hackberry stave

[Kenny T.]

Ihave a hackberry stave. Its 60 inches long, by 2 inches wide. This may be a little short for my 27 inch draw, i dont know, cause im  first timer. It has a worm track dead center lengthwise, but if i make a stiff handle, with a shelf cut in, ill get rid of the most of the worm damage. Id like to get 50 pounds worth of pull. Is this possible at my draw, without massive string follow? If so, could you guys give me an opinion of the layout? such as how far to carry that 2 inches up the limb before tapering in? any idieas or opinions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Pat B]

For that length I think I'd carry the full 2" at least half way out the limb or even 3/4 of the way before tapering to the tips. Is the worm track cut into the wood? a hole?

[sulphur]

should be ok for that design. I would steam the tips and recurve them slightly.  thats real easy to do with hackberry.  Patb is right on the limb width.  i wouldn't cut an arrow shelf though.  thats asking for trouble with hackberry.  its tough wood but not very dense.