It's fairly common for older bows to have twisted limbs, ofetn from long-term storage resting on one of the limbs. Even more likely from improper stringing using the step through method. Its much more common on thin, wide-limbed recurves than stacked thick-limbed longbows.
First, string the bow using a bow stringer. Check to be sure the strings are properly in the nocks, then look down the string to see if it's centered on the bow and limb tips. On recurves, draw the bow and then let it down slowly. Then check to see if the string has settled in the string grooves near the tip. If so, the limbs are probably pretty straight. If you hear a klick as the bow reaches brace hight on the let down, that means the string was just a little off center on the limb and it is slipping back into the groove. Of course, if the string doesn't return to the groove, the limb tip misalignment/twist will be quite obvious.
With a longbow, it's best to have another person study the limbs from back and belly side as you draw it and let down. Sometimes they will appear straight when strung, but bend out of line/shape when the bow is drawn. This can happen with recurves, too, of course. That's why the string will usually not properly set in the string groove on the let down.
The fix is to heat the affected area with the bow unstrung, a hair dryer works, and bend it back in the opposite direction, overbending just a little to allow for spring back, and hold it in that position until it cools. Some people do it without heat as well. Depends a little on how bad the twist is. Overheating can cause the limb to delaminate.
Topic: How to detect bent limb? (Read 228 times)
