1st Time Builder needs a Tiller Check!(UPDATED,PG1)

[JGoemaat]

First off I can't tell you how excited I was the first time I put this bow on the tiller tree.  To actually see the limbs bend was pretty exciting, this piece of wood I put together actually felt like a bow. This has been a really fun introduction into a hobby I never thought I could be a part of.  Thanks to this amazing community, and 4est for great instructions.  

That being said, I took some pictures of my tiller in progress and would love to hear you guys pick apart the photos, before I proceed. This is the bow in long string tillering stage at about 15-16 inches. Hows it look? Right now it pulls about 34 lbs at 14 inches, and I just put my hand where it felt natural.

   

[T Folts]

Looks good so far, A picture on the tiller tree at a straight shot would give a better view.
The first one is a great feeling aint it.
T

[John Scifres]

Okey dokey so far.

[Pat B]

Looks good so far to me too. You may be gripping the string a bit high but that could just be the pic also.

[JGoemaat]

At this point can I switch to short string tillering, or would it be best to continue to use the long string for for tillering?

[4est trekker]

Go ahead and get it on the short string but start with a brace height around 4".  If it looks good there, raise it up.  Good job so far!

[Pat B]

I usually go to short string at about 6" to 8" of tip movement. Like 4est said go with a 4" brace height.  This way you can see how the string tracks. This is a point where leaving the handle and tips unfinished comes in handy. If your string is off to one side or the other you can remove wood from one side or the other of the tips, handle area or both.
  Your long string doesn't have to be too long either. Just long enough to go from tip to tip. The longer the string the more "off" the tiller can be when braced. Different leverage and pull direction can give a false reading that will only show up when braced.

[John Scifres]

I agree on the short string.  I usually try to get it bending 16" and around 10# short of my target weight.  That gives me plenty of margin for error but still gets me on the short string without overstressing the stave.  I like to get it on the string as soon as I can.  

Really working hard to get a good layout and even wood removal on the belly helps a lot in this regard.  Often, I hit floor tiller right off the bandsaw and go to the short string right away, especially on fairly straight, non-character staves.

Good job so far.

[JGoemaat]

Well its been one heck of a journey for a guy like myself with zero knowledge and talent for woodworking.  My list of woodworking accomplishments prior to this endeavor included making a hot dog roasting stick, and sharpening pencils. Needed to say I'm pretty darn proud    I've posted two pictures as the bow sits tillered right now. I don't think I'll remove more wood because of I've hit my target weight of 50lbs unless someone brings up a serious issue.

Being this is a learning experience I would like your honest inputs on my tillering job, hows it look, any advice for a future build. I believe the limbs may be a little stiff toward the tips, but we'll see what others have to say. Thanks for the inputs!
-Justin

   

   

[Roy from Pa]

Looks very good for your first bow. ^5..  In the top picture in your last post on the tillering tree, which limb is the top limb?

[carver]

you rocked it man, that's the way to go...what kinda wood you got there?

[John Scifres]

nice

[JGoemaat]

Roy, the top limb is the limb on the right side. I tried making what I thought was the stiffest limb on the bottom, which when I tillered the bow was typically the left side.

Also, the bow is made from red oak. I followed 4est tutorial on bow making for this process. Right now the bow pulls 52lbs, so I expect it to settle somewhere below that after shooting and touch up sanding.

[Pat B]

The tiller pic in your hand will be the most accurate. You have a right to be proud of this bow. It took me years to reach this level. Congratulations!

[formerbutcher]

Looks great ! I like to leave my tips a little stiff the last 6"s

Good job !

[ron w]

If the only thing you made before was a hot dog stick, you doing pretty darn good. Your tiller looks good and if you hit your target poundage your gonna have fine first bow....well done!!!!!! Even if you miss your poundage, ya done good!!!

[4est trekker]

You absolutely nailed your first bow!  Way to go, guy!  Your in-hand tiller is spot on for the way I tiller that particular bow.  Your tips will be stiff, as you essentially laminated the very tip, creating a stronger section.  That, combined with the slight reflex at the tips, help give these bow a little bit more snap.   Again, awesome job!  It deserves a nice finish and handle to compliment your great effort!  You should definitely be proud!    

[JGoemaat]

Wow! Thanks for each input! I'm happy the tiller looks good.  This bow is a product of this community type forum. Now for the finishing touches! I'll just have to decide how to finish the bow, post a picture, and then its off to the woods to hunt stumps and loose arrows, my favorite past time! Thanks!

-Justin