Head to head! Osage vs Yew

[Will H]

Well after all this discussion lately about what wood is better and all that I decided to take the opportunity to work some yew that I got my hands on. I had only worked it once before and didn't have much luck...anyway I thought I might go ahead and make a similar Osage bow right along with it for comparison. Both are 62" ntn and right around 40lbs. The Osage has a 10" handle section on account of the 3" fades (been wanting to do that for a while) and weighs 18.5oz. The yew has an 8" handle section and weighs 17oz. Other than that they were pretty much apples for apples. Anyway, I didnt get em all slicked up yet but I did take a couple pics while tillering to share with ya. I have to say they both shoot equally well. I still love Osage a little better just cause I know the wood and I'm like a bull in a china shop when I'm workin wood. I really had to be carful not to dent the yew... Keenans stave press helped me with that. all in all I'd say they are both winners. Next on my list is hhb and hickory head to head  Thanks fer lookin and as always comments and critique are welcome.

[koan]

Awesome! Nice comparison. Im betting on the HHB for the next round. :-)

[Badly Bent]

Both look nice Will. Interesting project and they look about as similar in specs and tiller as I think you could ask for, would like to know which you prefer after some time of shooting and getting familiar with each one. Never had any yew to work myself but one day I will.
Greg

[Bryce]

Heck I'll say it. Yew is better.

(Let the bickering begin )

[blackhawk]

What's your unbraced profiles look like will? Are they the same? Did you use the same form? I'm just guessing cus I don't know what your profiles look like,but I'm thinking you can reduce .5-1.0 ounce mass weight by reducing the width in both outer thirds on the osage cus they look static and stiff,unless there highly reflexed and just straightening out at full draw?

[Will H]

Good point Blackhawk... I forgot to add that the Osage has 2" of reflex after rest... I had some issues with the yew. It has a big pin knot at the fade that made it difficult to put it on the form. I used the same form but in retrospect I needed to be a little more aggressive with the heat. It only held 1" of reflex out of the form and now stands straight after rest. Like I said in an earlier post this was my first time really trying to implement badgers mass formula and no set tillering.

[Keenan]

  Well done Will. great side by side and very nice work on both. Can't wait to see them finished up.

[Will H]

Thanks Keenan! I really appreciate the advice on the yew. It really helped out I probably won't get em all slicked up till after the new year. But I'll post a pic or two when I get done

[Gordon]

Both yew and osage are premium bow woods. You can't go wrong with either. Your bows are terrific examples of what can be done with each of these species of wood.

[Pappy]

Didn't get a chance to shoot them this weekend,looking forward to it. 2 inches
of reflex after shooting in, that new form must have done the work you wanted.
   Pappy

[Will H]

Thank you Gordon Pappy that form is nice! I want to make another with an inch less and well be set

[George Tsoukalas]

Those bows look great! Well done! YOu can't go wrong with either of those. Jawge

[blackhawk]

Yew is God's gift to the bowyer.....Osage is God's gift to the hunter 

[Dvshunter]

Yew is God's gift to the bowyer.....Osage is God's gift to the hunter 

Nice.

Looking forward to finished pics will. Don't make us wait to long.

[nativenoobowyer86]

Nice! cant wait to see HHB destroy hickory!