huisme, i thought about tapering the tips but read a few of blackhawks (i believe) posts and he mentioned almost no taper for levers and just running straight from fades. if i remember correctly mass was a reason for that. out from my second fade it goes right to 5/8 inch straight to tip-no tapering. I might be mistaken, and not having a front pic posted you cant see it, but that was my thinking behind building up my underlay. Was i correct in that? i appreciate it.
Jon W, thanks for the suggestion. my goal was 65#, i wanted to push myself with this one. I know board bows are referenced as "cookie cutter" bows but, all i have available to me. I still don't have the nerve to cut down a living tree, let it dry and blow it up. I don't know if my skill is there yet where i'm confident to pull it off. this being a higher weight , unbacked bow, i wanted to see how far i could push design and wood and hickory is from what i read, one of the most forgiving woods, and so far so good (fingers still crossed). but i know what you mean - still looks slightly stiff toward handle but i can feel it give just slightly at full draw.
beartail, i don't feel any stack and although a little shocky, it's the smoothest and fastest bow i've built yet. thanks.
Jawge, to hear that from a legend like yourself really means a lot. I hope when i get it finished it's met with the same approval.
thanks everyone.