For your first tillering string, don't use a super long string that hangs down, they lie. File in your string nocks right away and use a regular string in those string nocks. The very first time you string the bow, use a longer than normal string so that when the bow is strung, the string lays tight against the belly of the bow. Work the bow on the tree till the tips are bending to about 6 inches, then use a shorter string to get the bow braced to about 3 inches and work the bow on the tree till the tips are bending to about 9 inches, then use a regular string and brace the bow to 6 inches and finish out the tillering.