Let's Talk Tillering Strings

[Burnsie]

Is it best to keep your tillering string dry, or waxed up like a regular bow string?
I have a tillering string that is waxed up and twisted up pretty good, and for the life of me,I cannot get my timber hitch knots to hold when I try to brace my bow for tillering. Granted, the bow is still pretty stout, but it's past the point of using the long string and ready for a low (2-3") brace.
I get the bow braced initially and then can watch the string slowly pull through and the bows goes flat. I've double checked that I'm tying the timber hitch correctly, but I cannot get it to hold. I'm thinking
the string is too slick and round so it is not able to bind against itself. I have another tillering string where the strands are spread out more flat and not waxed up and it seems to hold a lot better.
What's your experience?

[Pat B]

If you have too much wax where the bowyers knot(timber hitch) is it will act as a lubricant and cause the knot to slip. It is friction that holds the knot tight. Try removing some of the wax at the knot and also take a third turn through the loop.
 I have only used a string with a bowyers knot for the lower limb on all my bows for years. Try what I said above and let us know what happens.

[Kirkll]

Just use a surgeons knot...   

[Burnsie]

Just use a surgeons knot... 

Can a surgeons knot be loosened and adjusted easily?

[Mo_coon-catcher]

You can try a string like this one. If you zoom in you can see the ring and leather boots. The string actually goes around the bow through a channel in the leather. The leather just holds the string about 1" from the end. I use a leather boot on each end and a steel ring for adjustment. Atleast until the tree work is done. This way I don't have to cut knocks until it's far enough the chances of failure are lower. Then I'll cut nocks in and switch to a rat tail to shoot in. I use 3 turns on the timber hitch and don't have them slip. I also snug it down good and tight before bracing.

 Kyle

[Burnsie]

Thanks Kyle - I recall you sending me this picture when I was asking about filing nocks before or after tillering?

[Mo_coon-catcher]

Your right. I forgot I'd sent you that

Kyle