Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Slackbunny on January 29, 2012, 10:30:21 pm

Title: Maple Backed Oak, or Oak Backed Maple?
Post by: Slackbunny on January 29, 2012, 10:30:21 pm
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?

Title: Re: Maple Backed Oak, or Oak Backed Maple?
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on January 29, 2012, 10:49:55 pm
Maple backed maple.
Title: Re: Maple Backed Oak, or Oak Backed Maple?
Post by: Slackbunny on January 29, 2012, 10:59:40 pm
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?
Title: Re: Maple Backed Oak, or Oak Backed Maple?
Post by: Matt S. on January 29, 2012, 11:04:14 pm
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.
Title: Re: Maple Backed Oak, or Oak Backed Maple?
Post by: Slackbunny on January 29, 2012, 11:11:47 pm
That's true. I do have enough material to try both....
Title: Re: Maple Backed Oak, or Oak Backed Maple?
Post by: Matt S. on January 30, 2012, 12:46:38 pm
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.
Title: Re: Maple Backed Oak, or Oak Backed Maple?
Post by: Slackbunny on January 30, 2012, 02:12:46 pm
Thanks Matt, I think that is what I am going to do.
Title: Re: Maple Backed Oak, or Oak Backed Maple?
Post by: Roman on January 31, 2012, 12:47:24 am
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...