just cut a 2-1/4" (at the top end, slightly larger at the bottom) dogwood sapling in order to make a 
62" bend through the handle bow. got one stave that has a bit of reflex, the other a bit of deflex and 
expect that I'll flip the tips on that one. 
wondering how wide I should leave 'em such that I'll end up with a 45-50# at 26" bow. 
seems that 1-3/8" should be plenty wide. does that sound about right ??