Do you need the washer under the tiller bolt? The washer between the limb and backside of the bolt. When my tiller bolts are maxed out, my limbs will not set all the way in. If I back it out 2 turns then the limbs will slide all the way in. I am wondering if I take of the washer, if it will allow me to turn bolt in and also allow the limbs to set. I am trying to get the max poundage out of the limbs. ~Wojo

The fittings are probably binding up in the dovetail with the bolts all the way in. The bolts can only be wound in so far before the ILF fittings start to get tight in the slot. Depending on limb dimensions, you might need to back bolts out 1 to 2 turns from bottom to be safe. In answer to your question though, no you don't need the washer, but I'm sure it's easier on the limb finish.

ILF limbs are not supposed to “bottom out” they should be more like “floating” in the middle. Which is usually a half to full round off on many risers. This is more subtle and easier on the limbs by reducing the preload. Also wendigo nailed it on the binding of the dovetail and the Teflon washer reducing wear on the finish. No need to play He-man on draw weight when’s it comes to today’s modern limbs design and materials as well as string materials. Just set them where they’re smoothest and quietest through tiller adjustment. You’re only gonna end up like a pound less than “max” anyway. Good luck.

Makes sense. That is kind of what I thought. Thanks Dave. ~Wojo

Only ilf riser I know of that it's ok to bottom out the bolts is a hour Satori and that's just what I was told, didn't confirm it, and on a side note, unless the bow is really precisely made, bottoming them out would prevent you from having proper tiller unless you just get lucky

According to John Wert, who heads the TradTech division of Lancaster Archery Supply, which produces ILF and non-ILF recurve risers and limbs, the bolts on ILF recurve bows have a recommended best working range. Starting at a maximum height of 20mm (13/16 of an inch) for lowest draw weight and adjusting in to a minimum height of 15mm (5/8 of an inch), for the highest draw weight. Those distances are measured from the underside of the limb bolt to the surface of the limb pocket beneath it.

Many ILF risers have a spacer/bushing on the limb bolt that fits between the washer and the riser. On Morrison ILFs, this bushing is .500" long. "Bottomed out" is when the limb bolt and washer are snugged on the bushing leaving .500" between the washer and the riser limb bed. You can then adjust the limb bolt out up to 4-5 turns from "bottomed out". The limb itself should never be tightened down to the riser bed.

I am shooting the older TradTech Black Onyx. The limbs seam to “snap in “ 2 turns out from bottomed out. I guess I will need to re-tune it from there. Unfortunately, I am loosing poundage. I guess I will need new limbs...~Wojo

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