Floor Tillering to Final Draw Curve vs Alternatives: My Honest Hands-On Comparison

As a traditional bowyer entrenched in the art and craft of self-bow making, I often find myself navigating the intricate dance of tillering. It’s a journey that can be as frustrating as it is rewarding. Over the years, I’ve experimented with various tillering methods, but none have resonated with me quite like the floor tillering technique. Today, I’ll share my hands-on comparison of floor tillering to the final draw curve against some popular alternatives. I hope my honest insights will help you find a method that aligns with your own bow-making journey.

What is Floor Tillering?

Floor tillering is a method where I work with the bow on the floor, pulling the limbs into a draw position while observing their flex, weight distribution, and overall performance. This contrasts with methods like tree tillering, where the bow is drawn against a tree or a tillering stick. The floor method allows me to get a more authentic feel of the bow's response, especially in the early stages of the tillering process.

My Setup for the Comparison

For my comparison, I used two bows made from the same type of wood—yew. Both bows were crafted to a draw weight of 45 pounds at 28 inches. Below, I’ll lay out the specifics of my setup:

Floor Tillering: The Process

The process of floor tillering is straightforward. I began by roughing out the limbs of my yew bow, aiming for a consistent profile. I then placed the bow on the floor, using a tillering string attached to a secure point to pull the bow into its draw. This setup allowed me to observe how each limb flexed under tension.

With each incremental pull, I took careful measurements of the limb's deflection. The key was to maintain an even draw curve, ensuring that both limbs were working in harmony. I would often stop to check the bow's profile visually and via a tillering gauge. This method felt more intuitive to me, as I could alter the limbs based on real-time feedback rather than relying solely on fixed points.

Alternatives: Tree Tillering and Tillering Stick

Next, I moved on to the tree tillering method. I used a sturdy tree branch to brace the bow while drawing it back. This method has its merits; however, I found it less flexible than floor tillering. It’s harder to get an accurate feel for the draw curve because the tree limits how I can manipulate the bow. I spent 10 hours on this process, and while the bow turned out good, it felt like I had to work harder for less clarity.

Finally, I tried the tillering stick method. This approach involves a stick with marked measurements to guide the pulling process. While it’s more structured, I found it somewhat restrictive. It took me only 6 hours to reach my desired draw weight, but I felt like I sacrificed some of the bow's responsiveness as I was constantly measuring instead of feeling.

Final Thoughts on Performance

After completing all three methods, I took the bows for a test shoot. The floor-tillered bow felt like an extension of my arm. It shot straight and true, with a beautiful draw curve that felt natural. The tree-tillered bow performed well, but I noticed a slight inconsistency in its release. The tillering stick bow, while functional, lacked the finesse and feel that I’ve come to appreciate in my craft.

Lessons Learned

Through this comparison, I learned that tillering is as much about the process as the outcome. The floor method, for me, is a holistic approach that gives me a deeper connection to the bow. I appreciate being able to feel the wood, the draw weight, and the balance during the tillering process. It’s not just about reaching a draw weight; it’s about crafting a tool that speaks to the archer using it.

Frequently Asked Questions

In the end, the floor tillering method has become my preferred approach for crafting self-bows. It has taught me patience, precision, and the importance of listening to the wood. I hope my experiences inspire you to explore this method or at least reflect on your own tillering journey!