Aligning tips during layout.

[BrushWolf]

I've been using something similar to what Big Jim described. I'm sure they aren't as fancy but they work for me. I took a piece of flat bar 3/16 thick and use a short string to brace the bow. I start out on center line of the limb and work from there. I made them so they fit the hook of my the limbs.

[Roy from Pa]

Jim, any chance you could do a YouTube video of this process?

[BigJim]

Yes Roy, but it may be a few days.   crooked stic, I don't have your email.
Thanks, BigJim

[Crooked Stic]

Jim PM sent

[Crooked Stic]

I use these to find the strong limb and be sure things are gonna hold together before tapering. Just termed tillering blocks.

[Crooked Stic]

Ok here is the fixture pic Jim sent me to post. This one is neater because it is adjustable so you dont need several strings for different length bows' I suppose you should be able to post pics out of your own files. I just use Imgur.

[Roy from Pa]

That is basically how I line my boo and lams up prior to glue up.

My bamboo backing is cut to the exact shape of the bow before glue up.

I lay the boo on top of the core and belly lam.

I run a weighted string from tip to tip and get everything lined up straight with the center of the handle grip.

Then clamp it down and drill the pilot holes for the toothpicks to hold things in line while glueing and clamping up.