Good explanation, Takefive.
Jeremy, as you work on this bow, make sure you work only the belly side. You should remove no wood from the back as you tiller because if you do, you'll cut through the growth ring that is the bow's back. When that happens, there's a good chance it will break there.
To the experienced here, such things seem obvious, but I took it for granted once that a guy knew it, and when I returned to check on him, he had worked both the back and belly, and the stave was ruined... so I'm just throwing it out there... better safe than sorry.
Best of luck with your bow, and I look forward to following along with you.