Backing question

[Ranger44]

When choosing material for backing (probably hickory) should you follow the same rules for picking the wood as you do for picking the board for a bow?  

I'm guessing that straight grain with no to minimal run offs is necessary.  I have some hickory but the grain wasn't good enough for a board bow so should it not be used for backing either?

This seems to make sense but then I'm just learning.

Thanks in advance!

[Pat B]

Ideally you want the best grain as you can get...but the first hickory backing strips I bought had terrible grain violations and runoffs. I never had a backing fail. But you still want the best grain you can find.

[Ranger44]

Thanks Pat.  That's what I figured but I am having trouble finding the right grained hickory.  I've checked two big stores and no luck.  I'm afraid the big lumber supplier that I have purchased larger quantities of wood from before for furniture projects will not let me pick through the stacks in their warehouse.  I'll just have to keep looking or experiment with what I have.  The building is the fun part anyway and I know there will be plenty of bows to come.  

[Pat B]

You could always add silk, linen or paper backing over the hickory.

[Ranger44]

See, now that's why I asked here.  I never thought of that.  That way I could do two firsts at the same time.  I was thinking about doing a cloth backing for looks some time anyway.