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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: elk ninja on October 06, 2011, 04:19:00 PM

Title: Retrofitting a one piece into a two piece system opinions
Post by: elk ninja on October 06, 2011, 04:19:00 PM
I am thinking about making my one piece Centaur into a two piece traveling bow... and I need you opinions please!

She shoots like a dream, and she is my first custom bow I ordered from someone else, it'd be a shame to get rid of her.  

What else is out there besides the bow bolt that is a retrofit type system?  The riser is really dense cocobollo, the weight is 60# at my 26" draw length, 58" overall...

I'd like to be able to do it myself, I have access to just about any tool I'd need, as well as enough experience to be comfortable doing it.  But I am not opposed to sending it out either, as I know that journeymen like myself are journeymen, and craftsmen are craftsmen....

The only real complication is the stippling and the carved elk horn in the handle.  A strip of phenolic crossing the grip would be fine, I can carve it to match.

Any ideas?

The handle:
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h58/mmbackpacker/Elk%20hunting%20Sept%205th%20through%209th%202011/IMG_0871.jpg)
Title: Re: Retrofitting a one piece into a two piece system opinions
Post by: Bjorn on October 06, 2011, 04:42:00 PM
That is a pretty nice bow to put at risk. If you love the bow leave it alone and 60# is a lot of pressure in retrofit mode. Ask Jim what he thinks and if he would have built the riser differently if he were building it as a 2 pc/TD.
I did that to a self bow and have some experience.
(http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q291/bjornweb/DSCN0319.jpg)
You asked for opinions. Whatever you decide I hope it works out for you.
Title: Re: Retrofitting a one piece into a two piece system opinions
Post by: 4dogs on October 06, 2011, 05:39:00 PM
You really need to talk to Jim, I wouldnt do anything to that bow, at least not till you talk to him. I dont think he is even doing a two piece any more.
Title: Re: Retrofitting a one piece into a two piece system opinions
Post by: JParanee on October 06, 2011, 10:37:00 PM
Don't do it
Title: Re: Retrofitting a one piece into a two piece system opinions
Post by: SportHunter on October 07, 2011, 12:09:00 AM
I'd leave that bow in one piece and get a new or used takedown.
Title: Re: Retrofitting a one piece into a two piece system opinions
Post by: fireball31 on October 07, 2011, 02:56:00 AM
If your dead set on a traveler bow, I would sell it and buy a good one.
Title: Re: Retrofitting a one piece into a two piece system opinions
Post by: GRINCH on October 07, 2011, 03:18:00 AM
I'd contact the bowyer fist to see if it can be done don't ruin a good bow.
Title: Re: Retrofitting a one piece into a two piece system opinions
Post by: BigJim on October 07, 2011, 06:34:00 AM
Don't do it! That bow was not built to be a two piece. The riser will go through different stress's as a two piece.
There is no reinforcement in the riser and the bow bolt will make the grip explode from the inside out.
Even on my socket systems, I reinforce all two piece risers for added security. You may be able to install a hinge, but it being a 60lb bow would give me great concerns.
bigjim
Title: Re: Retrofitting a one piece into a two piece system opinions
Post by: Gator1 on October 07, 2011, 06:38:00 AM
I'd definately listen to the bowyers, and call Jim at centaur...

It sounds too risky for such a beautiful bow to have fail...
Title: Re: Retrofitting a one piece into a two piece system opinions
Post by: Bill Carlsen on October 07, 2011, 07:54:00 AM
Craig Warren, who invented the bow bolt, declined to retrofit a longbow I had. He said that getting the proper specs on an already sculpted handle were nearly impossible and that the handle/riser needs to be built solidly in order to accept the bolt and not put the bow at risk if if had a weak spot. I wouldn't do it. Have a new bow made to the same specs from scratch in a take down model.
Title: Re: Retrofitting a one piece into a two piece system opinions
Post by: ron w on October 07, 2011, 08:53:00 AM
If you had an old beater I might try a connection hinge, but on a bow like that I would take a chance of ruining it or getting hurt when it failed.
Title: Re: Retrofitting a one piece into a two piece system opinions
Post by: Jeff Strubberg on October 07, 2011, 09:36:00 AM
I did it with a connexion hinge, regretted the heck out of it (it completely changed the feel of the bow) and eventually lost the bow when one of the screw holes split.

I wouldn't try it again.
Title: Re: Retrofitting a one piece into a two piece system opinions
Post by: Greg Skinner on October 07, 2011, 01:22:00 PM
I have successfully installed the connexion hinge on 2 different HH blanks in the process of finishing them.  However, I would hesitate to try modifying an already finished bow.  If that Centaur were mine there is no way I would attempt to cut it in 2.  Keep it as a 1-piece and get yourself a new take-down - there are many great options available.
Title: Re: Retrofitting a one piece into a two piece system opinions
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on October 07, 2011, 02:10:00 PM
buy a a take down save the grief.
Title: Re: Retrofitting a one piece into a two piece system opinions
Post by: Bobby Urban on October 07, 2011, 03:08:00 PM
I did a Connextion hinge on a Great Northern and love it but that bow handle/riser is a bit nice for messing around.  I will agree with the sentiments above and suggest keeping an eye on the classifieds to find a nice used take down bow.
Title: Re: Retrofitting a one piece into a two piece system opinions
Post by: Shakes.602 on October 07, 2011, 03:11:00 PM
Actually, call Me "Chicken"  :D   but I believe I would send "My Baby" off to a Pro to Hack in Half  :scared:  , I couldnt stand to do it, or SEE it done Myself!!  :goldtooth:
Title: Re: Retrofitting a one piece into a two piece system opinions
Post by: V I Archer on October 08, 2011, 01:35:00 PM
never shot a Centaur myself, but based on looks alone that is far too pretty of a riser to hack in half.  I will gladly trade you for a hickory stick that you can retrofit if you feel the need to do so.  Please, Please, Please do not cut that bow in half!