A couple T/D sleeve questions.

[mtblucas]

Hello everyone! I'm seeking some advice on using a takedown sleeve. This is my second build and first time using a t/d sleeve so any help is greatly appreciated.

So, I have my laminated long bow ready to begin tillering. I plan on using a take down sleeve from 3 Rivers and am trying to figure out when I should tiller. I'd prefer to tiller both before and after installing the sleeve but the bow is just about at the poundage I was shooting for after only roughing it out. I'm thinking I should wait until I have the t/d sleeves installed before tillering. I'm worried the poundage will be really low if I tiller twice. Do y'all agree or would you do it differently?

Also, when using this sleeve the limb with the brass insert will be located about 1mm (width of the wall of the sleeve insert) behind the other limb. Am I splitting hairs here when I feel the "other" limb should be shimmed to bring the two limbs into perfect alignment? I hope this question made sense. I was thinking about laminating a strip of phenolic to the back of the one limb to bring both limbs into alignment. Is 1mm something that isn't worth fretting over or do y'all think it's necessary?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

[KenH]

Tiller NOW.  Make the bow Perfect (for values of perfect), including finish.  THEN cut it in half and install the sleeve.  I've made a couple bows using these sleeves, and that's the way to go.  On the other things, I think you're splitting hairs and castrating gnats -- things not worth worrying about.

[mtblucas]

Thank you. I’ll start getting it tillered up. Do you ever need to tiller any after the handle is installed? I will be as careful as I can when shaping the riser to fit the sleeve but I’m guessing it will be easy to end up with the limbs slightly out of alignment, no?

[KenH]

I've never seen the need to re-tiller.  If you take your time things won't get out of line; if they do it's correctable easily enough.  Of course I wasn't making takedowns with complicated ergonomic handle shapes, just ordinary ovals.

[mtblucas]

Thanks, I really appreciate the info. My handle shape will be about as basic as they come. Have a good weekend!