Backing Question?

[gwhunter]

Anyone ever build a red oak backed hickory?

A friend has a hickory stave that came in too light.  I told him he needed a backing, which would increase weight and induce some reflex.  He ended up buying some red oak to back it with.  Will he have problems.  I know that Hickory is pretty good in compression and real good in tension, but is red oak to weak in tension to handle the compression force of the hickory?

[John Scifres]

I think I'd have to find something else.  Seems that for the $15 or so you pay for a decent piece of bamboo or a good hickory backing is worth it.  I've used red oak twice as a backing for a red oak belly and was disappointed both times.