Converting a 1 piece recurve to a 2 piece

[recurvericky]

I am interested in converting a recurve that I have into a two piece bow. I was thinking about using a sleeve. Does anyone have experience turning a 1 piece recurve into a 2 piece? Also, what is the best conector and why?

[Jason Scott]

I am about to embark on the same journey. Have been studying buildalongs quite a bit and from my understanding it is more difficult converting a completed bow than building a bow with take down in mind. keeping alignment between the finished tips is the problem.

[OkKeith]

I have been looking into this as well. My thinking is that a recurve, with a cut-in grip and full shelf, wouldn't work with a sleeve. They work for longbows with Hill Style handles/grips.

I have looked at several of the hinge type and hook-latch type. Seems to me that the Bow Bolt System looks the best to me. Doesn't look too tough to install.

I think the hardest part will be the initial "wrongness" of cutting a perfectly good bow in half.

OkKeith

[Joey V.]

Why do you want to do this?  I understand from shipping / travel standpoint but unless you are a world traveler hunter I wouldn't do it....
 
If you just want to make the bow a two piece for the heck of it or to “Improve” upon it then I have an old proverb for you:  The enemy of good is better……

Ponder what that means before you bust out the old hacksaw LOL

[Jason Scott]

I think what Joey means is if it is a good shooter as a one piece leave it alone. It most likely will not be as good if you convert it. But, if you have other more favorite bows and want a project then do it.

[Mark Smeltzer]

Here is a very cool way to do it and still make the bow look good.

 http://www.piratesofarchery.net/bb/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=8014