Trilam question

[Jrunner]

I am planning on trying a hickory backed, maple, osage trilam.  The osage billets that I planned to use for the belly are quarter sawn and plain sawn.  Just wondering if different grain will affect the outcome?  Thanks

[LittleBen]

Good question, there isn't enough material on one billet to rip into two thinner slats?

My guess is the different grain won't matter, but just being two different pieces of osage might mean one is stronger/denser than the other.

[Bowjunkie]

How thick are they? Finished, they need only be 1/4" or so. Perhaps you could get two belly lams from one piece?

[Jrunner]

They are exactly  at .5 and my band saw isn't the best.  I will saw another,  these just happen to be drying in my house for a few months.  Thanks for the reply.

[Pat B]

I accidently spliced two hickory billets together years ago before realizing one was flat sawn and one was edge grain. That bow would rattle your teeth out. That being said, it was in my early days so that could be the reason for the shock.
   I think you get a bit more resistance from edge grain than flat grain. Theoretically you should be able to use both if your tillering is right on but I'd try to get both belly lams the same grain if you can. Lots of work goes into a tri-lam so you want to be successful the first attempt.