Ideal Thickness for Wood Backing?

[Lumberman]

Hey Guys,
I am curious what thickness you prefer if/when doing a hardwood backing? 1/8'', 3/16", or other?

[Del the cat]

I'm inclined to think 3/16 gives more leeway for any slight ripples in the grain running back to belly.
I recently sawed some from Ash which has been split and of course the slit is never dead flat, so I went for slightly thicker slats.
Thin my look pretty... until the bow breaks
Del

[PatM]

Depends on the wood but likely somewhere between those  two numbers. Also varies depending on whether it a sawn slat or an integral growth ring configuration.

[Lumberman]

Thanks for the insight! By species makes sense, I have a ton of options so will plan to go with 1/4" for hickory or Hard maple, 3/8" if I start delving into the others..
 
Are you looking at European Ash Del?

[bownarra]

My flatbow backings are normally around an 1/8th to 3/16th. Thicker and you can start running out of belly wood dependant on woods used,design etc.
Elb hickory backs I make around 1/4 to start with. This leaves room to crown the back ,

[Pat B]

The hickory backings I cut for myself were cut at 3/16" and after sanding both sides they came out about 1/8" or slightly less.

[Del the cat]

Thanks for the insight! By species makes sense, I have a ton of options so will plan to go with 1/4" for hickory or Hard maple, 3/8" if I start delving into the others..
 
Are you looking at European Ash Del?

Yeah, Ash cut in the UK I'm using it quarter sawn, grain like this ||||||||||||||||
https://bowyersdiary.blogspot.com/2020/03/flight-bow-fever.html
Del

[Badger]

  I have used a lot of white oak backings. If I am making a flat bow I start off close to 3/16. English longbows about 1/4".