Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Hrothgar on October 08, 2015, 07:35:59 pm

Title: Tillering--need a second set of eyes
Post by: Hrothgar on October 08, 2015, 07:35:59 pm

Currently working on a hickory flatbow, 63" ntn, 3" brace height and have it pulling 42# at 17". My goal is 47-48# at 27". Width is 1 3/8 at the handle and through the fades. Was wondering if it should be bending more through the handle?
Thanks for advice.

Title: Re: Tillering--need a second set of eyes
Post by: JonW on October 08, 2015, 08:03:10 pm

On bendy handle bow I leave the fades and handle area for last. So I say work the outers back into the handle.

Title: Re: Tillering--need a second set of eyes
Post by: Danzn Bar on October 08, 2015, 08:13:34 pm

really need  to see an un braced pic to give the best advice...............
DBar

Title: Re: Tillering--need a second set of eyes
Post by: George Tsoukalas on October 08, 2015, 08:14:44 pm

Do you want a bend in the handle bow, Hrothgar? Tiller looks pretty good. I'd scrape near the handle on the right limb to get a bit more movement there and both limbs look to bend mid limb on just a bit more. Jawge

Title: Re: Tillering--need a second set of eyes
Post by: Hrothgar on October 08, 2015, 08:27:11 pm

Yes George, I'm wanting a bend through the handle bow, native american style.

In lieu of a picture, both limbs already have over 2" of string follow.

Title: Re: Tillering--need a second set of eyes
Post by: bowandarrow473 on October 08, 2015, 08:32:49 pm

At 2" of follow, the moisture content is probably way to high. That said, I like to get the handle bending last so I don't over tiller it.

Title: Re: Tillering--need a second set of eyes
Post by: Pappy on October 09, 2015, 03:52:37 am

Like was said make sure it's dry, Hickory like dry. Looks pretty good to me. I would go ahead and get it to full brace and see how it looks ,it can change things. :)
 Pappy

Title: Re: Tillering--need a second set of eyes
Post by: Badger on October 09, 2015, 08:58:59 am

  As others have said, it sounds like it has high moisture. I would have stopped at the first sign of taking set unless I was very close to finished. You mention having fades and wanting to bend at the handle, Not sure what how you will do that? Is the handle area narrowed? Most bend throgh the handle bows don't have fades.

Title: Re: Tillering--need a second set of eyes
Post by: George Tsoukalas on October 09, 2015, 09:04:16 am

Yes, put it aside and let it dry, Hrothgar.
This is where I moisture meter comes in handy.
I know they are expensive but they sure are handy.
I bought the Mini Ligno many years ago (available from 3 Rivers).

Title: Re: Tillering--need a second set of eyes
Post by: lebhuntfish on October 09, 2015, 01:29:33 pm

Looks like you are still on the long string. Am I right?  Is does sound like it is still to wet to me to.
Patrick

Title: Re: Tillering--need a second set of eyes
Post by: simson on October 09, 2015, 03:36:46 pm

Good advice above.

Are you sure with the set?
Have you measured before tillering?
Or was there some natural deflex?

When not, what the others said. Leave it on a dry place til ready for going on. Then I would heat treat some reflex (2 or 3") in before starting tillering again

Title: Re: Tillering--need a second set of eyes
Post by: Hrothgar on October 10, 2015, 07:46:41 am

Thanks for the replies. I'm sure moisture is a factor. My shop is in the basement and I've had a de-humidifier running most of the summer because the summer was so wet.
   
 You're right George, I could use a moisture meter.
     
Badger, the handle is slighty narrowed. I've seen a couple examples of eastern native american bows from Jim Hamm's book.