Primitive Archer

I remember meeting Ryan, and his folks, a long time ago at his first Mojam. 

I could see a sinew backed all heartwood working vey well but my brain can’t compute all heartwood back without a backing of some kind.  I’ve made a few heartwood only bows that were sinewed.  They were great bows! 

There is a small, slender yew crossbow in the National Museum of Ireland. It is dead straight but damaged slightly at the centre, so it has been used.  It dates to between 10th and 12th century and is exactly like a mini ELB. I am interested in making a replica.  Here's the interesting part, it doesn't have any sapwood but the back ring is intact from the photos I've seen. Unfortunately I can't get permission to share them. I contacted the museum who pulled it from the case to have a good look.  They think the sapwood was deliberately removed, probably during manufacture. So, a yew short bow, highly stressed showing no set but with the sapwood removed and the ring chased with a rounded belly. If it had sapwood I would just think it was really carefully made and wish I was that skilled, but would a heartwood yew bow survive in use? What would you think?

What type spray do yall use to chase away the powder post and wood wasps? I need to spray mine, and am considering using diesel mixed with used motor oil because, thats what I have on hand.

I’m not an expert, far from it but, maybe try using steam to straighten that. I’ve had better luck with steam on major bends like that. I’ve watched videos of guys putting recurves in limbs with dry heat and when I try it it ends up in the firewood pile.  Good luck with whatever you decide to do.