Does anyone here on tradgang convert once piece longbows into two piece longbows?  Is this something that can be done at home?  Please let me know who does this kind of work.  I have a pretty mew D style longbow i would like to convert to a two piece take down.  Thanks for the info.

Treavor

Treavor.... There are a couple, or more, ways to do it.  I haven't done it, but stay tuned...  I'm going to do one within the next two weeks, unless I get behind again.

I've been studying up on the methods and have settled on three ways to try:

1.  The Connexion hinge...   This is a system that Black Widow used to use.   I had one and it seemed to be fine.  I have two sets of "buildalongs" printed out and this will be the way I do my first attempt.  Installation seems pretty straightforward... takes some basic shop tools and a lot of nerve.  Disadvantage:  cost... $80 to $90

2.  Reduce riser diameter in mid-section, cut bow in half and build a fiberglass sleeve.   This is sort of a variation of what Widow is now using.   I have a buildalong and an old magazine article on doing this one.  Again, basic shop tools, plus willingess to work with fiberglass... plus a lot of nerve.  

You don't say what kind of bow.   To me, D style longbow equates to straight grip, which is what I build and which certainly makes either of the above easier.   I don't think I'd be willing to undertake it on a bow with very much shaping to the riser.

Oh, yeah... I mentioned a third way... kind of outlandish and my own thought (though I'm sure others have been there first).   I don't need a take down to be taken down more frequently than for occasional airline travel.  I had the thought of simply machining one stainless steel plate 7/8" to 1" wide and 4" to 6" long (have to measure the particular bow) and another narrower.  Drill and taper four holes in the wider front plate for flathead machine screws... probably 3/16" fine thread.  Drill and tap corresponding holes in second, narrower plate.  Bore appropriate holes through bow and line with appropriate metal tubing so the screws don't wear the wood.  Saw bow in half.  Plate each surface with a hard laminate of size to equal curf removed.  With wide plate on back of bow and narrow plate on the belly side of the riser, bolt bow together.  Hopefully, shoot...   I could, of course, be nuts, but having had the thought, I know I'll try it sooner or later.  Cost should be negligible and if sawing it in half and putting fiberglass or a hinge on it works, I don't see why this wouldn't.  Requirements, again, basic shop tools and nerve, plus a degree of possible insanity.

I have the Connexion hinge coming late this week or early next.  I have two bows I can play with, but I'm being overcome by the idea of building a new one for this project, for reasons not important here.   If I do, I'll still build it as a solid bow, and then install the hinge and cut it.

If you want to talk, email me direct:  rwightman@mindspring.com

Several  very good bowyers I know would not do a longbow for me. Too risky. All said it is way better to start from scratch when the wood is squared and straight. Once you do all the carving, contouring, etc.. you are probably not going to be able to keep the bow square enough, level enough, etc. to do the job right.

My opinion is if you really like the bow then don't cut it in half and epoxy it back togather with hardware.  Keep the bow as is and save up for another one like it that is a 2 piece.

If your really dead set on it I know Ted Fry will do the conversion if he thinks the bow can handle it.  Chad

There was an article by Jack Harrison in the Premiere issue of TradArcher's World on how to do it.  You can order the parts from him and do it yourself (looked pretty complicated and I would hesitate to try it if I really liked the bow), or your can send your bow to him and he will do it (pretty pricey - $250 if I recall correctly.)

Thanks for the input, maybe i will keep looking for a take down.  I did not realize it was so risky.  I will stay tune for your project Dick.  

Treavor

I made a one piece bow into a 6 piece bow! d;^)

Chad Holm has imparted great wisdom and knows what he is talking about. If you just want to tinker with an old bow, no problem. But if you have a nice bow and want a two piece, order the two piece made for you or buy a two piece off the classified section. I have a number of two piece bows, all with Bow Bolts, one made by Chad. I love them and they have all functioned perfectly, but there are failures, especially where the bow was not originally designed and built as a two piece.

Allan