Can SEVERE set be corrected?

[red hill]

Hey, guys! I've got a question for ya'll. A friend from work brought a hickory backed hickory bow to me and asked if it could be fixed.
The bow had been bought off the internet by his son and given to him as a gift.  The limbs have taken approximately 6" of set in the bottom limb and close to 7" of set in the upper limb.  His son told him that the bowyer he bought the bow from had said that it could stay strung because it had a backing... Well, that didn't work out.

Any suggestions will be appreciated.  

The bow is 55# at 28". The limb tips are 1" wide or better. The limbs are thick, maybe 5/8", and narrow.

Thanks, Stan

[okie64]

If it wasnt backed I would say heat-treat it with some reflex but since it is about the only option is to sand down the belly lam and glue another belly lam on top of that one with some reflex glued in. Probably be easier just to build or buy another bow. Doesnt sound like a very good design for hickory.

[PEARL DRUMS]

That bow shouldnt have been sold. I wouldnt call the guy a bowyer either. I would help them build another bow Stan. This one is junk.

[Tom Leemans]

Agreed. It would be nice if he could get his money back, but not likely. Lesson learned.

[John Scifres]

Maybe.  Try this.

  Fixit

[JamesV]

I agree with Pearl, but wouldn't want this guy building me another bow.

[Sal]

The "bowyer" is probably not a bowyer at all.  There are some guys who are just resellers, especially in the rendezvous circles.  Some of those guys don't know anything about wooden bows and apply the "glass mentality" to the wooden bows.  

It'll probably be easier to just make another one.

[Shakes.602]

I Agree with Mr. Scifres Idea  

[PEARL DRUMS]

Johns idea works at times. I think the glued on back will prevent that kind of heat from being used.

[John Scifres]

Depends on the glue.  The bow in the Fixit was backed and it held.  It's no miracle cure but it can take a bow from not shootable to shootable.  I highly recommend reducing the weight.  Do you have specs on the bow?  Length, width, draw weight and length?

[red hill]

Thanks, guys. I warned my friend that it may not be salvagable, but we'll try anyway.  Your idea is the one I want to try.  I'd read that thread before. Just thought my lack of experience would prevent any success.
Shakes, you're exactly right! I've learned something on every bow I have attempted.  We'll give it a try and I'll let you all know how it turned out.