desing for lightweight elm flat bow

[youngbowyer33]

ive got a peice of elm, 59" long, and want to make a bow that pulls 25lbs. at 23".at some parts it is 2 1/2" wide and others it 1 1/2" wide, its debarked and the ends are sealed. what should i do with it? i thought 1 1/5" for most of length then from 12" from ends taper to 0.75", non-bending handle or just a bit.any thoughts?im willing to completely abandon this plan, but any advice is welcomed. and i just tried splitting a peice of elm, and it took me half an hour to do 16 inches!anyways thanks in advance

[RyanY]

I've never worked with elm but do have some experience with mainly white woods. If you're only looking for 25#@23" then go with whatever looks cool. At such a light weight you shouldn't have to worry about limb strain unless you're going under an 1" in width. A simple D bow is a beautiful thing in my opinion.