Reducing poundage?

[BWD]

What is the best way, if there is such, to reduce the draw weight on a hybrid bow by two or three pounds? We are talking about a glass bow with recurve type limbs, not deep core limbs. Would you reduce the thickness of the glass, or establish a center line and remove material from the sides. From what little I know, removing material from the sides can be tricky, especially if you have little to no experience.

Thanks, Barry

[Dano]

Why bother with 2 or 3 pounds? I don't think I'd risk messing up a bow over that little weight, but that's just me.

[BWD]

The weight of this bow appears to be just over the edge of what makes my elbow hurt during and after shooting. One of my other bows is four pounds lighter than this one, and does not have the same effect. I really like this bow and would prefer not to mess it up , but would also like to be able to shoot it...if that makes any sense.

[snag]

Seems like just evenly sanding the belly (or compression side) of the limbs you can nock off a few lbs. real easily.

[BWD]

Thank you. If I decide to take the risk and sand a little off the belly, would there be any advantage to adjusting the tiller a skid mark at the same time? It is tillered even, and I shoot split fingers. I have read if you didn't know if a bow was for tillered three under or split you wouldn't be able to tell the difference, from a shooting stand point. Probably be better off to leave well enough alone.

[Holm-Made]

Not inspecting the bow it would be hard to give you a definate answer but I would most likely narrow the limbs slightly, then round the edges over.  This should reduce the poundage by a couple.  Flat sand the glass with 150, then finish with 220 to take off an additional 1-2 pounds.  

Pay shipping both ways and I'd be happy to do it for you.  Chad

[Apex Predator]

I would draw a line down the edge of both limbs.  I'm talking about 1/16" from the edge.  I have a little jig I made from a little piece of plastic angle.  I drilled a hole that a ultra-fine sharpie will fit in.  I use this to mark my limbs when they need narrowing.  Your eyeball will pick up any uneven wood removal when looking at this line.  Just go slow and remember that rounding the limb edges will remove a pound or so usually.

[BWD]

Mr. Chad, that is a very generous offer. As a matter of fact, offers don't get much better than that. However, if I decide to put you thru the trouble, I would have to pay you something for your time, or I just wouldn't feel right about it.

Barry

[Holm-Made]

Reducing the poundage and adjusting the tiller isn't that big of a job for me, your only talking 2-3 pounds.  It would take 20-30 minutes, I would guess.  

Refinishing the limbs is a pretty big job and you could do that yourself.
Chad

[BWD]

Well, you know there is no end to the mischief an individual can get in to when it is raining and he can't go out and play. Started off by putting a leather grip on one of my bows. First time trying that. All when well and didn't even have any gaps at the stitching...beginners luck I'm sure. All the while I was thinking about Chad saying it would only take him 20-30 minutes to reduce poundage and adjust tiller. Made me feel a little inept, so I gave it a try. Took me all afternoon. The tiller was actually a little on the bad side of even. I wound up with it at 1/8". I would sand, wipe it down, string it up, and go fling a few arrows...had quit raining by then. Then I would do the same thing over and over again. I kept trying to adjust the tiller as I went along, and was a little suprised at how much I had so sand the top limb to get the tiller to move at all. Can tell I reduced the weight a little, but don't yet know how much yet because the only person I know with scales isn't home. Arrows are flying well, and bow is quieter even with brace height lowered 1/4"? Said all of this to say thank you once again. Barry