Reducing the Poundage on a Traditional Recurve Bow

Shane reduces the poundage on this SR Swift recurve by three pounds. He checks and adjusts the tiller as needed.

[@Wendmann]

I like your beautiful bows. Wish i could get a customized one in Germany. Thanks for the very instructive video.

[@greatplainsbow]

Oh you can! I can build you a fully customized one and ship it to your door. Thanks so much for watching!

[@greatplainsbow]

@@Wendmann just thought I'd mention something. I will be in Germany the 17th-18th of October. If you want to skip shipping and customs I can hand deliver you a custom GP bow

[@WCTRAD]

I really enjoy watching these videos Shane!

[@greatplainsbow]

Thanks so much for watching, Dave!

[@worldtraveler8372]

Thank for this educational video

[@chazatkinson]

That is one beautiful bow !

[@sjohn_8627]

I have a Stalker Stickbow I need a few pounds shaved off of. Tore my rotator cuff out.

[@caseysmith544]

Nice job on bow and Yes I would not want to do weight pound reduction or massive grip rework. I would be willing on old bows to do on all but on working limbs/takedown is a finish and small hole fix for myself.

[@greatplainsbow]

Thanks so much for watching, Casey! It inspires me when I hear of other guys working on their bows. You don't have to do the complicated work to have fun that's what's great about traditional archery!

[@caseysmith544]

@@greatplainsbow Right, I did in 2021 a repaint or really a spray paint on an old fiberglass model of bow as all Actionbow 8200 by Actionrod a gray green color fiberglass is when done and wanted a protectant for fiberglass. I did my best to keep logo as was in perfect shape only using clear coat, however I redid 36 pound weight in sharpie. I messed up and used black Rust--Oleum Rubber paint as a base layer before putting on Light Green miliary camo Rust--Oleum Makes for both military and civilian use. Only string limb tips did rubber base layer came off and using spray paint with mat clear coat later on same limb tip had started coming off when using so I am not using any on very end a coating removing on limb tips as bare clear/semi clear fiberglass is harder to keep. Actionrod brand now only makes mid quality solid bgginer fly fishing rods exclusive for Caballa's/Bass Pro, might even be owned/revived by Cabella's since the 1990's--2000's well before brands merged.

[@glennbayley5863]

Very interesting video

[@greatplainsbow]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@bigal25938]

What if you just put a little longer string? That should reduce it.

[@greatplainsbow]

No that wouldn't reduce it at all

[@eclipsearchery9387]

Wrong.

[@plecoful]

Ouch! It was hard to watch you sanding those beauties. I’m sure it came out perfect though

[@greatplainsbow]

Yeah it's kinda tough for me also to sand into a brand new bow with a beautiful finish, but I'll make it look brand new when I'm done

[@eclipsearchery9387]

That glass dust will get ya in time.....nasty stuff mate. I used to do the same as you, custom trad bows.

[@joewilson6374]

Do you refinish vintage bows? I have a 1967 Wing, 69 inch long, White Wing target recurve that needs some holes filled or covered with an overlay on the belly side of the sight window and a refinish.

[@greatplainsbow]

I do Joe, but I'm full up on them at the moment

[@joewilson6374]

@@greatplainsbow How do I get on a waiting list? Looks like you do great work so I don't mind waiting.

[@greatplainsbow]

@@joewilson6374 email me your info: [e-mail]

[@patleonard4978]

How many pounds can you safely reduce a bow ? I have a 60lb. Longbow I'd like to reduce.

[@greatplainsbow]

It depends on each individual bow, but you can usually safely get 15# off a longbow and 10# off a recurve

[@bilnjan]

How to remove Super glue smudge on riser. Tried all liquid WD40, alcohol. nail polish remover and olive oil. Fine steel wool ?

[@greatplainsbow]

You won't get it off with any type of cleaner. I would try steel wool and if that doesn't work you'll have to sand it off and then respray the riser with clear coat

[@eclipsearchery9387]

@@greatplainsbow No you can get CA debonding agent. If you use this you won't have a spot that needs re-finishing.

[@michaelniedwick1255]

Why not sell customer a lighter limb?

[@greatplainsbow]

Because my bows are hand built from top to bottom. I don't build a whole bunch of risers and a bunch of limbs. My limbs are hand fit and color matched to my risers. I'm not a production line shop

[@dougeldredge]

cant you just buy new limbs? then you got two bows

[@greatplainsbow]

@@dougeldredge absolutely, that is definitely another option