I've got a stave that is a bit twisted, snakey and dimensionally challenged. It is 1 1/8 wide at the center and only 1" wide at the first snakey twist. Should I try to build a bow with these odd dimensions or should I cut it in half and splice it? I have never done a splice but there's a first time for everything???  It is 2"s wide on both ends.....  What do you think to cut or not to cut...  That is the question
 (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/Osage%20Snake%20number%20two/stave-1.jpg)
			
			
			
				Yes! (Actually, I didn't know, but I wanted to contribute)  :)
			
			
			
				You could cut it and make a takedown bow.
			
			
			
				I made a bow that was 55+ lbs before shaving off weight to make it a bow more suited for my mother-in-law that was 1" wide from the handle to 6" from the tip that tapered to 1/2".  Just rounded the belly instead of making it flat.  Had a similar snake but a bit further down the limb.  I'll see if I have a picture for reference.
			
			
			
				I'd like to see it Goose thanks  :)
			
			
			
				You could get a bow out of it but I think I'd cut it and splice the current ends together.  Splicing is easy if you have a bandsaw.
			
			
			
				John after looking at the stave a bit more I think you're right. I've got 2" solid ends and the split at the narrow part of the limb is angled toward the belly and would not leave much wood for a rounded or ELB type of design...  Now it's spliced or 2pc  :)
			
			
			
				(http://i803.photobucket.com/albums/yy316/goosegossett14/3f872ad8.jpg)
 (http://i803.photobucket.com/albums/yy316/goosegossett14/212faef5.jpg)
The measurement is 3" off the fade