The riser is spalted maple, marinated in Coors light:) Jeff, I've never had a riser pop off yet in 12 years. By the time I get the riser/facets blended in, most if not all of that 1/4 inch will be gone. Like I said above, this is the first time I took the end of the riser to a taper prior to glue up. 4 Coors lights made me do it. LOL
The Osage belly is 1/4 sawn with very little grain run out. No power lam, I keep the 6 inches from the flares out as wide as the flares are, then do a straight taper to the tips. That makes that area a little stronger.
Sister McKenzie, your back on the thumping list.