So, I'm looking at a Rudderbow stave that a guy over at SFI sold me. Today I roughed in the handle and it will be pretty comfortable once I sand it down some, I think. But now is the time to tiller the bow. I have looked around for a tillering stick, but quite frankly, I've spent a good deal of money lately on things not directly related to buying a home of our own. So, that leads me to my only other option: make a tillering stick. I think I know how I will do it, but I thought I'd open this up to you.
Do you have any suggestions for a good tillering stick? Is Hickory the best wood choice, or should I use something else? What about length and thickness of the stick? How far apart should I cut the slots that the string fits into? I was thinking about an inch apart. Any ideas/suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated. Someone might say, "Oh, wait, here's an idea: BUY ONE and save yourself the headache!" To that, I have no reply. It would be the best route, probably.