How to Tiller a Bow

The art of tillering a wooden bow involves making the wood bend nice and evenly by removing wood in just the right places. It can also help achieve a proper draw weight and draw length. While not all bows have to be tillered, most can be made more accurate and comfortable to use with this simple process. You can tiller your own bow at home with only a few tools.

Things You'll Need

  • Tillering device
  • Wooden bow
  • Temporary bow string
  • Sharp knife
  • Card scraper
  • Sandpaper
  • Nylon bow string
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Instructions

    • 1

      String the bow with the temporary bow string to avoid damaging your actual bow string. This can be done by tying the temporary bow string to the nock at one end of the bow and tightening the bow to an appropriate tension before securing the other end of the bow string to the second nock. Play with the tension a little to get it just right.

    • 2

      Place the bow on the tillering device according to the manufacturer's directions. Hook the temporary bow string around the first notch on the tillering device. Allow the bow to sit for one hour.

    • 3

      Check the bow for any irregularities. Specifically, you're looking for any areas where the bow bends too much or too little. Remove small amounts of wood from the belly of the bow using your knife for larger areas and the card scraper for small areas. You should focus on removing wood from the areas that are too stiff and do not bend quite enough. Do not touch the weakened areas where the bow bends too much, and do not remove wood from the back of the bow unless absolutely necessary. Your goal is to create a nicely arced bow profile. In most cases, the arc should be equal on either side of your bow grip. Some bow designs do have a different profile, and your tillering should reflect this.

    • 4

      Take note of any area that bends too sharply. This area may snap unexpectedly. If you see an area that is bending, remove the bow from the tillering device immediately. Correct the flaw by by removing wood from around the weak area, but leave the weak area itself untouched. Once the flaw has been corrected, return the bow to the tillering device and hook the string over the first notch again. If correcting the weak area has resulted in an uneven bow profile, retiller the bow until you have the perfect bow profile.

    • 5

      Repeat steps 2 through 4 for each notch on the tillering device. Keep in mind, however, that every wood used for making bows has a different moisture level. Not all are flexible enough for you to hook the bow string over all notches of the tillering device. If the bow begins to crease or otherwise look like it might be permanently damaged, don't proceed to the next notch.

    • 6

      Once you've reached the final notch on the tillering device, or you've made the decision to stop to avoid damaging your bow, sand the entire bow smooth. Draw the bow a few times to ensure that it's comfortable and feels even. You are the best judge of the usability of your bow. If you think there might be a problem, return the bow to the tillering device and correct the flaw. When everything feels right and the bow draws well, remove the temporary bow string.

    • 7

      Restring the bow using a proper bow string. Your bow should be ready for use.