curve limb repair

[xtrema312]

I got all the old bows from family storage a while back and noticed one looks fine on the wall, but when I string it the bottom limb has a very different bend.  I think it got stored standing on end when I was in college years ago.  There was nothing wrong with it when I put it up back then.  I see no issues with the limb other than the bend when strung.  Is there any way to repair something like this?

[IronCreekArcher]

I would take this question to the Bowyers forum but I believe there is nothing you can do for a twisted limb.

[xtrema312]

I will post it up there.  Thanks.

[Dave Bulla]

Not quite true...  A twisted limb is fairly easy to fix but if it's actually bending different (Like bending noticably more for example) that is likely another issue.  But before you get bummed out, a twisted limb often appears to bend different so you may be in luck.  

Sight down the bow while it is unstrung looking from tip to tip.  Line whatever tip is closest to your eye up with the center of the limb or the cutout for the shelf and then look past it at the far tip and see if it is off to one side.  Sight from both directions to verify.

The "sight picture"will look kinda like this:

|^|
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if it's straight....

And like this:

|^|
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| |^

If it's badly twisted

The two side lines are the sides of the limb at the widest point, the inverted "V's" are the limb tips.  The middle vertical line is the site window cutout.

Crappy graphic, but maybe you'll be able to get the idea.

If only twisted you can do a search here on how to fix a twisted limb and you should find lots of info.  Might even be a topic in the how to section.

[Dave Bulla]

Well darn......

Edit function is still locked out and my graphics came out wrong.  The vertical line in the middle row of each example should be centered.  I was afraid it would automatically move it to the left margin with no other character to the left of it.... and sure enough, it did.  Oh well.

[xtrema312]

I will have to check for a twist, but what I am talking about is visible from the side if the bow.  It looks like the bottom limb is partial drawn where the top limb is in strung position.  Basically the bottom limb looks much weaker than the top.  I assume from being stored on end.  When the bow is unstrung you don’t notice it.

[2treks]

What is the make and model?
black hawk mosquito?

[xtrema312]

It is an old Indian of some kind I think.  It is hung high on the shop wall so I have to get the ladder out to take it down tomorrow.