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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: YosemiteSam on January 15, 2020, 11:09:26 PM

Title: Backing strip thickness
Post by: YosemiteSam on January 15, 2020, 11:09:26 PM
Been off the board for a while. I’m building a simple board bow from a maple board. I have a backing strip that is a bit uneven. The thinnest side runs about 3/32ā€ and the thicker side is about right at 1/8ā€. Can this still be used or should I just order a few online somewhere?  I recall the one I got from 3Rivers was right around 3/16ā€ so much thicker.

The plan is to add some reflex at the glue-up. So the backing strip will be doing some work.
Title: Re: Backing strip thickness
Post by: Roy from Pa on January 16, 2020, 06:59:15 AM
1/8th inch thick will work.
Title: Re: Backing strip thickness
Post by: Pat B on January 16, 2020, 11:07:18 AM
When I cut backing strips I cut them to 3/16" and by the time I sand both sides they come out about 1/8" or slightly less. I think it will depend on the belly wood you use but 3/32" should be OK for woods that are not too strong in compression like maple, ash or elm and maybe yew or ERC.
Title: Re: Backing strip thickness
Post by: YosemiteSam on January 16, 2020, 02:15:20 PM
Yes, maple is the belly wood.
Title: Re: Backing strip thickness
Post by: Pat B on January 16, 2020, 05:24:33 PM
Maple backed maple wouldn't be a bad combo, especially if you added Perry reflex. Be sure the grain of the back opposes the grain of the belly.