I've been doing a lot of reading and video watching over the last couple years and just finished my first hunting wieight BBO using Dean Torges design from Hunting the BBO and the Dryad tillering method. Dean paints a compelling picture of why a bow with a longer upper limb will result in a sweeter shooting bow in his essay Tillering the Organic Bow. I just got TBB4 and was reading Tim Bakers chapter on design and performance and he seems to favor a symetrical design with even limbs. Which do most people here prefer? I've never made a symetrical bow. Are there real differences and why are such renowned and experienced bowyers so ardently arguing different designs??? Does it really make that much of a difference?

Steve, I used to build bows with the handle offset...1 1/4" above center and 2 3/4" below. That's the way all the books taught it when I was learning. Now I prefer a symmetrical bow for ease of seeing proper tiller. Comparing the bend of 2 limbs of the same length is easier for me than comparing the bend of 2 different length limbs...the bend is different. With the bulbous handle like Dean teaches my bows are well balanced in my hand.        Pat

I like to offset mine. Up to 2" for longer bows and as little as 1" on a short design. Each bowyer has his own idea of what is a perfect bow, draw weight, length, fine or heavy built, feel when shot, etc. That's why there are so many different bows out there and why we keep experimenting and looking for what feels best to each of us.

Search for your own perfect bow Grasshopper.

I think the offset handle with a longer top limb is a better bow because the static and dynamic balance points are closer together. If you do make an equal length bow then the tiller will differ from the offset handle bow. Most of the fibreglass bows I make are equal length bows but I do make most of my selfbows these days with an offset handle...Glenn...

I don't think it makes a bit of difference on bows over 64".  I think it makes some difference on bows 60-64".  I think it makes a lot of difference on bows shorter than 60".  Don't ask me why.  Blame it on Dean  

I'm pretty much a stream-of-consciousness bowyer though.  The older and more experienced I get, the less I seem to know.  By the time I'm Dean's age, I'll have to start all over again.  Probably every day.  I'm sorry, what were we talking about.

I blame a lot of things on Deano, just can't remember why.  :D  

This is why I like bendy handled "D" bows, just give em circular tiller and bend em in the middle.

I find the off set bows balance much better in the hand when carried, and that is a good thing. As far as performance differences, well experts never agree-or they aren't an expert!

I can blame a lot of things on Dean as well, everytime I hear the name Candy I duck for cover...Glenn...

Dean who?    Jawge

May be if we talk about him behind his back he'll come out of hiding once in awhile.    Jawge

Just mention Candy and my name, that will draw him out...Glenn...

I start out a bow of equal length limits. I can flip them if the string doesn't line up on just right with the handle, I can pike the lower limb if it gets weak(it's always the lower limb) and still have a nicely balanced bow. Bottom line, I have more options during the bow making process if things don't go as planned.

If I remember correctly, when I stated my bow making process in a previous thread, Dean said I was a disgrace to the true art of bow making.

My goal in life as a bow maker is to make the bow making process an easily understood, simple procedure for everyone regardless of their wood working skills. No mumbo jumbo, lofty artistic pursuit or elevating the process beyond the reach of the average traditional archer.

That is why I use and teach Eric's goof proof method of making bows.

Dean holds to a higher standard than most, I guess that's just one of the traits of his profession. All his "mumbo jumbo" has raised the bar for a lot of us. I don't believe he's elevated any thing out of our reach. My goal in life is to learn and understand as much about this great hobbie as I can.

http://www.bowyersedge.com/

Without Dean's teaching I wouldn't be be the bow maker I am today. His book and video are the ones I recommend to osage bow newbies above all else.

We all have different skill levels and understanding. I have always been a crafty guy, working with wood in one way or another. Lots of folk aren't and I try to make things very basic and achievable.

I have held several bow bees and was surprised how many people let fear of failure prevent them from even attempting to make a bow in the first place.

I am simple minded and come up with simple ideas to do things. My Tillering Gizmo is an example.

I like the Gizmo, I use one all the time. Sure helps ya spot those flat spots.  

I started using the gizmo a few months ago and find it a very useful gizmo! Pat

Dean has been a huge help to people all around the world to advance and refine their bow building skills. Seeing how the limbs bend when you draw the bow has been a huge help  to me, even when making fibregalss bows. I like Paul Comstocks book as well. I met Paul at Deans house in 2000 and couldnt get over what a good bloke and how humble Paul was...Glenn...

I have a friend that owns 2 of Deans bows.I think I DO pretty good work,but compared to Deans finish work I AM JUST A HACK.

My bows are symmetrical. Both limbs are the same size even with an off set handle. I adjust riser lengths in that case. Al Herrin's Cherokee Bows and Arrows is a gem of a book and in it he talks about that handle design. Jawge

Jawge, I was wondering when someone would mention the offset handle with symmetrical limbs.

All of my custom glass longbows were made that way and it works great on a selfbow.