Hickory Self-Bow Set Reversal??

[Shakes.602]

I have a bow that a buddy gave me, and it has quite a bit of set in it. Is it possible to remove/reverse the set by careful heating and straightening so I can back it with something?? Notr sure what the Best Backing would be, yet, but I wondered if I could Undo the Damage?
  Thank you for Any Help!!  

[Pat B]

You can not undo the damage but you might make it better than it is. What wood is it made of, what's the length, draw weight now and what draw weight do you want it to be at what draw length?

[fujimo]

if the bow meant a lot to me- I might- remove some belly wood, glue on a new belly lam- and glue in some reflex at the same time- the hickory will make for some great backing- I would use an osage belly- otherwise hear what Pats got to say- his advice WILL be more sensible and practical

[Pat B]

fujimo, both of those are good options.
 Can we see pics too? Some bows are just not worth putting more time into also.

[Bowjunkie]

Yeah, if it took a lot of set, more than 3", I likely wouldn't bother. But if less, and I thought it was worth the trouble otherwise, I would simply hold the bow sideways and run the limb tips into the bandsaw for about 12" or so, then glue in a lamination while reflexing or recurving the tips an appropriate amount. Bye-bye set... and you may well end up with a rather lovely profile and very well behaved bow.

This method is quicker and easier than flattening the entire belly or back and adding a whole piece, and tillering afterwards is quite minimal. Just my $.02

[George Tsoukalas]

No. Enjoy the bow.     Jawge

[LittleBen]

So when a bow takes set, it's mainly, if not entirely because the belly wood is being permanently compressed. So if you want to address set, you need to be looking at the belly.

I think Fujimo is right on for that exact reason, although Bowjunkie also has a good plan IMO with cutting a kerf into the tips and recurring them.

At the end of the day though, repairing a bow takes all the skill it takes to build a new bow and more. Sometimes, if not most of the time the easiest route is to build a new bow. I generally only repair if it's sentimental or I have a really huge amount of time in making the bow, like a sinew backed recurve or something like that. I probably wouldn't go to much length to repair a hickory board.

Both Fujiimos plan and Bowjunkies plan are reasonable, and can be done fairly quickly. Especially the kerf cutting.

More details on the bow and pictures would probably help.

[Pat B]

...but also remember that almost anything that you do to reduce or counteract the set will add more stress to the already overstressed limbs.

[Bowjunkie]

Yes, look first to WHY it took set and make the needed adjustments on succeeding bows. I once threw out a whole stack of beautiful hickory staves that were given to me because they weren't taken care of properly after they were cut and split. They took a lot of set no matter what I did.

If the set is design related, too narrow, too short, etc for the draw length and weight, I usually just start another one and make the needed changes.

[John Scifres]

Here's a bow I worked on a while back:   http://sticknstring.webs.com/fixit.htm

[Shakes.602]

Well, a Guy gave it to me to "See if You can do something with this" kind of deal. He got it at a Yard Sale and its Over 3" set. I have No Clue as to What Poundage it "Was", and I am beginning to think he can have it back as a Hanger.
 Thank you ALL for Your Info!!

[Shakes.602]

I havent a Clue other than he said it was Hickory, BUT (I just had this thought)I might be able to whittle it down, as its pretty heavy and thickly (Is that a Word?) built. It may have a chance as a Kids Bow. Thank You for the Info. John!! It just might Live Again!!

[Eric Krewson]

I have reversed set and added reflex to a bunch well used bows with heat. I am talking about toasting the belly, changing the color to light brown, not just a normal heat bending.

My take is if you have a bow that is becoming non functional you can go to extremes trying to fix it with nothing lost if you fail.

None of the bows I have "fixed" have failed so far.

[Gwynnin]

I'm in a similar ish bind. Moved from CA to NC 2 months ago and my favorite hickory bow has taken an extra inch of set from the humidity  :(

[Shakes.602]

Thank Y'all for the Info.!! TradGang is THE Site for Help!!