Twisting Limbs

[Koops4]

#3696

I am currently working on a u-finish hickory longbow. I have it drawing 60# at 28″ but just noticed that both limbs are twisting in opposite direction. What can I do to fix this problem? Any suggestions would be appreciated. This is my first bow.

[Stephen Graf]

#23108

Limb twist can be taken out in 2 ways:

String nock Depth – increase depth of nock on strong side of limb. Be careful not to go too deep. File a few strokes, check twist, etc.

Limb Width – Sand, Rasp, stiff side of limb. Be careful not to take off too much at a time.

To determine the strong side of the limb, look down the limb back with the bow braced, from the handle to the tip. The strong side is the side closest to the string.

Adjusting nock depth will not affect tiller. Adjusting limb width will, so keep that in mind.

Finally, with self bows you may end up with some twist in the limbs as a result of the character of the grain. Nothing you can do about it.

Developing the judgement to know when you have done all you can do, and the bow has been freed from the stave, is what it is all about. Good luck, have fun, and let us see a picture 😛

[William Warren]

#23794

I’ve used steam to straighten selfbows by steaming the handle area and then bending in the direction needed to straighten. I’ve been toying with the idea that I might be able to remove twist in the same way. Just need to devise a way to grip or hold the stave while applying pressure after steaming. I’m planning to try it on my next twisted selfbow project.

Anyone else ever remove twist by steaming?

Duncan

[rayborbon]

#23862

Steam has been known to be useful. I have never used it myself.

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