Reverse taper question?

[Mohillbilly]

When using three tapers in a longbow limb, one being reversed, should the reversed taper go in the center or could it be used on the belly?  Any help and explanation appreciated.
Bret

[Ric Anderson]

Are the tapers the same?  If so, I believe the combination you mentioned is really the same as one taper and one parallel.  Am I right?

[Mohillbilly]

The tapers are the same.  Technically I guess you are right.  Are there any advantages to this?  What about the placement of the reverse taper?
Thanks, Bret

[Ric Anderson]

To be honest, I can't see an advantage to doing this, but I've never experimented along this line so I can't base my opinion on anything concrete.

I would think that using multiple parallels with a single reversed taper would give you more options.  The tricky part would be working out the best combination in regards to lam thicknesses for the parallels and the tapers.  The amount of taper would also come into play.

[BenBow]

My understanding is that the reverse taper is used on the belly so that it matches the curve of the riser easier. I know when I used all tapers to the tip I had to be sure that I added additional pressure at the riser to get a good glue line.