds.

[randman]

It's looking real good! I noticed your scale on the wall there but I don't see it attached to the bowstring on any of your pics. How are you measuring the weight on that thing? The reason I ask is because I noticed early on that I get accurate readings if I pull with the scale hooked to the bowstring (on the bow side of the pulley)  but if I pull with the scale in my hand (attached to the pull cord on my side of the pulley) the weight reading is very inaccurate (stronger I believe but it's been a while since I did it that way)

[danny f]

cheers randman, heres a pic of how i do it, i think its the same way as you.

[Del the cat]

Looking great . You are obviously getting your eye in.
Some of what you do next will depend on what shape of tiller you are going for, some like arc of a circle, some like more bend near the grip and stiffer tips, some go whip ended.
I go for arc of a circle because theoretically every bit of the limb is equally stressed, the last few inches still remain stiff as there is v little leverage there.
It doesn't really matter as long as you keep it even.
Del

[danny f]

cheers del, where would you suggest removing wood from now to get the last few inches. i was thinking maybe lighten the tips a little bit. although i quite like the shape of the bend as it is. mmmm what to do lol.

[Del the cat]

Yup I'd agree, mid limb to tip. The centre of the bow seems to be bending nicely.
Remember to exercise it lots and hold up a plate or CD up in fornt of you to see the curve of the bow against it. (or do the 'paint' thing... a plate is quicker tho' )
Take it easy the last few inches don't take much wood removal, should be down to scraper/file/sandpaper by now of fine rasp.
Good time to check the string alignment, adjust nocks, any edges, get it to full braceround etc.
Don't try to finish it in a rush...tomorrow will do fine.
Del

[danny f]

cheers del, this has all been done with a cabinet scraper. i like to keep the belly smooth all the time.  i dont like to use a rasp unless i have to remove lots of wood. thats a good idea with the plate i wouldn't have even thought about that little trick.  i will take my time now dont want to mess it up. just out of interest what do you reckon the weight will be if its at 52 pound at this stage. thanks.