Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => English Warbow => Topic started by: RyanY on May 09, 2025, 10:18:28 pm
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For the first time I have a few yew staves in my possession. I have a romanticized idea of building a series of yew warbows for a set. The stats I’m thinking are 80# and 74”ntn, 100# and 76”, and 120# and 78”ntn. Wondering if anyone has suggestions on dimensions for this. The staves are fairly similar from what I can tell. Thinking I’ll save the best for the heaviest bow but otherwise I’m not sure how wide/deep to start since the bows will be on the light side compared to historical examples.
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I tend to rough out oversize as it's easy to remove wood with Yew as it is soft.
I'd suggest rough 'em out squarish:
For the big one:- 40mm square at the grip, thickness tapering to 20mm square at the tip. Keep the width parallel for about 2/3 of the limb then taper to 20 mm. This allows plenty for a subtle curved taper in the finished bow and plenty to adjust string line and narrow for horn nocks.
For the medium one:- 35mm square at the grip, thickness taper to 18mm. Width keep parallel for about 2/3 of the limb, then taper to 18mm.
For the 80# one:- 30mm square at the grip, thickness taper to 16mm. Width keep parallel for about 2/3 of the limb, then taper to 16mm
I'd suggest making the heavy one first and then you'll have a better idea, if it is too heavy, you can adjust the rough out figures. If it's too light it can become the 100#
Del
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I was hoping you’d chime in Del. I appreciate the reply. I’ve been looking at your past builds on YouTube for tips and inspiration.
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I was hoping you’d chime in Del. I appreciate the reply. I’ve been looking at your past builds on YouTube for tips and inspiration.
Nothing like going to the source for good information.
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I also just received a rented copy of weapons of warre which I am excited to use as a reference. At a quick glance, the amount of data they collected is amazing!
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I also just received a rented copy of weapons of warre which I am excited to use as a reference. At a quick glance, the amount of data they collected is amazing!
That is a great reference work, but watch out for dimension taken at intervals that aren't evenly spaced along the bow, also mixed metric and imperial :)
Have fun!
Del
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In China, redwood is a protected tree species and cannot be traded freely. Can it be easily obtained in your country?
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In China, redwood is a protected tree species and cannot be traded freely. Can it be easily obtained in your country?
Redwood not native to Britain.
Presumably some is available in USA?
Del
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In China, redwood is a protected tree species and cannot be traded freely. Can it be easily obtained in your country?
Is redwood what you call yew(taxus) in China?
I'd be surprised if you couldn't by some in China, or import it yourself. I believe China doesn't participate in CITES, so importation of what are protected species in other parts of the world are legal to import.