Thanks all for the positive comments.  It's a steep learning curve (more like a vertical line) but I think at last I'm making progress.
as for self bows, I've got a stave of hawthorn which resembles a braced scythian bow but also has a sideways kink in the handle.  
Just felled a small yew tree which will have quite some forward set in the top limb, otherwise as straight as you can get.  the size is enough to get 3 bows but due to a knot in one side reduces that to 2 and the curve in the log brings it down to one but I may get a couple of laminates too.  for me, this is the most nerve racking part.  split or cut right and I get a couple.  cut wrong, fence post.