Maple for backing

[oldway]

I was just wondering if anyone has used maple for backing as a alternative to hickory.

[mikkekeswick]

Yes it works really well.
It's best on medium density bellies. Maple backed yew is an awesome combo.
Make sure you get really straight grained boards and you'll be fine. Maple is strong in tension.

[oldway]

Thanks Mike!

[Pat B]

And be sure it is hard(sugar) maple.

[Krasus]

I'm a hickery man myself but good rock maple will work in a pinch if I run out. Just make sure your grain orientation doesn't run out. I find if it does you make get splintering with the maple.

[mikkekeswick]

Krasus - it doesn't just work in a pinch it works better with a load of belly woods than hickory would. Hickorys extreme resistance to tension is why a lot of woods backed with it show more set than necessary.

[oldway]

So Mike,on the two bows you just posted.What type of wood did you use to back them?

[Jomohr84]

Also Mike, what are the belly woods maple works better with as a backing, I'd like to try a maple backed bow, never used maple, but have access to it.

[Nezwin]

I've heard that Maple-backed Walnut is a winning combo. Lots of ELB's in the UK made with that.