Thanks guys, after a couple more hours this evening I think I have it. Of course my camera picked this particular time to go on the fritz or I'd post some pictures of the outcome. I did end up losing about 8lbs off the draw. It's 57lbs at 28". I'm happy with that.
As for the mystery of the hinge, that would be my error. I overworked that area, or rather I worked it and worked it to get some bend, no results, then really really worked it and...well hello there hinge. The are of the tiller is going to take quite a few more bows to get a better feel for it.
This is my first decent all wood bow and I'm happy as a pig in slop over it. Can't wait to shoot it
.