Paddle bow, which would be best Hickory or maple?

[hedgeapple]

I'm wanting to build a paddle bow for a friend this summer.  Would maple work for a paddle bow or should I go with hickory?  I've made several hickory bows, but I've never worked with maple.  I'm not looking to go really wide with this bow, probably 2 3/4" at the widest part.

What would be the best design/style for a maple bow?

[TRACY]

I made one several years ago out of hickory. It took a little more set due to my skills at the time. I recall seeing some made of ash and shot one at the Classic 4/5 years ago that was made out of sycamore and it was a screamer. I wouldn't hesitate to use maple if I were to build another. Good luck with it Dave!


Tracy

[PEARL DRUMS]

My vote is hickory Dave.

[blackhawk]

Osage!!!!  . Lol..... ...what about any of your hackberry staves? How long are you wanting to make it and intended stats?

[hedgeapple]

I didn't think about the hackberry.  I'm looking for it to be a low weight hunting bow 40-45# at 26".  The length 60 to 64"

[blackhawk]

Any of the species mentioned so far will work just fine Dave as long as its designed and executed right...I'd more look thru your stash finding the best candidate for what you want more than wood species alone.

[Hrothgar]

64" is probably a bit long for a traditional paddle bow design. Hickory or hackberry either one should work. The hickory will likely have more 'back-bone", but hackberry is very flexible.

[hedgeapple]

Thanks Chris.  One of the main reasons, I was looking at the maple is.  There are 7 sacred woods of the Cherokee.  Maple is one of them.  I've been attempting to make 7 bows, one each for my hunting buddies from these woods.  OK, some o them will be more symbolic, i e having say birch overlays.  But, it I can get a complete self bow from one of the woods that would be great.  The symbolic hickory bow is one I made for Brian.  It's a hickory backed osage.