First bow...Need Tiller Help! Please

[snakebit40]

Hey Guys/Gals!

This has been a long process for me to actually get a bow to the tiller stage. But the days finally here! It was pretty cool to see my first bow bending. Anyways, this is a red oak board bow. Any and all advice is welcome. Thanks!

10 inches



15 inches

Pic won't go down in size. Hope the other two will work.

20 inches

[David Flanrey]

Jon, since you got it bending pretty good, I would file some string grooves and put a string on her at a very low brace height.  Say maybe an inch or two.  It may look alot different with a real string instead of a tiller string.  I would not pull it any further till I got it strung.

What are the specs?  What are you shootin for?

[snakebit40]

Thanks David! I hope I didn't hurt it by pulling it back so far already. I'm hoping to get my string making supplies in early this week and then I'll get a real string on it.

I'm shooting for it's a 68" and I'm shooting for 50@28. I haven't decided if I want to cut a little shelf in it or use a deer antler as a shelf. Also haven't decided if I want to back it with a digital camo duct tape. What do you think on all the above?

[mwosborn]

Agree with David - time for the short string with a low brace.  Doubt that you did any damage with the long string - doesn't look like your much past a normal brace height.  Looks to be bending mostly just past the fades - stiff elsewhere - do you have a tillering gizmo?  It will help with the tillering once you get it braced.  Good luck  - looking fine so far.

[David Flanrey]

You probably didn't hurt it any with the tillering string.  A short string will give you a true idea about the tiller.  Yes, a tillering gizmo is a real handy tool.  You can make one very easy.  Just look for it in the archives on TG.

You should be good on the specs.  A backing would be good.  I have never used duct tape so I can't speak about that.  Post more pics when you get her on the short string.