Backing ipe- maple vs. White oak vs.bamboo- pics added

[arachnid]

Hi guys.

A friend of mine wants a new bow, a better performer then his oak borad bow. I suggested ipe but I was wondering about a different backing, other then bamboo. I have some experience with white oak but it tend to take more set. How's maple as a backing for ipe? I know it can be done but I'm wondering which combo will be more stable and better platforming.

Thanks in advance.
Dor

[Eric Garza]

I think white oak would be fine as a backing for ipe. The reason it takes a lot of set is because it's much higher in tension strength than compression strength. As a backing, only its tension strength would be tested. I've heard of folks using maple to back ipe, but personally I'd opt for something a bit more dense, like white oak or hickory.

[arachnid]

We don't have hickory here in Israel...

[bubby]

I have used all three as backings quite a bit and would use boo or maple first, then white oak but all three will work fine

[arachnid]

Thanks bubby.
Does maple/white oak  tolerate any grain run outs (I've read that hickory does) or do I have to have perfectly straight grain?
How about the grain on the sides?
 

[bubby]

Well beings the back is holding the bow togetherit should be the best you can get, if it is quartersawn no pins or tight waves or figure

[Badger]

  I don't have good access to hickory so I primarily use white oak to back ipe, also boo. It is not too hard to find straight grained 1/4 sawn boards to use. I have good luck with it overall.

[arachnid]

I've made 2 white oak backed ipe bows... Both shoot fine but seem to take more set then I'd like'm to. Since I have a pretty good piece of WO, I think I'll use it.

Steve, what's the max thickness for the WO backing?
And, do you think trapping the WO back will have any advantage (I've trapped WO board 'self' bow and seems to help balance the tension/compression)?

[Badger]

  I make my backing at the max 1/8 thick. I have never really gotten into trapping so really can't comment one way or the other.

[arachnid]

Ok thanks Steve.
Anyone else have any thoughts regarding trapping the back lam of a backed bow?

[arachnid]

I`ve cut the backing strips (white oak).

I`ve marked the grain lines with a pencil. Do I just follow and cut it?

[FilipT]

What about tension strong wood such as black locust? Imagine chocolate colored ipe with yellow colored BL as backing, beautiful

[arachnid]

What about tension strong wood such as black locust? Imagine chocolate colored ipe with yellow colored BL as backing, beautiful

No BL here... ... My wood selection is not so wide as I'm almost have to use boards.

[FilipT]

Where do you live? BL is invasive species throughout the world

[paco664]

ain't any here in south florida... all we have is sand and palms...

*(allegedly we have snakewood here... thought i found it once but i was wrong..)