Yew Bow

[feral]

Hey all
I have been given 2 big chunk s of Yew.
they aren't long enough for bows so I need to splice two bits together.
Are there any special requirements for splicing and for Yew bows?
cheers

[Pat B]

From what I an see from the pics those yew boards don't look ideal for bow building. If you can get a couple of clear 1 1/2" strip you can join them with a "W" or "Z" splice. You'll probably want to back it also.

[WillS]

I'd use those for a nice shelf...

They don't look like bow wood to me.  That being said, you could use them in a few laminations perhaps. 

[feral]

Yeh, i had that feeling too. Still i think i might get something out of them. They belonged to a retired violin maker and a mate found them in h's shed.  What is best to bake them with?

[WillS]

This is purely a personal opinion because I've never made one and really want to, but I'd try a yew belly, yew core and elm or maple back.  The ones I've seen with this combo make exceptional heavy longbows , if you're into that?

[feral]

Oh well,
I cut a couple of strips off bath pieces and the rings look like a contour map of the Blue Mountains.
Knots, swirls, everywhere.
Beautiful timber but no good for bows.
Thanks any way

[DarkSoul]

You can get away with quite a few knots and swirls in yew, as long as you back the wood. Take a look at this topic.
Could you post a few clear pics of the prepped strips? try a bigger size, for instance by uploading the full size image to www.tinypic.com

[feral]

Wow,
That bow dooks a lot like my wood.
Now I'm excited again.
thanks heaps.
I will post some better pics later
 

[Prarie Bowyer]

I see bows in there.

I would do this.  Find a 2" wide strip between the knots. Save the other pieces for riser wood.  Then draw a line along the grain so that your next cut maximizes the length of the grain.  Saw a diagonal line down the board 3/8" from each end in rough parallel to the grain line you marked.

You will have two pyramidal limbs.  The fat end will be crooked.  Flip them however you need to get the best side to the belly and back all things considered.  If there are little cracks that I know will saw out they can be on the belly otherwise I put that stuff along the back.

Use a string or a long straight line to align the tips and the center closely then mark and trim the but ends to make them straight.

"V" or "z" splices can be laid out to your preference and glued up.  Check alignment of the three points above when clamping.

When dry sand the back and joint and fill any small cracks.

From here I make a reflex deflex with a bamboo backing.  Need instructions for that part?

So, those Osage boards that three rivers sells As splice-able billets.  I get two bows out of the pair.

[feral]

This is an example of the grain

[feral]

I see bows in there.

I would do this.  Find a 2" wide strip between the knots. Save the other pieces for riser wood.  Then draw a line along the grain so that your next cut maximizes the length of the grain.  Saw a diagonal line down the board 3/8" from each end in rough parallel to the grain line you marked.

You will have two pyramidal limbs.  The fat end will be crooked.  Flip them however you need to get the best side to the belly and back all things considered.  If there are little cracks that I know will saw out they can be on the belly otherwise I put that stuff along the back.

Use a string or a long straight line to align the tips and the center closely then mark and trim the but ends to make them straight.

"V" or "z" splices can be laid out to your preference and glued up.  Check alignment of the three points above when clamping.

When dry sand the back and joint and fill any small cracks.

From here I make a reflex deflex with a bamboo backing.  Need instructions for that part?

So, those Osage boards that three rivers sells As splice-able billets.  I get two bows out of the pair.

Thanks'
I wouldnt mind some instructions on the bamboo.

[Joec123able]

Wow the end of that board is loaded with swirly knots haha

[feral]

Thats the problem.  It belonged to a violin maker and the timber is beautiful. Almost burlwood. Hopefully I can get something out of it.

[mikekeswick]

You MAY be able to squeeze a bow out of them but it's going to be a struggle and they must be backed. Those are bad bow making boards but great wood for other things.

[PEARL DRUMS]

It would make for a stunning handle lamination.