Dimension check

[Ross.m.]

I have a very small stave I am currently working on. It was due to a weird split that gave me 1 large and one thin stave.
In the mid limb of one of the sides it gets dangerously thin, so I can only make it 1 3/8 in wide whilst keeping it 3/8 in thick. Is this realistic for making a functional bow? The wood is hickory, 65 in long, and I am planning on making a flat bow that tapers to 3/8 at the tips, 1 1/4 in the handle. Would it shoot well if it was only 1 3/8 in wide?

[Jim Davis]

That thickness would give you a very weak bow. If you can create a flat surface on the belly, you can add whatever thickness you want--just like gluing on a handle block.

Jim