Author Topic: Dropping Weight on Glass/Wood Recurve  (Read 494 times)

Offline 4est trekker

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Dropping Weight on Glass/Wood Recurve
« on: October 18, 2009, 01:27:00 AM »
I recently picked up this bow at a traditional archery event.  It was made in '97 by a custom bowyer from Missouri.   I want to know if I can safely drop the weight by taking wood from the sides of the limbs, and if so exactly how to do it.  I know to count strokes, but I'm not sure where I would start and stop them.  As it stands, it pulls 60# @ 28"/55# @26". I would like it to come in around 45#-48# @ 26", shaving 7-10#'s off the bow.  Here's the specs:
 
58" ntn
1 3/8" at the fades
1 5/15" mid limb
3/4" at the tips

Did not take time to measure limb thickness, but could easily do so if needed.  Here are some pictures.

 

 

 

Sorry about the poor background on this one...makes it tough to  see the tiller.  Really makes the bend coming out of the fades look more drastic than it truly is.
 

Thank for your help!
"Walk softly...and carry a bent stick."

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father through him."  Col. 3:17

Offline Apex Predator

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Re: Dropping Weight on Glass/Wood Recurve
« Reply #1 on: October 18, 2009, 06:20:00 AM »
That bow has most of the bend in one spot, just outside the fades.  Whatever you do, I would stay away from there.  It's already a narrow bow, so you are limited in narrowing.  You could probably improve things if you narrowed the limbs some on the outer halves, to get them bending a little.  It's almost impossible to tell how thick the glass is without talking to the bowyer, but some weight can be taken off the back and belly if it's at least .040 glass.  I don't think you are gonna get as much weight as you want.  Personally, I would trade it for one that is lighter.
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Offline 4est trekker

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Re: Dropping Weight on Glass/Wood Recurve
« Reply #2 on: October 18, 2009, 08:56:00 AM »
So, instead of taking weight off the bow, maybe I should just gain some weight!   :biglaugh:   I've always thought the inner third bent too much (although the picture exaggerates it), and the the middle third didn't work enough.  Would thinning the width in the middle to get it bending without regards to hitting a lower draw weight be advisable?  Thanks for your help, Apex.
"Walk softly...and carry a bent stick."

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father through him."  Col. 3:17

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