I really like the look of birdseye maple.  Would it work as bellywood on a bamboo backed bow?  I know it is very hard, but would the configurations (birdeyes) in the wood cause weak areas if you cut a limb out through them?  I do not want to put a laminate on the belly as it would cancel out the look.  Anyone with experience here?  Thanks

ttt

I was going to do the same thing a while back, but was advised otherwise. I have heard that the birdseyes and crazy grain configurations have the tendency to become unstable at spots. It does look really good as handle laminations though. I know, it would look really nice, but it has to shoot too. Take care, Matt

Bingham projects uses it for limb laminations

I have 3 sets of limbs, 2 recurve and 1 lb hybrid in birdseye. No problems, just beautiful

Doesn't seem to be a problem when it's used as a veneer. They must mean as a core wood or such.

There is a huge difference between a veneer under glass and a belly wood that needs to perform the function of the glass.  Birdseye is beautiful and works good underglass but doesn't have the ability to withstand the rigors of compression.

Mike

but it does make damn purrty handles

I had a glass Sarrells Archery longbow with birdseye maple under clear glass.  Beautiful bow.

Thanks everyone--my question was answered.  Coach