Can Maple be used for backing bows?

[turmoiler]

Hello,
 I have some oak and jatoba boards, but I got nothing to back them. Where I live is impossible to find hickory so I'm looking for a substitute for backing the boards. In my local lumber yard I found some hard maple. Can I use this wood for backings? If so, is better flat or edge sawn? Any other tip?

thanks in advance

[El Destructo]

The Answer is...........YES.....maple will work for Backing Red Oak...never tried it on Jatoba before...but it will be fine...just make sure that it's cut either Quartersawn or better...Edge Grain...and you will be fine...oh and ...No Run-Off Grain either....

[turmoiler]

Thanks for answering,

in fact what I have is white oak, is there any problem with that? what oak is better white or red?

[HoBow]

White oak will not need a backing if you do not violate it while debarking- you should be set without it 

[El Destructo]

Jeff is correct...as long as this is a Stave and not a Board...if it's a Board...and it's Quartersawn or Bias/Edge grain...then it still would need no backing...but if is any other Grain Configuration...Back it...JMO

[turmoiler]

Well, the fact is that is very difficult to see the grain (at least for me). I will try to post pics.

[El Destructo]

                                                                                               If in doubt...Back It