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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: oldway on February 09, 2016, 11:13:00 PM

Title: Maple for backing
Post by: oldway on February 09, 2016, 11:13:00 PM

I was just wondering if anyone has used maple for backing as a alternative to hickory.

Title: Re: Maple for backing
Post by: mikkekeswick on February 10, 2016, 03:02:00 AM

Yes it works really well.
It's best on medium density bellies. Maple backed yew is an awesome combo.
Make sure you get really straight grained boards and you'll be fine. Maple is strong in tension.

Title: Re: Maple for backing
Post by: oldway on February 10, 2016, 07:43:00 AM

Thanks Mike!

Title: Re: Maple for backing
Post by: Pat B on February 10, 2016, 08:52:00 AM

And be sure it is hard(sugar) maple.

Title: Re: Maple for backing
Post by: Krasus on February 10, 2016, 08:28:00 PM

I'm a hickery man myself but good rock maple will work in a pinch if I run out. Just make sure your grain orientation doesn't run out. I find if it does you make get splintering with the maple.

Title: Re: Maple for backing
Post by: mikkekeswick on February 11, 2016, 03:26:00 AM

Krasus - it doesn't just work in a pinch it works better with a load of belly woods than hickory would. Hickorys extreme resistance to tension is why a lot of woods backed with it show more set than necessary.

Title: Re: Maple for backing
Post by: oldway on February 11, 2016, 09:13:00 AM

So Mike,on the two bows you just posted.What type of wood did you use to back them?

Title: Re: Maple for backing
Post by: Jomohr84 on February 11, 2016, 12:53:00 PM

Also Mike, what are the belly woods maple works better with as a backing, I'd like to try a maple backed bow, never used maple, but have access to it.

Title: Re: Maple for backing
Post by: Nezwin on February 11, 2016, 04:42:00 PM

I've heard that Maple-backed Walnut is a winning combo. Lots of ELB's in the UK made with that.