How much can you get back?

[billmac]

So if a bow turns out underweight and /or takes a set, I've read that you can reflex / recurve it.  Typically how much draw weight can you regain by doing this?  Does heat treating the belly help?  (or is using heat to reflex the belly essentially heat treating it?)

[Pat B]

Bill, it depends on the amount of set and why it took on the set. Basically set is due to colapsed belly wood cells. In many cases by recurving or inducing reflex, you do more damage and you get more set or worst.  because you are adding to the stress the damaged area. I have not done any heat treating on bellies but(IMO) you would have better luck with it before the set occures.   Pat

[DanaM]

Depending on the length  the easiest may be to cut a few inches off. Is the finished?
If so I imagine heating it will mess the finish up. If not reflexing could help, may have to adjust tiller some.
How much weight gain not sure.
I'd say just build another bow, yer going to anyway

DanaM