Hey gang, I'm working on tillering a hickory stave I have that is 50" nock to nock, a robust three inches wide for most of the length of the limbs, and has a slight bend through the handle. It will be like a paddle bow. My draw length is 28". Do you think I'll be able to reach that draw length without a backing and without having it blow up on me? I love how durable hickory is and have high hopes...should i lower my expectations?

I forgot to mention that I am planning on it being a 45-50lb bow @ 28"

It is possible but you will really be stressing that 50" bow. The hickory probably won't break but it is likely to take a bunch of set.

i think i agree with what pat says. i think you would stand a better chance of that same piece of hickory being 1" for 2/3 the length tapering to 1/2" at the tips, give it a gull wing shape even when strung add sinew, and you might get 40#@22-24"draw. out of a stave that wide like you posses, you would be able to get twin bows from the same stave. rv