I built mostly Bamboo back and boo bellly bows and base on the recent last two boo bows i have very satisfactory success.
I guess it would be fair to say, all bowyer has it own ups and down building bows form natural materials and this is my observation so far.......
1) The more deflex and reflex you induce on glue up, the harder to tiller. (thus may lead to a "lighter bow" or crystalisation)
2) Go slow during the tillering process, believe me it will save you more time and effort (if break or crystalised, u will have to built another)
3)in inducing a reflex tip, 1 to 1.5 inches is plenty
Pls feel free to critics or comment.
Cheers, RT