Birdseye maple limbs?

[Coach]

I really like the look of birdseye maple.  Would it work as bellywood on a bamboo backed bow?  I know it is very hard, but would the configurations (birdeyes) in the wood cause weak areas if you cut a limb out through them?  I do not want to put a laminate on the belly as it would cancel out the look.  Anyone with experience here?  Thanks

[Coach]

ttt

[mmgrode]

I was going to do the same thing a while back, but was advised otherwise. I have heard that the birdseyes and crazy grain configurations have the tendency to become unstable at spots. It does look really good as handle laminations though. I know, it would look really nice, but it has to shoot too. Take care, Matt

[Ethain from PEI]

Bingham projects uses it for limb laminations

[beachbowhunter]

I have 3 sets of limbs, 2 recurve and 1 lb hybrid in birdseye. No problems, just beautiful

[vermonster13]

Doesn't seem to be a problem when it's used as a veneer. They must mean as a core wood or such.

[wingnut]

There is a huge difference between a veneer under glass and a belly wood that needs to perform the function of the glass.  Birdseye is beautiful and works good underglass but doesn't have the ability to withstand the rigors of compression.

Mike

[crashcastle]

but it does make damn purrty handles

[OconeeDan]

I had a glass Sarrells Archery longbow with birdseye maple under clear glass.  Beautiful bow.

[Coach]

Thanks everyone--my question was answered.  Coach