John, you could go as short as 60"(if you feel confident) but 62" to 64"(even 66") are a good length for 26" draw. That's what I draw. I like to use a bulbous style handle and have the limbs bend right up to the handle at full draw. You could go 1 3/8" to 1 1/2" at the fades and out 6" to 8" before tapering to 1/2" tips(for now) This is a pretty basic layout but will make a very nice, stable hunting bow. Lay it out considering the placement of the knots, character , etc. Draw a center line down the stave following a single grain and lay the bow out along this center line. If the grain gets wavy, follow it. Don't worry about if the center line is straight right now. Following the grain is more important. We will help you get good string allignment later when the time comes.
For now leave the handle area and the last 6" of the tips bulky(1/2"x1/2"). You may need the extra "meat" later to get good string alignment and you don't need either area to tiller your bow.
Pics of the stave and the character in it would help.
