Beautiful work. I like that you did not butcher in a shelf. Is a full-draw photo coming?
As for the tips, the part beyond the string nock is less important than you said--it does NOTHING except keep you from missing the nock when bracing the bow. On the other hand, there is a point of diminishing returns when it comes to lightening the tips. Your probably looking a variation of less than one fps from lightest possible tips to heaviest average tips.
Again, very nice work.
Jim
The lighter tips may not equate to a great difference in speed, but every little bit help reduce hand shock to make a sweeter shooting bow. Especially on the lighter weight /longer draw bows.
Nice looking bow ,Mad Max.