Black Locust

[Piddler]

Have a question on a piece of black locust. Currently roughed out to 68" tip to tip. I have it 1.5" for half limb then tapering to 1/2" tips.
Question is should I leave it as is or change to straight taper from fades to tip. Its a pretty good stave has one pin knot I got too close to but should be ok. I do plan on some small recurves that will use approx 4 1/2" to 5" of the ends.
Thanks in advance for any comments.
Piddler

[Pat B]

Black locust is a great bow wood but is susceptible to fretting if the tiller isn't perfect. I think your first design would be a good one for locust. What draw weight at what draw length are you shooting for?

[M2A]

I agree with Pat. That would be too narrow for me to make a stiff handle average draw weight/lenght but could be done. but I dont put much recurve in anything, so that may add another factor into things     
Mike         

[George Tsoukalas]

I agree with Pat too. That's the design I use for it. If you find the stave not responding to wood removal, as I don't know the poundage you want or our draw length, then you can slowly narrow it. Jawge

[RyanY]

Your first design is good. Straight taper would leave a lot less wood which isn’t a good formula for a wood that can fail easily in compression. At only 1” wide at mid limb (with the straight taper) you’d want a lot more working limb like a bendy handle longbow.

[Piddler]

Thanks fellas first design it is and thanks for the replies. Always good to have some help. As far as draw weight I was shooting for 50 to 55 at 27". It is going to be stiff handle and have a bit of a knot to swirl around at the arrow pass so that will work out good. Not 100% committed to the recurves just yet but was in the original plan. I curved a real shorty of the same wood and went ok with no issues. Boiled them. Still need to finish that bow one day.
Thanks again
Piddler