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Yew bows to Whitewood bows

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Davepim:
Yep, for sure there are references detailing the ratios. As to quality, I see no reason why a good wych elm bow should not perform as well as yew. I have made several and they perform well and are nice to work. One aspect that every bowyer who works whitewood in general knows, is that these timbers prefer to be very dry and the finished bow should be sealed well against moisture. This is an aspect that may have made these bow seem inferior to yew, given that modern finishes were unavailable  way back then and moisture gain in whitewood bows would have reduced their performance. In contrast yew does not like to be too dry and is more resistant to damp conditions - something prevalent in the medieval/tudor period.

Dave

HoorayHorace:
You can seal moisture out, though could you seal moisture in? Just a thought  :)

PatM:
There are references to the ratio in various sources.
 Incidentally there are numerous woods in Europe that could also be used instead of the typical whitewoods. I sometimes wonder why these were never mentioned.
 Hophornbeam grows in Europe and their version of our Blue Beech is a much larger tree.
 You can seal moisture in with the same effectiveness that you can seal it out.

Del the cat:
Simple.
We don't know!
Next!
Del

HoorayHorace:

--- Quote from: Davepim on October 20, 2014, 07:01:37 am ---Yep, for sure there are references detailing the ratios. As to quality, I see no reason why a good wych elm bow should not perform as well as yew. I have made several and they perform well and are nice to work. One aspect that every bowyer who works whitewood in general knows, is that these timbers prefer to be very dry and the finished bow should be sealed well against moisture. This is an aspect that may have made these bow seem inferior to yew, given that modern finishes were unavailable  way back then and moisture gain in whitewood bows would have reduced their performance. In contrast yew does not like to be too dry and is more resistant to damp conditions - something prevalent in the medieval/tudor period.

Dave

--- End quote ---


Never been able to find this Wych Elm anywhere. Round by me it is all hickory.

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