Upside down tiller tree! Updated!

[razorback]

I am currently using a tillering stick and have been advised by several people, here and other places, that I should use a tillering tree. There are several well documented reasons for the tree over the stick and I wont go into them now. The issue I have is one of space, particularly open wall space. My workshop is small and the best location I have for inspecting the tiller of a bow is where I have my stick set up. it is incorporated into a bench that has peg board behind it which is really handy.
I have two options that I can come up with to creat a tree and keep it in the same place.

1. I could raise the shelf for the bow about 6"-12" giving me room under the bow to accomodate the pulley. This puts the bow above eye level which I have found is easier to inspect the tiller.

2. I had the idea of turning the tree upside down. If I put a holddown for the handle on my bench and attached the pulley to the ceiling rafters, would this work. I would have to anchor the bench to the floor in order to take the strain, but other than that I don't see an issue. Does anybody else see any issues or solutions.

 

[John Scifres]

I think I'd be drilling a hole in my bench to run the string through and putting the pulley below.

[razorback]

Thanks John. Hadn't considered that. Will have to check the construction under that point, but would probably work.

[Jack Skinner]

Razorback do you get the bowyers journal?

In the last issue was an article showing how this guy built his bows, anyway he had an interesting way of checking his tiller using a version of what you are saying. He had a form that adjusted for bow length and that had blocks on the end that appeared to be about 6 or 7 inches tall. Then he just used a long clamp in the center to pull the bow down at the handle and check tiller. The whole thing set right on the top of his bench. Basically a reverse tillering device. The only hang up would be pulling past brace height.

[razorback]

I took John's suggestion and drilled a hole through the bench and attached a pulley to the support leg under it. Used a dog clip on the rope and all looks good.
Thanks John.
       

New Tiller Tree