Tillering Tree Question

[ColonelSandersLite]

So, how many of you are using a 2 pulley system vs a 1 pulley system?  Your thoughts?

I'm considering trying double pulleys out soon for a few reasons, all of which revolve around the idea of halving the pull weight while doubling the travel.

The lower pull weight should reduce fatigue during the tillering process, making it easier to keep tillering for longer.  Though part of me suspects that doubling the distance you need to pull the rope to get the same effect could be counterproductive in this regard.  I would have to try it to form an actual opinion on validity.

Being easier to pull and having to pull twice as far for the same effect should make it easier to come to a specific draw distance and hold it steady, giving both a more accurate draw distance measurement and a more accurate poundage measurement.

[Pat B]

I've always used a single pulley. Never had a reason for a double, even when tillering a 95@30" yew ELB.
 I like to be able to set the bow on the tree, hook up the rope, exercise the bow well and step back and look at and mark stiff and weak spots and not hold the bow at a static draw for more than a few seconds. It would take twice as long with a double pulley system I'd think.

[Walt Francis]

Never had a reason for more than one pulley.  Seems to me the logistics of pulling 56-58" instead of 28-29" would be counter productive.

[takefive]

One pulley.  I don't draw the bow much past 40 pounds on the tree anyway.

[Bowjunkie]

I have 4 pulleys.... all on the same shaft down by the floor :^)

[ColonelSandersLite]

Originally posted by Bowjunkie:
I have 4 pulleys.... all on the same shaft down by the floor :^)

Doesn't count.

[Robyn Hode]

I use a two pulley system and love it. It greatly reduces fatigue. I don't actually think I'm pulling the rope any farther now then I did with a one pulley system. I never really thought about it. I just now it is a lot easier for me.

[Roy from Pa]

I use two pulleys, and like it.

[ColonelSandersLite]

Originally posted by Robyn Hode:
I don't actually think I'm pulling the rope any farther now then I did with a one pulley system. I never really thought about it.

You are, it's basic physics.  For every factor of mechanical advantage your pulley system yields (2 in this case), you must also multiply the distance traveled by the same.  It's definitely possible to rig up a tillering tree that would increase this factor to 4 or even more, but that probably falls well past the point of diminishing returns.

Here's a simple primer:
  http://www.explainthatstuff.com/pulleys.html

[John Scifres]

Um, tillering is great exercise.  If you fatigue from tillering, you need to do something about your upper body/cardio conditioning.  You should also take the stairs and accept the parking spot the farthest from the door.

[Bowjunkie]

Yeah, I like one pulley and never got tired while exercising the limbs, even on the heavy bows and I work em a lot. I often pull it, hold it with one hand, lean in, mark a spot needing work, and keep going. That might be impossible to do if I had to pull the string twice as far???

[fujimo]

one pulley-x2 wot Jon said
for me- if i needed more than a pulley, i might be questioning whether i could shoot the bow all day.

unless of course yunz real old, tired and hide out in Pa, then maybe two pulleys are ok    

[J.F. Miller]

Originally posted by Bowjunkie:
I have 4 pulleys.... all on the same shaft down by the floor :^)

what do you use four pulleys for? I can see two, on for split finger, one for three under holds. even a third pulley if you wanted to look at a bow from both directions by flipping 180* in the cradle. why four? I need to improve my pulley. I hate the squeaky one I pilfered from an old extension ladder, but it works. is there such a thing as a pulley with bearings built in that I can just bolt the bottom of my tree?

[fujimo]

sailing shops will have "blocks"- sometimes called "snatch blocks' ( careful now   :D    :D  )
 that are designed to work under load- and have an attachment hook.
but the super system like BJ and Roy use- are two pillar blocks and a shaft with pulleys locked onto the shaft .

[Roy from Pa]

Jamie I used two pillow blocks and a half inch steel shaft then used a regular pulley that I slide left or right for split or three under.


 

[BenBow]

Here's my cheap a$$ way of doing it. I just slide the paracord to put the pulley inline with the bow shelf.
 

[PEARL DRUMS]

I use a single 1.5" pulley. But, I never use my tree for tillering so fatigue isn't an issue  

[J.F. Miller]

can I buy pillow blocks and keyed shafting at local hardware store or Tractor Supply or something? looks like an excellent set up.      better than what I have now, for sure.

[Roy from Pa]

Yup.. I just bought a straight round 1/2" shaft, then ground a flat spot on it for my set screw on the pulley to affix it to the shaft. I just slide my one pulley left or right for split or three under tillering. Or you could use two pulleys.

[Bowjunkie]

Jamie, mine looks like Roy's, but with 4 pulleys... simply so I don't have to move them each time. If I want to flip the bow and look at the other side, I just do it... takes seconds. The 2 outer pulleys are for split finger holds and the 2 inner are for 3 under.

I used a 1/2" piece of drill rod for the shaft. The shaft doesn't need a keyway broached in it. The pulleys are held to the shaft with allen head set screws.