Belly lam question

[skye5317]

I have made a few board bows and I am about to start my first all wood laminate longbow.  I am wanting to use hickory for the backing, purple heart for the core and maple for the belly but the maple I have will need to be spliced together to make it long enough.  Is there any problem doing this?  I am planning to put a handle on that will cover the splice.  I think it will be strong enough but would like some input before I get started. 
Thanks

[BMorv]

No that won't be a problem if your handle is adequately strong enough.  I've done a spliced back, spliced core, and spliced belly tri lam. 

Maple isn't the best in compression.  But you can make a bow from it.  Just leave it wider and longer than let's say osage.  Maximize the working limb. 
Good luck 

[skye5317]

Thanks.  I'm not overly worried about the performance or poundage on this one.  I am doing it as a learning bow before I get into some good wood.