What is a tillering board for bow making?

A tillering board is a specialized woodworking tool used in the crafting of traditional bows. It is designed to assist bowyers (bow makers) in shaping and refining the bow during the tillering process, which is crucial for ensuring the bow's proper function and performance.

The tillering board consists of a sturdy wooden base, often made of hardwood, with a flat, smooth surface. It has multiple marked or slotted holes or pegs along its edges, typically arranged in a symmetrical or specific pattern. These holes serve as guides for positioning the bow during tillering.

Bowmakers place the partially shaped bow on the tillering board, inserting it into the appropriate holes or slots along its length. The goal of tillering is to adjust and refine the bow's limbs so they bend evenly, creating the desired shape and tiller. This process involves pulling the string of the bow and observing how it bends, checking for any misalignments or uneven bending, and making adjustments accordingly.

By utilizing the tillering board as a reference point, bowyers can ensure that the bow's limbs bend in a consistent and symmetrical manner. They use the marked holes or slots as guides to make precise adjustments, such as applying heat, scraping, or bending specific sections of the bow. This process allows them to fine-tune the bow's performance and ensure that it shoots accurately.

The tillering board is an essential tool for bow making as it enables bowyers to achieve the proper shape and tiller necessary for the bow to function effectively. It helps them to create well-balanced bows with good shooting characteristics and aesthetics.