Tiller tool survey/opinions

[Hrothgar]

I was wondering how many of you incorperate a tiller tool when you are tillering--I'm referring to any type of short block (usually around 4 inches long) that is run up and down the belly side of a bow while nearly full-drawn on a tillering stick. The purpose being to help determine where more wood needs to be removed, or to indicate where a limb is flat. I have occasionally used a home-made one, but tend to think it can be inaccurate or even misleading with a bow that has a back that is some places crowned and other places flat or dipping.
All opinions welcomed,
Eric

[osage outlaw]

I use one if the stave is flat.  If it has character, it doesn't work as well.

[bubby]

I use a tillering gizmo, but I build mostly board bows

[sailordad]

i use a tillering gizmo
but i also like to use digital micrometer and measure eevery three inches the thickness of each limb
i find,for me,this to be a better way of doing it
but if its got character to it,whether it be snakiness or roller coaster,it doesnt work well to use a tillering gizmo
for them staves i like to just have the wife take a pic of me drawing the bow to a predetermined length and
then analyze it on the computer 

[aznboi3644]

my tiller tools include my room mate, a mirror, and my eyes.  I dont use a tillering tree or stick so I dont use any kind of blocks.

[NTD]

I use one but unless it's a straight profile bow made from dimensional lumber, you can't follow it blindly in my opinion but a valuable tool nonetheless.

[sweeney3]

I have started using a smallish, maybe 4" whetstone.  I had been using a credit/gift card, but I found that it was so thin that it could easily track at an angle and be misleading.  This whetstone is maybe half and inch wide, so I think it gives me a better indication of where I have flat spots or too much bend.  Of course it isn't a fail safe, but it's a good start.  I like these other folks' micrometer idea, but I don't have one.

[sailordad]

i dont use the pencil in mine
i just have a bock of wood thats true(truley flat on all sides)
i just run that along the limb and pay attention to the gap
no pencil to wear or marks to worry about
but ya gotta remember where ech spot tht needs work is
but i still like my micrometer better 

[Pat B]

For anyone that is interested in Eric's Gizmo thread it is located at the top of the "How To" page.  I don't always use Eric's gizmo while tillering but when I have problems seeing tiller in a difficult bow I use it. I think it is a great tool for selfbow building. When I started building bows I would use a 6" plastic ruler to check tiller.
  I have also made a centering tool...

[Hrothgar]

Pat, I had missed Eric Krewson's post, thanks for mentioning that. I tend to agree with above posts. I think it works great on with a board or a square-ish stave, but the last couple stave bows have really pitted my eye against my brain. Thanks

[tronman]

I like that centering tool. Might have to make me one.

[Buckeye Guy]

I use the edge of my cab. scraper to see the gap when I'm on a long string with a tiller stick.
If I am at a character spot I use it and a pencil to mark a straight line on the side of the bow with the bow relaxed then hold the straight edge to see the bend when its on the stick.
After i get to brace height  I use a short string on a tillering tree and stand back for a view that takes in the whole picture.

[aaron]

i use a cabinet scraper as a gague, but instead of holding it right on the belly, i hold it up to lines previously drawn on the sides.

[Pat B]

Aaron, that is a technique that has been around for a long time but you very rarely see it used. Could you take pics of the process next time you use it. Might be very helpful to lots of folks here.

[crooketarrow]

    I've tryed tilling tools twice through the years. And always go back you useing my eye. If you have that perfect stave maybe. I can't speak for board bows I never built one. I seams sence there more uniform it would work. But not on a stave very well. There not for me. Plus I don't like to put any excese stress on my limbs by locking it down each time as I check my tiller. Exture stress on your limbs will help add exture string follow to your bow.