Started another one.

[DVSHUNTER]

I was looking over my pile of staves and found one that was given to me by a friend of mine. It has been dries slowly over the last three years.  It is by far the thinnest growth ringed stave that I have ever attempted, but I feel like I have the ring chased well.  I'm trying a new design and already have it laid out what do you think?  The wood is osage and it is verry clean.  Nock to nock I went with 60 inches.  starting from the ends i went 3/8 wide tapering 6 in to 1/2.  Then for the next 8 inI taper from 1/2 to 11/16 and then from there to the flares at 1 1/2.  Each bow that I have made shoots faster with less hand shock, but I still haven't met the ole rule of thumb 100 plus draw weight for arrow speed.  I was very close and am happy with those bows, but maybe someone can help me with the design a bit.  Also, I haven't yet made a bow over 51 lbs and I want one heavier.

[Dano]

I wouldn't get too hung up on the speed if I was you, these babies ain't about speed. I like a 60" bow, but I only draw 26" on good day. I make mine 1 1/4" at the fades to 10" from the tips then tapper to 1/2" or 3/8" tips. 1 1/2" wide is overbuilt in my book. Keep your tool marks to a minimum during tiller, and leave yourself 3-5 lbs of draw weight for sanding and shooting in.