Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: raalf on July 17, 2018, 01:40:44 pm

Title: yew longbow, first timer
Post by: raalf on July 17, 2018, 01:40:44 pm: hello all, i am ralf from the netherlands

something got into my head and i can’t seem to shake it
i need to build a longbow out of yew

recently got lucky into finding a 250cm yew that was mostly straight. in quarts i found two straight knot-free bow staves of 250cm, 100 inch length

i put the staves to dry, they are around 18% humidity now

i’ll get my drawknife and spokeshave sharpened and begin to trim it

still not sure about the design, i’d love to get some hints on how to undertake this
Title: Re: yew longbow, first timer
Post by: upstatenybowyer on July 17, 2018, 06:55:50 pm: The wood looks very nice. 8)

Check out Del's blog for how to make an ELB. ;)
Title: Re: yew longbow, first timer
Post by: GlisGlis on July 18, 2018, 01:25:11 am: niiice wood you got there :OK

Del's blog
bowyersdiary.blogspot.com/ (just add http:// at beginnings :OK)
Title: Re: yew longbow, first timer
Post by: Del the cat on July 18, 2018, 02:04:30 am: I've done a video series (10 shortish parts).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgG0M--KCZE&list=PLBz2tD9476KQFyMBLEylQGh952tBT_mZB (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgG0M--KCZE&list=PLBz2tD9476KQFyMBLEylQGh952tBT_mZB)
The search facility on the Bowyers Diary works pretty well too.
BTW, nice looking Yew :)
Del
Title: Re: yew longbow, first timer
Post by: raalf on July 18, 2018, 02:45:42 am: oh Del's videos are just what I need, thanks!
Title: Re: yew longbow, first timer
Post by: Strichev on July 18, 2018, 03:34:51 am: Debark, seal the back and perhaps spray some borax on it. It's often written that yew wood is not susceptible to insects but it's better to be safe than sorry.
Title: Re: yew longbow, first timer
Post by: leonwood on July 18, 2018, 01:48:47 pm: Hey Ralf, welkom op PA! Je hebt al een paar mooie staven om mee te beginnen! Als je van plan bent om maar één boog te maken doe het vooral rustig aan is mijn advies. Je kunt overwegen om een stuk essen bij de houthandel te halen om vast te oefenen. En wat ze hierboven zeggen, volg Del’s website en stel vooral vragen op deze site!

Sorry guys, just a little dutch introduction. Don’t get that many dutch guys over here ;D
Title: Re: yew longbow, first timer
Post by: raalf on July 23, 2018, 11:50:49 am: I roughed out a stave with the bandsaw
the stave has a problem
theres a gap in the sapwood, due to a shrinking scar

its just above the handle, little difficult to see, but when i turn it, you see it most clearly

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3kGqNfohos

what shall i do, go on with this stave, or discard it and go for his brother from the same log?
Title: Re: yew longbow, first timer
Post by: raalf on July 24, 2018, 12:16:08 pm: plx
Title: Re: yew longbow, first timer
Post by: MattZA on July 24, 2018, 12:25:23 pm: Quote from: leonwood on July 18, 2018, 01:48:47 pm

Sorry guys, just a little dutch introduction. Don’t get that many dutch guys over here ;D

Ek praat Afrikaans. Dit is interesant hoe hulle amper die selfde is!
Title: Re: yew longbow, first timer
Post by: raalf on July 24, 2018, 12:35:33 pm: Quote from: MattTheClueless on July 24, 2018, 12:25:23 pm
Quote from: leonwood on July 18, 2018, 01:48:47 pm

Sorry guys, just a little dutch introduction. Don’t get that many dutch guys over here ;D

Ek praat Afrikaans. Dit is interesant hoe hulle amper die selfde is!

our colonial heritage, no we are not proud of it
Title: Re: yew longbow, first timer
Post by: leonwood on July 24, 2018, 12:41:58 pm: Took a quick look at the vid and I think if you leave the belly thick in that middle section it should not be a problem. You should compensate dips in the back with extra thickness on the belly anyway.