Well first off, it seems that you're a bit too focused on the goal and not the process of attaining the goal. Or in other words that I tell beginners that try to take every shortcut imaginable, learn to to enjoy the journey so that you may reach your destination already fulfilled. Some shortcuts only hasten failure, especially when just starting out. The hand tool approach is a slow process, but its also the best process for learning. For instance, you planed the entire board to 7/16". You've already severely lowered your chances at your 50# goal. There is a lot of variation in wood properties, even within a given species. Cutting it that thin might already be too thin before you even start tillering. Also, it severely raises your chances of handle pop off. You would be better off to glue your handle piece on to the full thickness board and then cut in gradual fades or transitions from handle to working limb. It's hard to tell from your pics, but it looks as though you have pretty abrupt edges to your glued on handle piece. If so, that's a certain recipe for handle pop off. You'll have better luck if the handle feathers out to working limb. I got out my crayons to illustrate(albeit poorly) what I suggest for changes to your design. The top pic is what i believe you have. The bottom part of the pic is my recommendations for improving your odds. Even in my improvement pic, the transistions should be longer than what i drew. Those suggestions should go along way towards improving your success rate. As far as the power tools go, keep that at a minimum for now. If you're using elbow grease and sweat to build your bows, chances are you will be more inclined to think out each step you take before you take it. This will really help the learning curve and I guarantee you will be that much prouder of your accomplishments if you have a little sweat equity invested in them. I hope that helps a little. Josh
