Tiller

[Phatmike10]

I got a Samick Agulla a couple of weeks ago as my first bow. I've got the brace height correct so that the twang is minimal. I've heared of something called the tiller which I understand is the distance from between the two adjustment to the string. I understand that the top has to be the same distance as the bottom. How do I know if the tiller is set correctly? Is it obvious?

[Schme1440]

Use a measureing stick. Either you bracing height gauge or a ruler. Place one edge at the point where the limb enters the limb pocket and measure to the string at 90 degrees the the string. Do this for both limbs.

I have always been taught to set the top limb with 1/8" to 1/4" more than the top limb.

Little advise when adjusting tillering. Dont adjust one limb by the amount you need to adjust. IE as you adjust the top limb in it will move the bottom limb out. So if you need to adjust so the top limb has an extra 1/4" more than the bottom just adjust the top by 1/8" cos the bottom limb will also move by 1/8" in the opposite direction giving the desired measurement. Or something like that.

[Russ]

Originally Posted by Schme1440

Little advise when adjusting tillering. Dont adjust one limb by the amount you need to adjust. IE as you adjust the top limb in it will move the bottom limb out. So if you need to adjust so the top limb has an extra 1/4" more than the bottom just adjust the top by 1/8" cos the bottom limb will also move by 1/8" in the opposite direction giving the desired measurement. Or something like that.

Hi Neil,

I'm fairly new to this, so sorry if I'm asking a fool question... but can you do this with your bow strung, or do you have to take the string off?

[Schme1440]

I would not do it with the bow strung. I never did it but decided to try with my helix. Its not too bad if you are winding it off but if you are winding on the tiller then dont do it strung.

Here is the advise. Dont do it strung. it gets annoying having to string it then de string it but its the best way to do it.

[Schme1440]

Originally Posted by Tarkwin

it has to be done with the bow under tension..

T.

No it doesnt. You are adjusting the height of the tiller bolt. It does not have to be done strung and under tension. Doing it under tension is not a good idead as the bolt rubs againt the limb and visa versa. tillering should be adjusted de strung. Adjusting anything under tension can cause complications. Compounds how ever have been designed to allow adjustment under tension but thats because of the strign and cable setup.

[Kae]

ahem (gets out lecture hat and cloak), gather 'round, gather 'round and listen to my bastardised version of tiller technique.


One stolen image.
This shows where you measure Tiller. This is done with a bracing height guage (as called because it is also measures bracing height).

Zero tiller (both the same distance) has been suggested, especially in such books as the "Heretic Archer", however in my opinion is unsuitable for many bows.
As the other guys have said, Tiller should be slighty out in favour of the lower limb, ie lower limb further in, thus pulls stronger.

THIS SHOULD NEVER BE DONE WITH THE BOW STRUNG UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES!!!
It can be, but the stress on the limb bolts and limb pocket is unnecessary and can cause serious limb/riser failiure!

Tiller setup should only be done after the bracing height is correct and the limbs are straight.

Kae.

[Kae]

Also you will find this very usefull, written by our very own Murray.

http://www.archersreference.co.uk/download.html

This pretty much has everything you could need for basic (and more advanced) recurve archery.

Someday I will think of a way to thank Murray for this book, as it is mainly responsible for how i'm shooting now (I should add, which is pretty good if I do say so myself).

Kae.

[Kae]

I'm going for the most number of replies in the shortest time.............

Once you have set the Tiller up, a good way to check it;

Assemble bow as you would usually shoot it.
Aim Sight at small object at least 10 yds away (40 cm gold for instance)
Draw the bow.
If the sight moves up then the Tiller needs adjusting so that the lower limb is stronger.
If the sight moves down then the Tiller needs adjusting so that the lower limb is weaker.
If the sight stays in the same place, then the bow is balanced.

This, as with many tests, depends on the fact that you are good enough to see this difference. ie your arm doesn't shake like mad or you lift your shoulders.

Hope this helps, kae.

[Schme1440]

I Agree with Kae. Also he knows about exploding bows so heed his warnings.

The bit about the tillering affecting the sight moving, I have heard this alot but have never got it. I have never noticed my bow affected by the tillering. Im not saying dont try it its just I never noticed it before.

[Kae]

Originally Posted by Schme1440

I Agree with Kae. Also he knows about exploding bows so heed his warnings.

I can't really argue with that as I have now broken two Hoyts.
Hoyt Avalon - Cracked through top limb pocket
Hoyt Helix - Top limb bolt snapped

hey ho, gorilla strength, thats the problem, lol.