A two part-er....

[Stonedog]

This is a two part question:

1. (I am sure this has been covered before but my search-fu is weak this morning)
     What is an exact way to determine draw length for a longbow?
    That being said, using the 3 Rivers Archery video on YouTube....My draw length is 24" (don't laugh I am short!)....

2.  Based upon the above measurement.....how short of a longbow can I build?

I build hickory backed Ipe longbows.....narrow with a deep "ELB" style belly.  I have been out of the building and hunting game for about 8 years....due to life and family and time constraints....but I am READY TO GET BACK INTO IT!!!

[tenbrook]

Are your bows bending through the handle?

[Pat B]

In a perfect world a bow twice your draw length should be fine.

[Stonedog]

No, the handle will not bend through the handle...

[John Scifres]

1.  Exact way?  Don't know.  I guess what you feel comfortable pulling.

2.  I would say a 56" bow would be about perfect.