Altering a Morrison riser

[Crash]

I have picked up a Morrison Shawnee and like the way the bow shoots but would like the grip to fit my hand a little better and am thinking about taking a little wood off the heel of the grip.  I may have to self medicate to get my nerve up.  I have a palm sander and a Dremel tool, which would be best to use?  Does anyone know what I would need to refinish the riser?  I know I could call Bob, but he's not going to be making any money off of me and I feel bad taking up his time.

[Frenchymanny]

 
No power tools!

That's my only advise

I would not touch a Morrison riser myself, but that's just me.


F-Manny

[snag]

Nothing wrong with modifying a grip if you have the skill to do it and know how you want it. I would use a wood file and then sand it. Start with 120grit and work you way down to 220 or finer. Then put a finish on it. I know one very good archer who does this to bows. Why shot a bow that doesn't fit you. But you do need to know in your mind what you want to do...don't just start whittling on it! I have come to realize there are some very well known custom bows being sold that really don't have the best grips! But since archers don't really know how to grip a bow they just grip the bow the way the bow demands....not always a good scenario!  Also, if you do this the value of the bow goes down considerably. If you don't care about the resale value then go for it.

[Zbearclaw]

You have to know what you want it to be like before you start making dust.  By just knowing you don't like it as is and are going to "tinker" you are all but guaranteeing you won't like the new grip either.

I always altered my wood grips on compounds to fit my hand, but they were replacable if I hacked off too much.

[Dano]

"I know I could call Bob, but he's not going to be making any money off of me and I feel bad taking up his time."

 Here's my 2 cents, first if you don't have the skills to know which tool to use or which finish to use, you are going to feel even worse when you screw up a good bow.

[ErikT]

I just modified the grip on my Bighorn recurve.  It took some time to work up the nerve but the end result was really worth it.  
I agree with the other poster: no power tools!  
Use a good wood file.  I used a Nicholson #49 cabinet maker's file. (The cost is around $40 but this is an excellent tool to have on hand for a variety of wood working projects).  Then follow up with sandpaper 100 grit, 150, then 220.  Then dust it with Minwax or other polyurathane spray can.

[leatherneck]

If you send it to Bob(like I did) he will do the work with power tools. I had some of my heel taken off as well. If you are comfortable with your wood working skills, then use the palm sander and remove wood slowly. Remember, you can always take more off, you can't put it on.
But FIRST thing I would do is call Bob. Bob will also be able to give you some advice on what to spray on the bow once you sand it. Good luck!
It pays to live close to your bowyer as well.    

Mike

[rjg1963md]

Bob Morrison is a class act, and calling him is exactly the first thing I would do. While he won't reveal his special trade secrets, I'm willing to bet the farm he will freely share information on what you are wanting to do. As to feeling bad about Bob not making any money off you? Ya wanna bet? He makes one of the best bows made and with the customer service and advice he offers, where do you think you're going to look first when it's time to buy a new bow or get extra limbs for that Shawnee? That's right, you're gonna call Ohio and guess who will be making money off of you?

[Jedimaster]

My only, and first, reaction has already been stated more than once but let me reiterate: PLEASE no power tools!  I managed to goof up a nice rifle stock once with a palm sander.  I thought it was a fool proof operation but it wound up costing - big time.  With just a little extra time and effort you can be rewarded with a perfect fit, not to mention the satisfaction of a job well done.

I think rjg1963md is correct also.  I wouldn't want to call either but ... you like Morrison bows so you'll be worth it in the long run.

[Emmons]

Don't be scared!! :-)

When I first got this Cheyenne the grip felt a little big.  I added finger grooves to the front of the riser and took a little of the side of the throat.  Files and a dremal tool.  Only problem I had was getting the finish to stick to the ebony.  A phone call to Bob took care of that.  With his advise I seal the ebony with CA glue first and then shot the finish.  Fits my hand perfect now.


 
 
 
 
 
 

Go slow and test the grip each time you remove some material.

James

[ethan]

Just go slow if you want to modify it.  But remember, a little bit on a grip goes a LONG way as to how it will feel.  Good luck.

Ethan

[Crash]

Thanks for the tips guys.  Nice job on your riser James.

[leatherneck]

James, sweet looking riser!