Sorry for the confusion. I decided to follow a growth ring before I cut the bow to shape. More work, I know, but I'm patient. That spot is 1 5/8 inches wide and 9 1/2 inches from the tip. If they weren't there, the finished limb would be much narrower at that point. When it's time to cut the limb, should I leave them all intact, or try to go between them somehow???