Takedown conversion

[schneiderjohn]

I have a Saxon and a Z. Ferguson, both purchased used, very reasonably, and I would like to find someone who could convert one or the other to a takedown.  I would prefer the sleeve style but am open ideas.  Any recommendations?  

[4dogs]

Hi John. Changing a one piece to a takedown is not an easy thing to do, depends on alot of things if it can be done at all...riser wood, riser mass etc. If you can find a bowyer that would do it it may be a little pricy too. If your dead set on it I would contact the original bowyer and get his input. After its all said and done I think you may be better off selling these two and investing in a good takedown.

[Bjorn]

I did two with a sleeve and in my opinion it is too much work for the alignment on an existing bow. The hinges etc are less work but either way you are looking at a non trivial job, and no guarantee you will like the result. It changes everything about a bow when it is retrofitted.

A new bow, done properly with TD in mind, reinforced riser etc. at the time the bow is built is a different story. IMO anyway.

[Bill Turner]

The sleeve requires mass in the riser area that I would doubt your Saxon would have. I know nothing about a Z. Ferguson bow. The bowyer who made your Saxon(Randy, if I'm not mistaken) is no longer making bows. I have to agree with 4Dogs, contacting the original bowyer would be my first option. Good luck.

[schneiderjohn]

Thanks everyone, I will forgo that idea.

[HugeBull]

OK, I've got one more idea that may or may not be worthwhile to you.  I saw a selfbow several years ago that was cut on the diagonal across the handle and then wrapped with fiberglass.  No pins, no bolts, no trying to fit the handle into a sleeve.  Just rasp your handle down a bit, cut it on the bandsaw, wax one part well, temporarily screw handle back togtether, wrap with fiberglass, back out the screws and wrap teh rest of the handle.  Then reshape as necessary.

After making two selfbows with the metal sleeve, I have to say this has got to be the easiest solution that I have even seen.  However, I have not used it . . . yet!  If ya need more info, I may have a picture from the guy who did it archived.  Just call me, 423-9zero3-252zero
 
Hugh

[AkDan]

There's a pretty slick you tube of big Jim doing this method of a two piece !!!   Videoed by Todd Smith. If u can't find it holler.  It's a 9 part series from step 1 to finished