Tiller Problem

[D.A. Davis]

As you guys know I'm working on my 2nd attempt at bow making.  I posted this in my build-a-long post, but I need some advice, and I thought you guys might see it quicker if I made it a seperate topic.

Well, I've got my limb tips semi-done. I've still got some clean-up to do on them. I'm still trying to get the tiller right. When I started shaping the riser, I had the stiffer limb on bottom. Now, the stiffer limb is on the top. I've worked and worked to try and get the tiller to change and get the stiffer limb back to the bottom. I've sanded the sides, back and belly of the upper limb trying to change it. I've sanded until I'm beginning to think I notice that the upper limb is beginning to appear narrower than the bottom. Also, I've lost 5# in the process. I started with the upper limb being 3/8" closer than the bottom limb. The best I've been able to do is lower that to 3/16". So, now I've got an upper limb that is 3/16" closer, a bow that is 5# lighter, and a bow that shoots great. I shoot 3-fingers under, so I think I'm going to leave it as it is.
What do you guys think?

[walkabout]

as long as the tiller is good and it shoots great id leave it. the only downside to bad tiller is that eventually the bow will stress and break in the bad spots, which is why its so important. you really would ideally want the top limb pulling a bit further at brace, but i think thats a matter of preference to how far. when i design my bows i build the top limb an inch or so longer to compensate for positive tiller, and i hear that its a good practice when you shoot three under as well.

[jess stuart]

At this point I would do like walkabout and leave it alone, you said it shoots good.  Isn't that what we are really after?   I mike all my layups before I glue and if one is a bit thicker I will use that as the bottom limb.  I usually cut an inch or so off the thick end of one of my tapers, this will make it a bit weaker.

[Art B]

Is that a stave bow you're working on? Most times with staves their ends will show uneven working properties. From my experience, the trunk end of the tree has the stronger working properties. Perhaps you used this end for your upper limb? I always build my bows "as they stand in the tree" and more times than not the lower limb will be the narrower limb of the two.

If you can, try heat treating your lower limb (if you haven't all ready to strengthen it back up. ART

[PASSTHRU2]

Make sure your exercising the bow enough between adjustments.  Yuor going to keep flip flopping the tiller if your not. This is a must on board bows and well as staves.

[John Scifres]

This is a glass bow, right?

[D.A. Davis]

Yes, it's a glass bow.