Compound to Recurve conversion... parts arrival

[OkKeith]

My cheap limbs from "overseas" arrived yesterday. They don't look too bad. I figure worth the $43.00 and 3 week wait. Here are a few views.

Good shape and curve.

Limb wedges look to have a good taper and no voids.

Limb tips look Ok and appear to be fast flight compatible.

I will have to do some work in the limb pockets. Looks like I will need a 5mm block in order to shim the limb square with the limb bolt. I will also lay a thin piece of material over the block the whole length and width of the pocket to completely support the back of the limb. I am thinking maybe phenolic? Open to suggestions on that. There is also some slight side to side slop between the width of the limb and the inside of the limb pocket. I may do some shims there... or get really brave and try some brass alignment pins.

The grip area is very narrow. I plan to shape two "scales" from Osage to beef the handle out a little (and include some of my favorite native bow wood). I can drill and tap for a counter-sunk hex head on both sides. This photo shows the age on this old compound riser. It actually has a radius for shooting off the shelf.

I will be removing all the paint from the riser and putting a camo job on the whole bow (including limbs). The plan is to have this done and tuned up for an April turkey hunt.

OkKeith

[monterey]

I super glued some very thin pieces of sheet metal to the sides of the limb wedge where they fit in the pocket then drilled and tapped 10:32 set screws to do the alignments.  I tried thin wood shims and they work but had to fiddle with them forever to get the string laying straight.  With the set screws it only takes a minute or less and it makes it easy to switch the limbs between different risers.

What limbs and riser are you using?

[OkKeith]

Monterey-

I purchased the limbs on the internet. I looked at several suppliers and they were all in the $65-$80 range. I found these from an overseas source for $43 including shipping. I'm pretty sure they are Samick limbs but there is no screen printed logo on them. The riser is from an old compound I picked up at a garage sale (or a Buddy did and gave it to me, not sure). Here is a photo of the label on the compound limb.

Here is a photo with the limbs on (not snugged up) just to get an idea of the unstrung profile.

I found some of the plastic wedges like you used but the gap in the limb pocket isn't tapered. I think the block and shim on top will keep the limb butt square to the limb bolt.

OkKeith

[monterey]

Looks good.  How long will it be?  Riser looks pretty long.

[OkKeith]

Monterey-

Riser is 23.5"... pretty long I guess. I know that will drop the poundage of the bow, BUT my draw length is in the 31" range so figure I will gain most of it back. It should be in the 46-48 pound range.

OkKeith

[Roy from Pa]

Go for it, Keith.

It will be a fine, smooth drawing, quiet, accurate bow.

[monterey]

Yeah, it looks like a winner.  Shooting report?