Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Slackbunny on January 29, 2012, 10:30:21 pm
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So I've acquired a red oak board, and a maple board. I really like the look of wood backed bows, and would like that to be my next project. My question is: which combo of backing/core is the most appropriate, oak on maple, or maple on oak, or if either is appropriate at all?
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Maple backed maple.
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I guess that's an option, but I'd really like to get a bit of contrast in there. If maple/oak isn't a good combination, what would you recommend?
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In my experience they are very similar if both boards are good pieces of wood and fairly dense. I might lean slightly more towards Maple backed Oak just because I've never had oak fail on me in tension unless due to my own mistakes, but I have had bellies chrysal on me.
You could also try it both ways.
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That's true. I do have enough material to try both....
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That's true. I do have enough material to try both....
Here's what I've done, assuming these are 3/4" thick (1x) boards...
Set up the table saw to rip the board so that I get a 1/8" thick backer strip and ~1/2" belly strip. rip both boards this way and you'll end up with 1 backer strip of each species as well as one belly lamination of each species.
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Thanks Matt, I think that is what I am going to do.
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I have an ELB made from maple backed red oak. Shoots nice and looks good. I even had people asking me if it's made of yew...