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[Ssamac]

This is a thread I started over a week ago and now have some descriptive pics. Most of the top shooters say that the arrow should rest on or close to the fingers. However my Red Wing Hunter sets the shelf at least a half inch above my fingers no matter how much I try to hold it high. Should the shelf be shaped more and does that ruin the bow or at least the value of the bow???  Can I damage the bow?

First here is my Wing Thunderbird 40# (on the left) grip and shelf side by side with my Red Wing Hunter 50# grip and shelf. I really like the Hunter but look how clubby the grip is. The TBird is a perfect grip for me. Here the first pic

   

And here's how it fits the hand:

   

Not easy to take your own hand, but you can see that I can't close the hand down on it and it tends to turn in to the right.Also a glossy slippery grip.

Take a look at the Wing TBird. Does not see a lot better but if you look close you see the hand fits in there nice and in an upright position, the shelf is right over the fingers.

   

Can I make the grip on the Red Wing like the Grip on the Tbird? It does not seem so much like lowering the shelf but slimming down the grip itself.

Thanks for any ideas.

sam


Sam

[d. ward]

Myself I like the shelf down near my hand and yes I have done that to almost all my bows.It just works good for me.
As for the value if the job is done nice and looks good I don't think it would harm the value.There is always some one looking for a bow with a lower shelf to try out.
And as for damaging the bow.One would want to make sure and not remove to much stock from the shelf.bowdoc

[Ssamac]

Thanks Bowdoc. So I was thinking of taking about half an inch off the shelf and giving it a little crown (it's flat now) that would make the arrow sit on or close to my index finger. I's use a file first and then some sandpaper. Would that weaken the bow? The handle is fine so I'd leave that as is, just lower the shelf.

[Ssamac]

Working the wood is simple enough if you take your time. HOw do you keep the glass from splintering?
sam

[TRAP]

I would tape it just to be safe and make sure the saw teeth or file teeth are working away from the glass and not lifting it.  

Meaning the file contacts the glass first and then proceeds past the glass to the wood during a single stroke.

Trap

[Ssamac]

Understood Trap. Would you do this?

[TRAP]

Wow, good question Sam.  I havent done it with anything Vintage.  

I have taken a file to more than one custom bow and even 59 Replicas.  With new bows they either "fit" or they leave.

I have contemplated performing surgery on a 62 Kodiak that I have but in reality the bow will likely never be my "go to" bow regardless of what I do to it so why take a chance at devaluing it.  

So to answer your question, I'd kinda like to but havent yet.  

Trap

[Ssamac]

I should take a pic and that might help. The good part here is that it's a Head Ski Red Wing hunter and not a super collectible. Just a nice short bow.
sam