Working "character" staves

[Burnsie]

So I've been working this stave that has quite a lot of twist/turns and roller coasters. I've attached a couple of pics - one of the back of the bow and a side profile.  My question for you seasoned self-bowyers is: - how do you handle the up & down roller coaster irregularities?
When I put a long string on, the undulations automatically gives the illusion of there being a hinge at those spots.  I think that those areas are prone to hinging, but many times when you look closer, its not really hinging, the undulation makes it look like that.
Do you just forget about trying to get your limbs to make nice matching symmetrical bends, and instead try to get the tips bending down to the same spot at your target weight and draw length?

[Pat B]

Try your best to keep the limb thickness consistent from side to side and down the limb. Where there are knots the wood will be thicker so those areas will be a little stiff. One trick I use when viewing the side of the bow on the tiller tree is squint your eyes as you look at it. This will eliminate the details but will give you a look at the overall bend of the limbs...and go slow. Character bows can be tricky to tiller. When you find yourself getting frustrated put your tools down and walk away. Come back with a clear mind later before continuing.

[Buemaker]

If the roller coasters are not too severe I have sometimes put a strip of paper tape on the side and then with a straight edge made a line with a ink pen. Then let the eyes follow the line instead of trying to follow the roller coasters.

[Bowjunkie]

Good advice so far. I love character bows, they're my favorites, and I use the techniques they've mentioned. I also have a limb thickness gauge I made with a scrap piece of wood and a dial indicator. It can be slid down the limb witb ease showing precise limb thickness and taper in real time, which reveals any thick or thin spots. Quite useful on tricky bow staves. I also have a bend gauge that reveals whether an area of the limb is flexing as it's drawn, or if its bending more or less than nearby areas while drawn. I don't use them often, generally only put these tools to use if a crazy character bow is getting the better of me, but they're nice to have when that time comes. I'll look and see if I have pictures of them, if not, I'll take some.

[Burnsie]

Thanks guys - I'll keep chipping away at it.