Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: rocko on March 10, 2008, 11:32:48 pm

Title: First try at yew
Post by: rocko on March 10, 2008, 11:32:48 pm

I'm getting ready for my first try at yew. I've read that the growth rings don't have to be followed perfectly. Is this true? I really don't want to have to back it. The rings are >50 per inch, it seems like it would be really hard to follow one ring even just scraping the bark off.

Title: Re: First try at yew
Post by: Dano on March 11, 2008, 12:54:03 am

The sapwood (white soft wood) will be your back, not the heartwood. And yes it isn't critical to chase one ring on the sapwood, you'll want about 1/4- 3/16 of sapwood. Backing a yew bow isn't necessary but good insurance.

Title: Re: First try at yew
Post by: 330bull on March 11, 2008, 05:30:50 am

I would back the bow with rawhide or cherry bark.  But...If you really want a "virgin" back, make sure you rub the backing down hard with a smooth antler or push rod.

Title: Re: First try at yew
Post by: El Destructo on March 11, 2008, 09:21:14 am

I have had a pristine Yew Stave for 4 years....and still haven't got up the guts to tackle it....so it is still sitting in the Garage waiting for me to grow a set...and make a Bow out of it......... :o

Title: Re: First try at yew
Post by: rocko on March 11, 2008, 11:30:12 am

It's funny how your set is affected by your wallet; not such a big deal if you break a piece of Osage. That all changes when you pay good money for some wood.
Guesss I'll give it a try, should make a nice bow...as long as it doesn't break ;D

Title: Re: First try at yew
Post by: Badger on March 11, 2008, 12:05:48 pm

I have had very good luck with yew, As a rule I just smooth out the sapwood to the thickness i want and go from there. I have seen what appeared to be perfect pristine staves of yew, perfectly tillered just snap into. There is always that risk. Steve

Title: Re: First try at yew
Post by: Lost Arra on March 11, 2008, 01:35:46 pm

I'm in the process of making my first yew elb. I backed it with very thin deer rawhide just for protection from banging around in the woods. That sapwood seems fairly easy to dent or scratch. The rawhide isn't as pretty as the bare sapwood but with the cost of yew and the length of time it's taking me to finish this beast I didn't want to chance it.

Title: Re: First try at yew
Post by: Sparrow on March 11, 2008, 03:06:46 pm

Good luck Rocko.......the yew bows I've looked at all had sapwood on the back(Usually about a quarter inch thick) that followed the heartwood contours exactly. My bet is you make a good bow. Frank

Title: Re: First try at yew
Post by: Red Dwarf on March 11, 2008, 04:32:01 pm

Yew can be pretty nasty stuff...I would advise you to wear a respirator whenever you are making any dust, such as when rasping, filing, sanding or even when scraping dry bark/sapwood.

Good luck

Red Dwarf