What is SET?

[josef2424]

I have been reading the first volume of the Bowyer's Bible (great book btw) and they keep using the word set. They never defined the word and the way they use it seems to contradict itself. Can anyone give me a clear, detailed definition of what set is?
                     Thanks,
                         Joe

[Leo L.]

I know what it is, but I'll try to put it into words...

Set is what happens when the wood develops a natural curve or bend

String follow is similar as the bow takes on an un-natural curve or bend produced by the bending of the bow.

Hopefully someone can confirm my answer or totally prove me wrong, hehe.

[John Scifres]

String follow and set are used interchangeably most of the time.  For practical purposes, it's when the bow retains the appearance of being bent even when it is unstrung.  A bow is a simple spring.  Energy is input during the draw.  Energy is released during the recovery.  Set reduces the efficiency of the spring since there is less spring there.

[George Tsoukalas]

String follow is when the limbs in the unbraced bow appear to be strung. The limbs bend towards the archer when unstrung. To me string follow and set are not the same. If the bowyer starts with 3 inches of reflex on a stave and when tillered the bow retains 1 inch of reflex, the limbs do not follow the string but the bow has taken 2 inches of set. Jawge

[josef2424]

Thanks guys for clearing things up!