Takedown Recurve

[ShadeMt]

I am building my first takedown recurve.  I have built the riser and limbs as well as installed the inserts into the riser.  My next step is to attach the limbs and then prepare to install the index alignment pins.  My question is should I rough in the shape of the limbs before installing the index pins or after?  I have seen it done both ways in articles but really was checking to see if there were any advantages of one way over another.

[bjansen]

If you install your index pins by drilling through the limb pads into the riser, I think it makes sense to leave them full width before installing the index pins.  That way you can lay the bow down on its side on your bench (or a flat surface) and drill your index holes knowing that the alignment is perfect.  Then while its on its side still scribe your centerline, mark out your limbs and cut them to size.

[ShadeMt]

That makes sense.  I was planning to drill the entire way through the limb into the riser and then cover with an overlay.   Thanks.  

I used to hunt right over the Peoria county line in Knox county.  Great area.

[jess stuart]

Brfd gives good advice.  I always keep everything full width, check alignment several times before drilling the index pins.  Then profile the limbs.

[ShadeMt]

I originally had planned to install the pins and then profile the limbs but then I read an article in which the author did it the other way around. At this point in the process I wanted some other feedback so that everything lines up as accurately as possible.  Thanks.

[greyhawk39]

Watch my next installment.I will show how I center the jig to the limbs using the  binghams jig.