Ash backing for an ipe bow?

[sieddy]

Hi all what are peoples views on the above? I've got access to an ipe flooring board and a white ash board.
Thanks in advance

[DarkSoul]

Ash will work, but maple would be better and hickory or bamboo probably best.

[arachnid]

White oak will also make a good baking for ipe.

[sieddy]

Thanks chaps I knew I could count on PA for some good input.  My ideal would be bamboo but it's hard to come by and expensive here whereas the ash is available and cheap! I should get two or there potential bows from the ipe board so I might be able to experiment.

[sieddy]

Oak is an interesting suggestion. We've got plenty of that here in the uk

[DarkSoul]

Not all oaks are the same. English oak is not as strong as American white oak. I'm not sure if English oak would work, but I think I would prefer white oak over ash, over English oak.

[PatM]

Jaroslav has posted a nice Ash backed Ipe bow and rates it very highly. You can a find a few other examples as well. I have used outer growth ring Ash backing on Ipe. It works very well.

[sieddy]

Top input fellas. With regard to an effective ash backing would that have to be from a log  or would a kiln dried piece of board do the job?

[mikekeswick]

Kiln dried would be fine but it must be straight grained. Like straight edge straight.