Pressing a new bow bends the riser???
 

I shot my new HCA 4-Runner through paper twice. I liked the hole, so I put the bow on my press to install a peep. When I prepared to shoot again, I noticed that the shaft was at a severe angle toward the bow. Upon closer inspection, I noticed that the grip was cracked. Then, I figured it out...the riser was bent. I sent the bow back and they repaired it. I'm a burned out shooter who is getting back in. I'm using my "old" press that worked well before: a rope is attached over the center of the grip. Is this press setup ok for these new bows, or am I supposed to use something else? I want to preload the limbs, but I'm afraid to put the darn thing back onto the press!

RE: Pressing a new bow bends the riser???
 

I don't know exactly why but I was told to never use the grip area in a bow press. I use two straps around the ends of the riser

RE: Pressing a new bow bends the riser???
 

I am not sure about your press, my grabs the bow at both ends of the riser. I have heard of this happening before, and each time it involed High country bows. I don't realy know what to tell you, maybe some of the others have more knowledge on this matter.

TAKE YOUR KIDS HUNTING AND YOU WON'T BE HUNTING FOR YOUR KIDS

RE: Pressing a new bow bends the riser???
 

I've never believed in putting a bow in a press without backing off the limb bolts. You're not the only one that's bent a riser with this model of press. If you get a steel bar and a coupla nylon straps and hooks you can make the press over into a double pull that hooks to the ends of the riser. I use the Apple Hercules press with the trailer jack and rollers now and wouldn't go back.

RE: Pressing a new bow bends the riser???
 

Center pull presses are notorious for this.

When used on a marginally strong riser design you are almost guaranteed a riser failure.

JeffB :)

RE: Pressing a new bow bends the riser???
 

Thanks guys! I'll have to modify...possibly rebuild my press, but it will be easier than sending bows back!