Urgent - Hazel Bow Advice

[jameseills]

I've labelled this post as urgent as I'm visiting my parents and for the next few days have the tools available to finish making my bow.

I've mostly finished shaping a longbow with flexible limbs and solid handle+tips from a single stave of green hazel.  

The limbs are flexible, but will need a little shaving to reach the right draw weight. I THINK the next steps are:
-Cut string nocks into the tips
-Set the bow into roughly the desired shape and allow it to dry (for how long?)
-Tiller the limbs

Could I possibly get some advice on what to do next and general tips on finishing this bow properly?

Also, how do I set the wood? Can I string the bow and leave it for months, or do I need to clamp it into a wooden frame?

[LittleBen]

Ok, number one: the best way to ruin a bow is to rush. So breath, it's gonna be ok.

Second, don't bend the limbs at all until the stave is dry. If it's not dry right now, you need to wait until it is. Even roughed out like you have it this might be a couple months.

You never WANT to cause set in the limbs of a wood bow. Set is a permanent bend the wood takes from being stressed ( bent). You want to avoid set.
If you are worried about the stave warping/twisting as it dries, you can clamp it to a board until it's dry. You want to clamp it so the bow is straight, not bent. I assume this is your first bow, so I recommend not trying to add reflex or recurves or anything. Walk before you run.

If your stave is dry, get the limbs bending a bit against the floor (floor tiller). Then cut string nocks, then you can start tillering.

I recommend reading some build alongs to help understand the process start to finish. Self bow build alongs would be best, but board bow build alongs will also have a lot of helpful information and the process is much the same.m

[David Flanrey]

Ben is giving very good advise!  Don't rush things.  If the wood is not dry, wait.