Folks,

 So after much reading, material gathering and shop building I started my first board bow this week. The plan was a hickory board bow with a possible backing. After layout I decided to go unbacked. So I roughed it all out and have the bow pretty well floor tillered now. Problem is my side tapers are much narrower than I had hoped. (started at a very conservative 2 1/4 but ran into a problem with one limb and had to cut down even more. Now I'm about 1 3/8" wide at the fades tapering to a 3/4 nock. The belly/back taper is 5/8 to 1/2. Overall length of 67" and shooting for a 55/60lb bow. Given this info will these dimensions hold up or would now be a good time to back?

I don't think you'll get your desired draw weight with those dimensions and have a bow that will shoot to your liking.  Your bow will have excessive set at those dimensions, even with a backing.

I think a new plan is in order to fit your circumstances.  Maybe shoot for 40 to 45 lbs or shorten the length and make a kids bow.  You'll still get the bowbuilding experience to bring into the next one, and you'll make a kid very happy.

Glue 4" of reflex in with a backer and you will be fine, in my opinion. I have a 64" 1.5" wide HBH that is 27# @ 29. It shoots hard.

I meant 57# @ 29"...oops! Hickory will take a beating like you wouldnt believe. Back it with hickory about .125" thick or less.

Thanks for the help! Given this was my first bow and I'm sure there are other tillering errors I will likely turn this into a kids bow. (My son has helped me all along so he may be the new rightful owner) This will give me a bit more experience when I start the next one for me.

Post a full draw pic before you change your intentions, you may be suprised how easliy it can remain your intended bow.