tiller photo programs

[AkDan]

I've tried in the past to take pics and swap ends to see tiller better.....some guys have this down pat.  any recommendations?

[John Scifres]

I use Photofiltre.  It's a french program but they have an english version too.  There is a free download. version 6 I think.  It takes some experimenting.

 Use this download site  There are a couple others that aren't from the developers and they are a pain to download.

[Roy from Pa]

Dan do you use a tillering gizmo also? They are the greatest thing for tillering wood bows. I just take pictures  and it seems you can see things on the pc that ya don't see when your standing there looking at the bow.

[4est trekker]

GIMP is also another free program. Remember, though, that you don't want bow limbs to look exactly the same on the tree/in the picture, which is a static, symmetrical way of drawing a bow in nearly all cases.  That is, drawing the bow in your hand will change the tiller, most often putting more strain on the lower limb.  As such, you'll want a stiffer lower limb.  I use a gizmo more than I use my scraper and only work the bow to about 4-5" inches shy of its intended full draw on the tree.  I do the rest of it while drawing it in the hand.  I use a full length mirror and, most importantly, a video capture so I can SEE the limbs move, recover, etc.  I much prefer the latter to a still picture on the tree.  Hope that helps!  

[AkDan]

Roy I have.   I do question if I'm using it right on bows that dont bend in a smooth arch.  My R/d bbo's I find myself wondering if I'm tillering right or not...I know I'm close on one from last winter.  Needless to say its been a LONG summer working my tail off...little fishing and even less bowhunting.   I want to start making dust again this winter and get some bows built, learn how to tiller properly etc.  

Thanks for the links I'll look them up....gym time!

[Roy from Pa]

Dan I make r/d bows all the time. Forget about the last 9 inches of the bow limbs. They should be straight, unless you flip the tips, then they will curve upwards. Either way just forget about them. The gizmo will get you well into the ball park.

[AkDan]

right on....I'm hoping this weekend I can get something on that program and atleast double check things, she's downloaded thanks John!   I could never figure out the one that supposidily is on my computer.   Same with the program that reverses writing to print writing on shafts.....I need one of dem der smart computers LOL!

I do see some bows like in Deans vid that dont bend in a smooth arc.   Tillering them has to be much harder as I wouldnt think the gizmo would work on them?

Spent the evening looking for a moose...found a nice fat grouse instead for dinner.  Much easier packing    .   Bear central river shew!   Gives a guy the heebie jeebies on this river walking around too much.