Should belly core be flat sawn or vertical grain?

[bmgarto]

We want to build some bamboo or hickory backed reflex deflex bows. We are going to use either ipe or osage orange for the belly core. Should the belly be vertical grain like the hickory backing or should it be flat sawn? Is there and advantage of doing it one way or the other?

[BigRonHuntAlot]

TTT

[bmgarto]

Anyone know?

[onemississipp]

The belly core can be either. It doesn't really matter on the belly side as long as it is good wood.

Each one has it's advantage in dealing with pin knots.

[Java Man]

I always preferred vertical grain for the belly.  That way, you don't have weak areas where the spring growth runs out.  Most times its probably OK, but sometimes with a sawn board you get more spring growth trying to take compression than you want.  JMO.

Java Man

[onemississipp]

You should get Dean Torges - Hunting the bamboo backed bow. He covers belly wood and the types of saw wood you can get.