Increasing poundage

[Tiredtim]

I have built a maple stick bow but it only pulls at about 35#.  I want to increase that.  Could I add backing and/or shorten it?  Would cedar be a good backing?  What about adding a little reflex to it? 
And would popular back with something make a decent bow? 

I have a couple of staves drying but it will be a while and I need to build. 

[adb]

Best way to get more weight is to build another bow. Always have a goal in mind before you start a build.

No, cedar will not make a good backing. Neither will poplar (aspen). Some guys have built poplar bows, but IMHO it's very marginal bow wood. Both are good woods for arrow making. Hickory, ash, white oak, and maple are all excellent backing wood... strong in tension.

[bushboy]

Clamp it up in a little refex and heat treat the bajeepers out of it and if you have the lenth piking it will give you a bit more