Taking wood off a sight window?

[nyamazan]

Was thinking of taking some wood off my longbow sight window to radius it as it is flat at the moment.
Will this weaken the bow?
My bow is 55# and have seen 60 and 65# bows of the same make. It seems they use the same form and size of riser.
Would using varnish spray damage the epoxy they used to make the bow?
Thanks all.

[yamapup]

Lots of folks, including me have done that. Many older bows have a flat site window and a flat shelf. After I completed sanding, I brushed on polyurethane and you couldn't tell where the alteration had been done.-Pup

[Diamond Paul]

I'd be real careful about doing it; one reason many longbows aren't more center shot is because of strength issues.

[Doc Nock]

DP,

The bowyers I talked to claimed they made their riser sideplate 1/8" shy of center because it was AMO or IBO legal that way!(can't remember which cause I don't compete)

I know of several bowyers who make center shot or past center cut longbow side plates.

But your admonition to "be careful" sure is well directed any time...just curious about the statement of "strength" for not center cut given what several told me personally about the "legality" for some sanctioned "shoots" or tournaments.  

[nyamazan]

I'm not looking to change it to a centre cut, just want to radius it. I'm shooting 2213s and they are touching the near side of the sight window, not the middle part of the bow. Don't know if I explained that too well.
I do heed the warnings but reckon I may shave some wood off.
Hoping to get some thinner arrows when I make the long journey to the shop.
May as well ask here, what arrows are similar spine to 2213s, can't find an arrow chart with them on.
As allways, thanks for your time.

[Diamond Paul]

Well, actually, this was really an issue with older longbows; I imagine the newer ones are plenty strong, but they don't generally have the mass in the riser to be cut as far past center as many recurves.  Paul.

[Doc Nock]

NYAmazan,

I tend to use a slight slim shim that to make a slight Pivot point on the side plate that matches one on the shelf. I make them to be in line with the deepest inset of the grip.

I read that increase "forgiveness" and man, I can use all that in daily living and my shooting!  

DP,

Good point on the older bows with thinner profiles especially.

[nyamazan]

Doc Nock, you mean like a toothpick under the strike plate?
My bow has a very straight grip, only recessed about 3/16. I put a pivot point around centre of my shelf. Should I move it back to line up with the grip inset?

[Shakes.602]

I have been told to Build Up the Side with A Small Piece of Wood and Build the "Shelf" Up with Leather. Words of a VERY Trusted Bowyer!!

[nyamazan]

I shall do as Trusted Bowyer says.