When someone says they have a hickory backed maple does that mean the bow is maple and it is backed with a very very thin piece of hickory just like you would back a bow with fabric. Sorry I am new to this traditional style of bow hunting and I am wanting to make my own board bow.
Yes, though the backing may be an eight of an inch or more thick.
You might want to check out the bowyers bench forum. Im sure those fellas can answer any questions you will have on bow building
Swamhuntr: that is typically what that means, but their might be some difference because it could be a single lam bow (as in just a hickory strip on top of a maple board/stave) or there might be multiple laminations. Post your question on the bowyers bench and those guys will certainly help you out. There are also a lot of how-tos over there, here is a real good one for you to look over: http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000122
thanks guys, thanks Sidmand, I have read that thread probably 50 times trying to get the courage up to start this hahaha. Sure wish I had an awesome wood shop, that would make it a lot easier.