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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: skeaterbait on January 13, 2018, 02:13:00 PM

Title: Tiller tree draw length
Post by: skeaterbait on January 13, 2018, 02:13:00 PM
I am starting to think I should change my name from Skeaterbait to "Raiser of the dead" which is exactly what my question is.

I have read countless posts, blogs etc about draw length measurement and it seems that there are two basic lines of thought. The first is to measure from the deepest part of the grip to the string at the arrow nock. The second is the same except add 1.75" to basically take it to a generalized front of the handle.

So what about on the tree? For instance, I am working on a three pc take down and plan to tiller before I shape the riser so I have limbs attached to a 2.5" block of wood. But even if it's shaped handle? Do I measure from the flat of the block of the tree where the bow rests, or do I add to make up for the handle?

I won't even touch on what point to attach the tiller rope for fear of the countless technical posts being brought up. I am a simple Missouri boy, I need someone to show me that one    :wavey:
Title: Re: Tiller tree draw length
Post by: Pat B on January 13, 2018, 02:24:00 PM
The draw length is always measured to the back of the bow. For a tiller tree I use a wood yard stick that can be adjusted(slides up and down) to the bow being tillered.
 I build mostly selfbows and a few all wood backed bows and attach the tiller string so it's centered on the bow then eye ball a stiffer bottom limb. I like to keep it simple.
Title: Re: Tiller tree draw length
Post by: Bvas on January 13, 2018, 02:38:00 PM
Deep part of grip to string is how brace height is measured.

Back of bow to string is how draw length is measured.
The 1-3/4” from deep puts you at the back on most bows. Some bows may have a slightly deeper or shallower grip though.
Title: Re: Tiller tree draw length
Post by: skeaterbait on January 13, 2018, 02:45:00 PM
Thanks guys.

Pat, I like the movable yard stick idea.
Title: Re: Tiller tree draw length
Post by: Pat B on January 13, 2018, 03:12:00 PM
:thumbsup:
Title: Re: Tiller tree draw length
Post by: Bowjunkie on January 14, 2018, 07:56:00 AM
Folks can do it any way they want with their own bows, but the 'standard' is to measure from the string to the deepest part of the grip, then add 1 3/4". This is because your draw length doesn't change, even though the depths of various bow handles do.

As far as on the tree with an unfinished riser block, I would draw the handle profile on the riser block, measure 1 3/4" up from the deepest part and mark the wall. Then measure from there, down, the length of my draw length. And that's where I'd draw the string to for final tiller and draw weight.

While drawing bows on the tiller tree, I draw the string from where my middle finger will be when I draw the bow by hand.