Bent limb

[ggenovez]

Hi all,

I purchased a used bow for my daughter, but when I put a string on it, it was only half a recurv.

Only one side was touching the string.

How can I save this bow and bring the limb back to where it belongs?

[raghorn]

What is the bow; Bear Cub, Pearson?????? Length,draw weight? Pictures?????

[ggenovez]

If it helps, here is a photo

 

[wadde]

It looks like the string is too short. The string should be 4 or 5 inches shorter than the length of the bow unstrung.

[Orion]

String is definitely too short. Measure from nock to nock along the back of the unstrung bow following the contour of the bow.  Get a string that's 3 inches shorter than that measurement.

The bow also looks out of tiller. Usually, the top limb will have a bit more bend than the bottom limb.  This one has a lot more.  The way to fix that is to reduce the weight of the lower limb, but that's rather complicated for a novice.

The overly short string makes the tiller look worse than it is. With that string, the bow is already half drawn. With a longer string, the bow is probably shootable as is.

[ggenovez]

Thanks Guys,

Unfortunately, this is the correct length string. I actually went to a bow shop and they measured it, put a nock on it, and a new rest and then told me that the bow was "off" but still shootable. said it was probably caused by keeping it up-rite in a hot garage or something.

In this configuration the arrows tend to shoot upwards.

So is it trash?

[raghorn]

Measure the length from nock to nock on the BELLY side of bow unstrung. Belly ( face) is the side toward shooter, back is the side away from shooter.

[Hobow]

Please measure the bow in the manner that Raghorn asked and a make and model would help a lot to determine if it is pre AMO or not.

Judging from your floor tiles which should be 12" square, it appears that the bow is around 48" long with a brace height around 8" currently, that's way too high.

You were probably given the correct string for a modern day recurve of the same length, older kids bows usually use a string 3" shorter than measured due to a semi-recurve design.

Most vintage kids bows seem to be tilled extra strong on the bottom limb, perhaps due to the way that a kid tends to grab the string with all 4 fingers.

Unfortunately you will find that most modern shops have trouble with the basic concept of proper string length.  

Please let the above guys help.

[ggenovez]

Not a problem I understand the the steps of troubleshooting.

The bow measures 54 inches, following the belly, and the string measures 50.5 "

[ggenovez]

Morning everyone.

Any thoughts on this one???

[raghorn]

Is there a draw weight marked on this bow?

Can you try a longer string/cord not to shoot, just to see what happens?

[Horney Toad]

Funky looking tiller there, would be hard to shoot.

[Larry m]

Looks like an inexpensive childs bow with a string that is too short. I believe Orion is correct in that the short string makes the tiller look worse then it truly is. Surely someone out that way can help you. In the past on several occasions I have had dealers sell me strings that are short and not want to admit they were in error. Don't give up!

[ggenovez]

Raghorn it's marked 23# it also has the SN and "Wasp by black hawk"

A longer string has a similar outcome just not as pronounced.

Larry, the string is the correct length.

The out of tiller is the lower limb...

[raghorn]

Taking that info I do believe that something did happen to change the tiller on that bow. As suggested before....standing on end while strung, high heat. Check the limb very closely there could also be a lamination crack or similar damage. If no damage is found than nothing would be lost, as the bow is not usable as is, by lightly sanding both outside edges of the stiff limb to reduce the weight and see if the tiller will become closer. The draw weight could then drop to 15-20lb.

[ggenovez]

Thanks Ron,

Since this was probably done by leaving it in a hot garage in an upright position, is it possible to place it in a vice and tie a weight to it and apply heat to bring it back to it's original state?

If so would I be applying the weight to the limb? the tip?

Any thoughts?

[Larry m]

I'm with Ron, "nothing would be lost". Use a sanding block and count your strokes down the limb. Say 3 strokes down one SIDE of the stiff limb and then 3 strokes down the other SIDE of the same limb. Re string and check tiller. Go Easy!! Shouldn't take much to pull it back! Good Luck..... Heat might make it worse or come apart.... Just my thoughts.....