Using a bow that has sat for 10 + years

[frassettor]

I don’t want to hyjak the “semiretirement “ thread so I wanted to ask here.
I’ve have several bows that have sat for years without being used. They are always stored horizontally on a bow rack in a spare bedroom.
I’ve been wanted to shoot them and was wondering if I have to slowly draw them back or is there anything I need to do ( besides change the string) in order to start shooting them again. They are all laminated glass bows   

[Pine]

I have one bow that was made in the 1950s.
I still shoot it once in a while.
Just when you first draw it, pull back just an inch or so and let down.
Keep pulling the string further like a slow pumping motion until you reach full draw.
That will keep the bow from getting shock.
If you hear cracking, well I don't need to explain that.

[Pat B]

I'd checkall the glue joints just to be sure. On older bows like Bears, Shakespeares and others the glue dries out and risers, etc can separate. If all that is OK I'd start short drawing and working out to full draw. You could also brace them and let them sit braced for a day or so before you start short drawing.

[woodchucker]

I picked up a Shakespear Neceda at a flea market years back.

It was in rough shape, but appeared to be solid.
I spent a day cleaning it up, then wiping it down with furniture polish.
I strung it up. The limbs were straight, no twists. I pumped it slowly, a little at a time, untill I got to full draw.
I hung it horizontal, by the string. Tomorrow's another day.....

Overnight, the lower limb folded Sometimes, they just give up the ghost... 

[knobby]

Breaking out those Schafer longbows, Rick?