Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => HowTo's and Build-a-longs => Topic started by: KamloopsPrairieBoy on October 31, 2017, 11:48:32 pm

Title: Preparing a Yew Stave
Post by: KamloopsPrairieBoy on October 31, 2017, 11:48:32 pm

This morning I had the good fortune to harvest a Yew tree - it is about 10' in diameter. I have 2 - 7' lengths and 1 branch that is about 4" in diameter.  2 quick questions: Do I split it into staves now - or wait for it to partially dry?  Second question is a bit more complex.  The outside bark was bruised in transport. Just my luck that this was on the part of the tree that is knot free and appears the straightest.  The bark was damaged and I can see the sapwood but the sapwood doesn't appear to be damaged. I am thinking I will need to chase a few rings of sapwood in any case - but - do I need to worry that the integrity of the wood has been damaged?  I will be grateful for any help you give me. Thanks

Title: Re: Preparing a Yew Stave
Post by: Pat B on November 01, 2017, 08:35:51 am

I haven't worked much yew but if you don't split it at least in half so the moisture has somewhere to escape from you could get some checking along it's length. You will have to remove the damaged area for a clean back but yew(from what I've heard and done) can handle some grain violations on the back unlike most other bow woods.

Title: Re: Preparing a Yew Stave
Post by: Del the cat on November 01, 2017, 08:47:09 am

Half it at least, paint the ends. (Split or bandsaw)
DON'T touch the sapwood! Wait until it's seasoned.
Only remove the bark if borers are a problem in your area.
The sapwood is probably fine, often the bark gets damaged, but the sapwood is fine underneath it.
The common mistakes are leaving timber "in the round", leaving it on the ground or putting a tarpaulin over it.
It needs to be dry and have good air movement to season it.
Del

Title: Re: Preparing a Yew Stave
Post by: DC on November 01, 2017, 11:04:41 am

+1 with what's been said but also with you being from Kamloops try and find a cool dampish place to put the wood for the first few months. On the Island I don't worry about checking at all but Kamloops is "tad" drier.

Title: Re: Preparing a Yew Stave
Post by: penderbender on November 01, 2017, 10:45:56 pm

+2 At 10" I might even quarter it. Sounds like you'll get a few good stave from that. Cheers- Brendan

Title: Re: Preparing a Yew Stave
Post by: KamloopsPrairieBoy on November 01, 2017, 11:05:12 pm

Thanks for the help.  I talked to a sawyer on the coast this am and he said the same things I am hearing from you so I split the logs today.  Most had about a 90 degree twist along the 7' but I have a couple of staves that I am really hoping will work. I have a dark - cool spot in mind. We'll see how they turn out a year from now. Lots to learn.