Been off the board for a while. I'm building a simple board bow from a maple board. I have a backing strip that is a bit uneven. The thinnest side runs about 3/32" and the thicker side is about right at 1/8". Can this still be used or should I just order a few online somewhere? I recall the one I got from 3Rivers was right around 3/16" so much thicker.
The plan is to add some reflex at the glue-up. So the backing strip will be doing some work.
1/8th inch thick will work.
When I cut backing strips I cut them to 3/16" and by the time I sand both sides they come out about 1/8" or slightly less. I think it will depend on the belly wood you use but 3/32" should be OK for woods that are not too strong in compression like maple, ash or elm and maybe yew or ERC.
Yes, maple is the belly wood.
Maple backed maple wouldn't be a bad combo, especially if you added Perry reflex. Be sure the grain of the back opposes the grain of the belly.