Author Topic: yew longbow, first timer  (Read 1856 times)

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Offline raalf

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yew longbow, first timer
« 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
Hi, I'm Ralf. I live in the Netherlands and I love Yew.

Offline upstatenybowyer

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Re: yew longbow, first timer
« Reply #1 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.  ;)
"Even as the archer loves the arrow that flies, so too he loves the bow that remains constant in his hands."

Nigerian Proverb

Offline GlisGlis

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Re: yew longbow, first timer
« Reply #2 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)


Offline Del the cat

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Re: yew longbow, first timer
« Reply #3 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
The search facility on the Bowyers Diary works pretty well too.
BTW, nice looking Yew :)
Del
Health warning, these posts may contain traces of nut.

Offline raalf

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Re: yew longbow, first timer
« Reply #4 on: July 18, 2018, 02:45:42 am »
oh Del's videos are just what I need, thanks!
Hi, I'm Ralf. I live in the Netherlands and I love Yew.

Offline Strichev

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Re: yew longbow, first timer
« Reply #5 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.

Offline leonwood

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Re: yew longbow, first timer
« Reply #6 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

Offline raalf

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Re: yew longbow, first timer
« Reply #7 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?
Hi, I'm Ralf. I live in the Netherlands and I love Yew.

Offline raalf

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Re: yew longbow, first timer
« Reply #8 on: July 24, 2018, 12:16:08 pm »
plx
Hi, I'm Ralf. I live in the Netherlands and I love Yew.

Offline MattZA

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Re: yew longbow, first timer
« Reply #9 on: July 24, 2018, 12:25:23 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!
Unprofessional bowyer. Johannesburg, South Africa.

Offline raalf

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Re: yew longbow, first timer
« Reply #10 on: July 24, 2018, 12:35:33 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
Hi, I'm Ralf. I live in the Netherlands and I love Yew.

Offline leonwood

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Re: yew longbow, first timer
« Reply #11 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.