I have a crazy idea in the back of my head.

I haven't been able to find a reasonably priced 80# recurve, 64". So, I thought I'd take Samick Journey limbs and simply add another layer of fiberglass and/or veneer lam to increase the thickness and therefore increase the draw weight.  

Quick and simple increase in draw weight?

Has this been done?  Is it a crazy idea?  Would there be another easier way to come away with an 80# bow without spending a fortune?

You might want to ask the bowyer.  I'd think it would throw off the dynamics of the bow.

adding extra glass, would be adding a lot of physical mass, i would think- maybe make the bow a bit sluggish, even inducing some hand shock maybe.

how heavy a set of limbs can you find- would piking( shortening) the limbs not be an option.

how much would you be prepared to pay- might be some guys on here, that might be happy to just build you a set of limbs- it is a small form allready- or someone who already has  a form for a set of limbs that would work.
also considering- that now there would be a lot of extra strain on that riser- will it take it- if you have to mod the riser- might just be cheaper to buy something  

are you going to Africa to hunt.      
 

Yes, Mark.  Wanting to go back to Africa.  My problem is that I'm not sure I could shoot an 80# bow.  I'm shooting deer with 65#, now.  But, unless I could show myself I could shoot 80#, I would have no business going after Cape Buffalo.

Probably a better idea to build a form and make new limbs for the bow.

just build the whole bow, use black glass and a good core wood.

that would be a awesome trip

Good luck

i did this... and it has worked out good for me...

first, if there is a finish on layer you should remove it then use epoxy to glue new layer of glass.

best.

Thanks, Beyaz!

I would probably put one layer of carbon on the back. It is lighter than glass and could add some draw weight.  It would be fun to try.

inksoup, did you epoxy a new layer of glass to the back?  to the Belly?  or to both?

actually on both back and belly.

but i think just on back, it should work as well...

welcome.

My personal opinion is I would NEVER chance a cheap or rigged up bow to a hunt of a lifetime. No way would a rigged Samick make the trip to Africa with me. Not saying it wouldn't be fun experiment all the same.

I'm not sure if this would be an option, but if a whole bow is out of the question, are there people out there who could custom make 80# limbs for your Samick riser?  I'd guess limbs would be a little less expensive than a whole bow, but then again I've never looked into it myself.

As a side note, while I'm always up for experimenting with things, would you regret it if your modified Samick limbs failed before/during your hunt in Africa (and looking back and saying "Man, I should have spent the $$ on the 80# bow")?  If you'd have no regrets, then I wish you the best of luck.

QuoteOriginally posted by PEARL DRUMS:
My personal opinion is I would NEVER chance a cheap or rigged up bow to a hunt of a lifetime. No way would a rigged Samick make the trip to Africa with me. Not saying it wouldn't be fun experiment all the same.

x2

Just build the bow
It will be fun, and if you kill something, you can say---- I built this bow  

I have done just what you are suggesting many times and they all worked out great. Sand the existing glass to get a good bond, use .030 glass of the same color and the joint will be invisible if you use smooth-on. Expect about 20# increase.

James