re cut shelf

[gobbler10ga]

have a G&L longbow and would like to use rasp to file shelf to center
any suggestions

[jess stuart]

 Check with GN first!  Likely weaken the riser to a unsafe point.

[Roy from Pa]

Why ya want to do that?

Could be disastrous.

[Stagmitis]

I'll second that. Doesn't shoot well?

[Jerry Gille]

It's up to you to decide if the reworked handle can withstand removing material.  The original bowyer isn't likely to be fond of the plan.  If you think it can handle it then go for it if you want and can accept the consequences of bow failure if you are wrong.

Are you going to establish a centerline first?  That can be a little tricky at this point.  Or are you just going to take 1/8" off and figure that will get you to center?  That works too as long as you are certain the bow is not already center shot. 

I would use a file and not a "rasp."  If you are radiusing anything, push into the glass from the side where the glass is.  Don't push into glass on the opposite side as it is prone to splintering or tearing out there.  Go slow.  Sand everything to fine when done and finish with whatever you choose that you think will be compatible with the existing finish or finish the entire bow all at once.  Glue leather back on.

I prefer bows that are not centershot and have no issues with them.  But it's your bow and entirely up to you as to what you want.  It isn't a big project so you should be fine.  Just be certain there is enough original material to do it without compromising the strenth of that very vulnerable area and don't get crazy with removing material.  Good luck.

[Jerry Gille]

Oh, and I don't know what a "G & L" longbow is but one response here referred to that as a GN longbow.  If it is a Great Northern longbow, there is not much bulk in those handles to begin with.  I personally wouldn't do this with a Great Northern handle.  But again, you said "G & L" and I don't know what that is.