I am slowly acquiring the various materials and tools I need to start my first BBO project. I am preparing a pattern as in Dean's video but am unclear from his instructions as to where I should begin to taper from the 1.25" width to the .5" tips. Should the taper begin at the fadeout, dips or somewhere along the limb? Also, trying to figure out how thick the narrow part of the bulbous handle should be. Any help would be appreciated!

Mid limb

Thanks!

I wouldn't go any narrower than 3/4" at the handle.

Draw your handle profile so it necks down to 1" wide at the narrow part and go from there. By the time everything is shaped up nice, you'll likely be a little less than that. I'd listen to Dano and go no narrower than 3/4". You can give the appearance of narrower though, by rounding things off a little more on the back and belly. Here's some photos Dean has from his pamphlet.

 http://www.bowyersedge.com/faceting.html

Thanks... I was wondering what the dimensions of the "reverse hourglass" shape of the bulbous handle. Looks like its pretty subtle. Is 1.25" for max limb width still the convention? That's what the video suggests.

Ya might want to pick up the new TBB vol 4.  Wingnut has an awesome chapter in there. He goes through the entire process.....Terry