How to Build a Bow Tillering Stick

All bows, specifically primitive bows such as self-bows or longbows should be tested for evenness of bending. This process is commonly referred to as tillering. Several methods are utilized when tillering a bow. The most common method is to use a tillering stick or a tillering tree. A tillering stick is a simple device that the bow is set onto while the sting is pulled and the limbs are bent, to ensure that the limbs remain even when bent. Making one for personal use is possible.

Things You'll Need

  • Bolts
  • 2-by-4 of wood
  • Marker
  • Pulley
  • Rope
  • Hook
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Bolt a 2-by-4 board -- about 3 feet long-- to a wall. Cut a notch at the top end to fit the thickness of the bow.

    • 2

      Mark a line each inch down the length of the 2-by-4 with a marker.

    • 3

      Mount a small pulley underneath the 2-by-4. Run a rope through the pully and tie a hook on the end of the rope.

    • 4

      Set the bow onto the top of the 2-by-4, centered, with the string side facing down. Attach the hook to the bowstring.

    • 5

      Stand about 6 feet away. Pull the rope to pull the bowstring down to check the tillering on both sides of the 2-by-4.