I discuss with Jaroslav some year ago about using a short staves to make the longer bow. We come to a conclusion the splice area cannot be short as the normal splice length, of a length such as 3~4" long. This will create pressure point in middle, which is ok in short and thick handle of stiff handle bow. So, we thought length of splice is most critical, as we know strength of glue usually is not problem. If splice could be made 8~12" long, we thought it would even be possible to mark full arc warbow, with only backing and belly. If made in tri-lam configuration, it is much more safer.
Cutting splice of such length or a longer one would seem difficult, however, it will be longer and more laterally flexible, so steaming and clamping splice together would create I believe almost perfect splice. I worry that backing must be made of flat grain only, as rift and quarter sawn backing will give shear factor opportunity to lift or split at the earlywood, maybe its safe for maple backings.
