What To Do When My Bow Is Too Stiff?

Tillering for Bow Stiffness

Tillering is a traditional bow-making technique used to shape and refine the bow’s limbs to achieve the desired curve and flexibility. To tiller your bow, start by identifying the areas where the bow is stiffest and apply gentle pressure using a tillering knife or a drawknife, removing small amounts of wood (about 1/8 inch or 3-4 mm) from the back of the bow. Continue this process, checking the bow’s flexibility and stiffness after each pass, until the desired level of flexibility is achieved.

Stress Relief for Bow Stiffness

Stress relief is another technique used to loosen the wood fibers in the bow, allowing for more flexibility. To perform stress relief, simply heat the bow using a torch or a heat gun to a temperature of around 150°F to 200°F (65°C to 90°C), then rapidly cool it by submerging it in cold water. Repeat this process several times, allowing the bow to cool completely between heatings, until the wood fibers relax and the bow becomes more flexible.

Sinew Backing for Bow Stiffness

Sinew backing is a method used to add flexibility to a bow by attaching sinew or rawhide strips to the back of the bow. To apply sinew backing, cut strips of sinew or rawhide (about 1/8 inch or 3-4 mm wide) and attach them to the back of the bow using a strong adhesive, such as hide glue or plant-based resin. Apply multiple layers of sinew or rawhide, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next, to achieve the desired level of flexibility and stiffness reduction.