Shortening a bow for more weight

[TroyH]

I've got a board bow that came in a little light on draw weight.  I know I can shorten it to gain weight, but about how much can be gained by taking an inch or two off the tips?
I know there are lots of variable so no exact answer can be given.
I'm just looking for a guestimation.
The bow now is pulling around 41# at 28.  I would really like to get it closer to 50#.
Any thoughts?

[Dano]

You should gain any where from 3 to 5 pounds per inch off each end.

[Pat B]

That's what I was thinking..3# to5# per inch.  What kind of wood is it? you may be able to heat treat the belly and gain a few more pounds.   Pat

[Bjorn]

Don't cut the bow yet.......rough in new string nocks 3/4 of an inch shorter at each end. Exercise the new set up a fair bit, and check your tiller braced and then at draw, if braced is to your liking.
Shoot the bow and see how you like it. Check draw weight too-even though that's just a number-how it feels is what counts.
If you need to go shorter still-you can do that too.
Do any final tillering and finish up the new length and tips.
Let us know how that goes.

[Pat B]

Bjorn nailed it! Sounds like very good advise.     Pat

[Matt Stuckey]

When doing this do you just file in new string nocks, or do you reduce width?  I guess moving 3/4 of an inch probably won't make a lot of difference width wise in may designs

[George Tsoukalas]

How long is the bow? How straight is the grain on the edge and face? Jawge