Shadowcat question

[NeilMac]

I really should know this....but I don't.

Is it possible to let a Shadowcat down, for a complete strip down, just by winding the limb bolts out?

I know this can be done on other models (and I have done it with Oneida's), but I don't know if this can be done with the Cat.

[Buzz Lite Beer]

Nope can't be done, requires a bowpress.

[gravedigger]

i thought with all of martin bows a guy could back out the limb bolts to break it down.but then again i dont know a great deal about the shadowcat

[Spiker]

I don't know about the SC's either but there are some that do require a press.

[NeilMac]

Nope can't be done, requires a bowpress.

That's what I thought.

Not a problem, as I have always used a press for string /cam changes in the past, I just wondered if it was possible without.

Thanks guys.

[Speedykills]

If the shadow cat has the little barrell nuts where the limb bolts thread into then yes they can.I took a firecat tr2 aNd alien X limbs off that way.All i did was back limb bolts out until you can see daylight in the barrell nut at this point there was nough pressure off limbs that i was able to take cams off limbs of both bows.

[NeilMac]

If the shadow cat has the little barrell nuts where the limb bolts thread into then yes they can.

The Cat does have barrel nuts.... so now I'm confused.

Either I can or cannot let the bow down, with or possible without a press

I think a little experimentation is called for.

[MLN1963]

My FC400 will not take all tension off the string and cables with the limb bolts backed out. There is a slight amount left and if I go too far they will pop out making a mess (don't ask how I know ). This used to really frustrate me until I realized I could turn them as far out as possible and then just pull the cables an string off the cams to release the rest of the tension.

So no, not all bows will relieve 100% of the tension, but it is easily worked around on some because most of the tension is relieved.

[Spiker]

Strings would not come off my Nemesis without a press.

[Buzz Lite Beer]

Page 12 of the Shadowcat/2011 Martin manual:-
"First, relax the bow properly in a
bowpress before attempting to make any
adjustments".

Even if you replaced the existing 50mm limb bolts and replaced them with 80mm which would fit in the machined cut outs (on a Shadowcat) in the riser, backing them out fully wouldn't relax the limbs enough to safely IMO remove string/cables and especially limbs.