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Bow Press DIY or Buy

Wirrex

Wirrex

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Joined
Oct 8, 2016
Messages
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Location
Wisconsin
Being a DIY guy it’s driving me nuts that I can not service my new compound. (Used to be trad only). I was going to build a steel version of this:

https://www.google.com/shopping/pro...go_qSvy8g,prmr:1,pid:7151196030722792800,cs:1

Then I got to thinking that maybe I should just buy it and save myself the headache. I’m not even sure it is a decent design. I haven’t found any real reviews on this type of press.

And to complicate things more, do I even need a real press? Could I make do with something like this:
http://www.lancasterarchery.com/synunm-portable-bow-press-mathews-halon-series.html

For the few times a year I would need it is it even worth building or buying a real press?
 
Been down this path...

Started with a portable press (bowmaster)...

Bought a DIY kit from a guy on AT (the hyraulic lift w/chain press)...

..Ended up with a X-Press that I got from gander mtn. liquidation.

If I were to do it all again i'd go straight to a real press. Even if you only use it a handful times a year it already paid for itself.

That being said here's what you want to know. Portable press is going to have it's uses, but it's going to take you 2-3x the amount of time to do any little minor adjustments. Plus you still are going to need a 'dock' or something to rest the bow in while pressing.

The DIY one I bought looks way better than the thing you're eyeballing. That thing looks kind of scary actually. Screw channel with hooks? No thanks. Remember depending on the limbs you're going to need to apply pressure at specific points and need to be able to adjust where you can apply pressure to the limbs. It doesn't look like that thing allows for that type of adjustment.

In terms of commercially available presses... The EZ press are nicest in terms of ease-of-use. My cousin has one and it's super nice. He bought their cheapest model and a limb finger kit which does everything he needs and then some. Lots of DIY mods you can make to extend the EZ press too. Also nicest in terms of footprint. Can bench mount it or set it on a table - whatever. Most of the other presses are going to require a corner in a room, but will all be nice, but also spendy.

Anyway... my two cents.
 
I'll second buying an ez green press for $400 and calling it done. It'll last forever, hold value, and pay for itself quickly. Plus, you can charge your buddies to swap their strings!
 
Well, I guess I’ll start saving. Did I see an EZ that breaks down to pack away or was I dreaming?
 
I have been using a Bowmaster coupled with a bicycle workstand for years. I love it! It is inexpensive and effective. The nice thing about the workstand, other than being able to use it for my bikes, is that I can get my bow perfectly level in all directions. Comes in handy for getting arrows level on the bow, setting my sights perfectly level, etc. I should make a video because I can press a bow really quickly with this setup. I think the whole setup can be had for a hundred bucks.
 
Last edited:
Peterk1234 said:
I have been using a Bowmaster coupled with a bicycle workstand for years. I love it! It is inexpensive and effective. The nice thing about the workstand, other than being able to use it for my bikes, is that I can get my bow perfectly level in all directions. Comes in hands for getting arrows level on the bow, setting my sights perfectly level, etc. I should make a video because I can press a bow really quickly with this setup. I think the whole setup can be had for a hundred bucks.
Click to expand...

You should make that video
 
Wirrex said:
Well, I guess I’ll start saving. Did I see an EZ that breaks down to pack away or was I dreaming?
Click to expand...
Not really pack down. But its easy to clamp and de-clamp from your bench or table and store elsewhere

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BassBoysLLP said:
www.roadbikeoutlet.com

Bench model is $30. Freestanding model is $50.

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Click to expand...
Direct link to freestanding model:
https://www.roadbikeoutlet.com/portable-home-bike-repair-stand-adjustable-height-bicycle-stand.html

And bench mount model:
https://www.roadbikeoutlet.com/conq...yotpo&utm_medium=general&utm_campaign=general

I've looked at going this route a few times. May just have to pull the trigger this time. Thanks!

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skell said:
Direct link to freestanding model:
https://www.roadbikeoutlet.com/portable-home-bike-repair-stand-adjustable-height-bicycle-stand.html

And bench mount model:
https://www.roadbikeoutlet.com/conq...yotpo&utm_medium=general&utm_campaign=general

I've looked at going this route a few times. May just have to pull the trigger this time. Thanks!

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Click to expand...

I went with the free standing model so that I keep my work bench free and I can use it for other projects.

Does the head take some modification to work with a bow?
 
Wirrex said:
I went with the free standing model so that I keep my work bench free and I can use it for other projects.

Does the head take some modification to work with a bow?
Click to expand...
I've seen it done both ways. With mods or as is. Probably depends on model purchased. In all honesty it has been a couple of years since I really looked at them. I had forgotten about them as an option. Your best bet on that info is to do a quick search for bike clamp on AT in the DIY area.

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