Stave shaping?

[Knawbone]

Iv' seen were guys put a couple of inches of deflex in their staves before tillering the bow. This is obviously to counter the string follow created during tillering. How much should I use to get a straight limbed bow upon completion of of the tiller using hickory.Speaking of a self bow.

[PEARL DRUMS]

Thats actually reflex your speaking of. Providing your design is proper I would plan for no less than 2" of set. Add 3" of reflex and you will likely be flat if done/planned right.

[Pat B]

I agree with Pearlie. No more than 4" but 3" is better.

[Shaun]

Much depends on your tillering skill. It is possible to add more or less string follow depending on how much you stress the wood during the process.

[Bjorn]

Really nice bows Shaun! Especially the one with the brush nocks.
Perhaps someone can enlighten me; when we are talking about bows from staves what is the difference between string follow and set?

[Bowjunkie]

Set - The result, due to belly compression/compaction, of a bow’s inability to return to its original shape. For instance, if a bow was constructed from a bow stave with 3” of reflex and after tillering, shooting in, and unstringing, the bow then shows 1” of reflex, the bow is said to have taken 2” of set.

String follow - When an unstrung bow's limbs are bent toward the string side of the handle, either due to set or design, they are said to have string follow, or follow the string.

[Knawbone]

Thanks again everyone, much appreciated.