Swapping limbs on compound bow... what should I look out for?

[kad11]

I'm getting ready to change the limbs on my Bear Anarchy from 60-70 lbs down to 50-60 lbs using a Bowmaster bow press. I've never done this before so I'm hoping to get some general advice/ pointers from folks before I get started.

I'm planning to label everything with a piece of masking tape on the string/ cable and then a corresponding piece on the cams so that there's no confusion when I go to put everything back together. I'm also planning to use small carabiners to do my best to keep the correct number of twists in the string/ cables. Are there any other tricks I should be aware of?

I'm also wondering if this will drastically change the timing/ tune of the bow? My thought is that since the physical dimensions of the limbs are the same then the timing shouldn't change, but I've been wrong many times before. I usually paper tune and then fine-tune with the walk back method, but I don't really understand the tuning methods that involve adding or taking twists out of the cables... I'm hoping that swapping out the limbs will not require this more advanced level of tuning.

I appreciate any advice you may have.

 

[Curvebow]

First off - I would buy a new bow before attempting this! Second - the Bowmaster press attaches to the limbs; will you be able to compress the new limbs once you swap them?

Third - Yes, changing the limbs can alter things. If not set correctly, it can alter cam timing and more.

Personally, I would turn the bow down below 60# if thats what I needed to do and live with it or buy a new bow.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[5MilesBack]

Make sure you have one of those E-clip tools before your start........those little suckers go flying if you're just using a screw driver. The tool makes putting them back on a breeze.

Other than that......ya, you'll most likely need to do a complete re-tune.

 

[jmez]

Everything will change when you swap the limbs. You'll have to start from ground zero on the tune.

Does the bow have past parallel limbs? Not sure the Bowmaster is recommended if it does. I'm sure guys have done it with the Bowmaster but I'd want it in a real press for that task.

 

[Jay03]

Changing limbs is not a big deal, people do it all the time. Definitely no need to go buy a new bow. BUT... you will need to re-tune the bow. And I would probably head to a bow shop and pay a few bucks for them to do it with a press and have a draw board on hand to check and set things back up correctly after the swap.

 

[kad11]

I appreciate everyone's advice; the reason for the swap is because I separated my shoulder and tore some ligaments back in July. I was hoping to hunt this archery season, but I may be better off leaving my bow alone and waiting for rifle season. I like my bow the way it shoots now and should be able to pull 60+ lbs again by next season.