Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => English Warbow => Topic started by: Salvador 06 on July 13, 2014, 09:00:42 pm

Title: Sapwood in yew, how thick?
Post by: Salvador 06 on July 13, 2014, 09:00:42 pm

I got a great piece of yew at the North American Longbow Safari and need some advice since I've never worked with yew before.

The sapwood is about 3/8" through most of the length, with some slight variations.   Is this amount of sapwood acceptable?  What would be optimum? 

I was thinking about 1/4" but have no experience with yew.  Advice is welcome and appreciated.

Title: Re: Sapwood in yew, how thick?
Post by: Del the cat on July 14, 2014, 02:55:17 am

Bearing in mind a Warbow is about 1/2" round at the nock then 3/8 sapwood is ok as there is still some heartwood.
It is a big advantage if you can leave the natural untouched sapwood as the back because it will we flawless.
Remove the bark, but leave the pinkish brown cambium/under bark on the bow. It will pop off once you start tillering*, leaving a perfect clean sapwood back.
You can reduce the sapwood to 1/4" but it is a lot of hard work.
Del
*There is a post from my blog here which shows what I mean:-
http://bowyersdiary.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/dealing-with-dip.html (http://bowyersdiary.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/dealing-with-dip.html)

Title: Re: Sapwood in yew, how thick?
Post by: Salvador 06 on July 14, 2014, 12:24:50 pm

Thanks Del, I think I'll just leave it alone.