A tillering aid

[goomba]

Here is something that may help in tillering.
Get a piece of elastic and tie a loop on each end.
I didn't have a long enough piece so I tied
4 smaller pieces together.
Put the elastic loops on the bow nocks.
Next put on the tillering string. A long string
is shown here. Being able to see that straight line
from nock to nock shows me if the limbs are bending
evenly early on in the tillering process.
I don't know if someone thought of this before but I haven't seen it anywhere.
 You can also measure from the elastic to a point on the limbs.

[aznboi3644]

Great idea!  I also make marks on the side every 4 inches and measure string height differences.  That’s a good idea.  Maybe a little bit more work with the added step of attaching it every time the bow comes on and off the tree.  But a useful tool to add to the bowyers toolbox.

[artcher1]

I learned that little trick from reading Paul Comstock's book "The Bent Stick" over 25 years ago. I'm sure a lot of bowyers use it, but just don't mention it for what ever reason. I used a nylon string with one loop on one end and run the other end through the long string loop and wrapped that end around the bow's tip. Quick and easy.....Art

[TimBo]

Nice - I will use that.

[goomba]

I learned that little trick from reading Paul Comstock's book "The Bent Stick" over 25 years ago. I'm sure a lot of bowyers use it, but just don't mention it for what ever reason. I used a nylon string with one loop on one end and run the other end through the long string loop and wrapped that end around the bow's tip. Quick and easy.....Art

I figured someone thought of this already.
With the elastic you can work the limbs without adjusting the length.

[Weylin]

Cool idea. It's good to have a handful of tricks like this to use if you need them. With experience you may find you don't need to hassle with it anymore, but it looks like it would help build good habits and help develop an eye for a good tiller shape.

[Ed Brooks]

Thanks for the tip.

[goomba]

 I haven't made that many bows and this does help me.
I also use the gizmo quite a bit.

[PaSteve]

Looks like a good idea to me. Thanks for the tip. Will try it on a hickory bow I'm building.

[bownarra]

Best to develop your 'eye' and learn to listen to the wood. It will tell you everything you need along the way

[rps3]

I have never seen this before, and think it is a great idea. 

[artcher1]

If you're going to use a temporary string along with your long string then be aware that your bow's tiller profile will change when you go to a short string. Using the long string you want to see the bow's greater bend near the handle and progressively stiffer to the tips. Then when you go to the short string you'll see the tiller shift with less bend near the handle and the greater bend move out towards the tip.

If you think about it, if you're at the point to where you can use this temporary method, then why not go ahead and string up your bow to get a true picture of your tiller...…….Art

[goomba]

I only use the long string to get me to brace height.
Using the elastic to get to brace height is where I think it is most helpful.
Once at brace height I go to the regular string.
 

[goomba]

I forgot to mention that the bow shown in the pictures
is a completed bow not one in progress. I just kept the long string
on in all the photos.

[Knoll]

Thanks for taking time to illustrate the tip.