question about back profile for BBO

[jwillis]

I'm preparing to make some bow blanks for the laminated wood Dryad Hunter style bow as described in the Bowyer's Bible Volume IV. The article doesn't say what back profile to cut the limbs. Should it be a "straight taper" (pyramid) or a "parallel to mid-limb then taper to the tips" profile? Thanks, Jim

[Pat B]

You can use any of the profiles you mentioned as long as yout tiller coinsides with that profile. I have made only a few BBOs and with each style you suggested. I think I would either do a narrow pyramid or a modified pyramid by going out 6" or 8" before tapering to the tips. Start out with your fades being about 1 3/8" wide or so. Wider than 1 1/2" will usually make the boo backing too thick.