Quick question.  I have a new, 9 mos or so, takkedown.  I noticed tonight that there is play in the lower limb.  This seems wrong to me.   What to do?  I have emailed bowyer but not heatd back from him.  Am I crazy?  Or is this not right?

Can you describe the "play"?  Two piece, three piece?

Three piece.  Not lateral movement butup and down.  Unstrung of course. I have other takedowns and checked.  None of them are loose

And this just happened in 9 months or so??? What kinda play?? Bolts down?

Bolts tight.  Lower limb moves up and down.  Not much.  But doesnt seem to be ideal situation.

Do you mean the limb is rocking up and down? Maybe some hard, dry wax or debris between the limb and the riser. Have you checked to see where it might be rubbing?

Is the limb bolt insert in the riser coming loose?

Yep.  If the limb bolt is tight, check the insert it's screwed into.  Whole thing may be ready to pop loose. Take the bolt off and remove the limb.  Then screw the bolt in back a little way and see if you can move the insert by pulling and pushing back and forth on the bolt.

QuoteOriginally posted by Orion:
Yep.  If the limb bolt is tight, check the insert it's screwed into.  Whole thing may be ready to pop loose. Take the bolt off and remove the limb.  Then screw the bolt in back a little way and see if you can move the insert by pulling and pushing back and forth on the bolt.

2 X on this test... it doesn't happen very often, but i've seen it on softer woods like Maple or walnut.... There are different sized threaded inserts available. The fine thread 1/2-24 shouldn't be used in wood. Those are the ones i've seen come loose.  i use the 1/2-13  threaded inserts and have never had a problem with these.

Nothing visible or loose that I can see to cause limb insecurity.

have an email to the bowyer and awaiting his response.

I can't imagine this is an acceptable situation

Sounds like the bolt must be bottomed out and not able to hold the limb down solidly. Maybe try a slightly shorter bolt or slightly thicker bezel if you have one.

Wood will expand and contract with the weather no matter how much finish is on it. the riser wood may not have been dry enough in the first place. If that limb pad has shrunk that bolt may now be bottoming out as was mentioned. Try a thin rubber washer or something between limb and bezel.

could be glue in the insert. I have had happen to me about 4 times. I use a 5/16 thread tap to remove the glut then no problem. It is possible to have the glue come up inside the insert and prevent the bolt from going in for enough. Should have been checked before being shipped.

If the bolt is thight and you can m ove the limb any direction it is because the bolt is bottomed out. Put a washer or spacer under the bezel and problem solved. First check to be sure that the riser insert is tight. You can screw a bolt in without the limb and try to wiggle the insert.  If it wiggles send it back to the builder.

God bless, Steve

Perhaps a nylon washer between the bolt and the limb like Sixby says. You can buy them at Home Depot. Make sure your tiller is good though.