Finally got around to using this thing. Been sitting in the packing box since I opened and looked at it what seems like eons ago...
No pics, as I have no digital camera. If Walks has some picks he wants to interject into the body of this post, I'd be more than happy to do so. Just put up a post with the links you think appropriate, and I'll edit them in
The press contains 4 metal arms with 2 being mirror images of the other, a ratchet strap, and a bag of bolts, nuts and plastic tubing for bolt cushions. All of the bolts/nuts are equal size, which makes it handy and easy to assemble. 4 of the plastic tubings are the same size, 2 are bigger, the ones that go over the limb adjustment bolts, to facilitate their removal when repositioning the bolts as necessary when doing differently configurated bows.
Assembly starts with taking two of the metal arms, slipping 3 bolts through each, and laying them flat. The plastic tubes are then slid over the bolt. The instructions say to use cooking or other household lubricant, but I found they slid over with only relatively minor force needing applied.
Next you slip the loops of the ratchet straps over the top bolts, making sure the ratchet handle is facing up. Then slip the remaining two arms over the bolts, finger tighten the 6 nuts and you're done
Takes about 2 minutes if you're inept...
To press a bow, simply remove the 6 nuts, remove the two top arms, lay your bow in so the lower press bolts are on the string side of the top of the riser and move the upper press bolts so they are just below the limb forks (or about 2-3" from the eccentrics if pressing a split limb, I assume). It's important to make sure the top limb press bolts are on the outside of the bow. Don't be a goofus like me the first time I tried and overlook this step. It makes you look/feel stupid.
Replace the two metal arms and finger tighten the bolts. Pull all excess strap through the ratchet assembly, and stand the press up. Ratchet the strap until the desired slack in the cable/string is obtained, and perform your work. When done, un-ratchet the strap while making sure the string/cable are in their appropriate tracks on the eccentrics. Lay the press down, undo the bolts, remove the 2 metal arms and remove your bow. You're done
Fit, Finish and Looks- All excellent. Welds are top notch, very smooth, and the press is painted a nice durable looking white. My ratchet strap is red with black/gold hardware, makes for a very attractive addition to your shop. All your friends/enemies will be envious
I'd guess it weghs between 1-2#s at most, but very substantial feeling.
Function- Flawless and rediculously simple. I did struggle a bit with the function of the ratchet strap, but that's been a life long affair for me
I've got it down now, thanks to an assist from WWAG, and I am no longer ratchet phobic. My bow has a 7.5" brace, and there was ample room to do whatever work I would want to do on my bow. The strap's location doesn't present any issues for me.
All in all, compared to the $2-300 bench models, at $75 shipped from a heck of a good guy, this things rocks. It's at home on the bench or in the field. I'm a cheap bas, er, guy, and I'm very happy I laid down the cabbage for this wonderful tool. You should too so you can be happy like me
Thanks again, Walks
WWAG's Bowmender Press "review"
