The only problem doing them that way is that the handle will pop off, 1/2" thick is not thick enough out of the fades either. You would need to use a power lam at least 1/4" thick under the handle section maybe 12" long. For that thickness i would keep the bow under 64", and you might get away with it. I do a lot of glue ups but normally just use a 3/4 thick for the belly and a 1/8" thick back, I trim the belly down before glue up leaving the handle 4/4" extending into the fades. pretty easy actually. Steve