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Author Topic: Decrowned Yew  (Read 1917 times)

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Offline E. Jensen

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Decrowned Yew
« on: August 27, 2015, 07:07:30 pm »
I have a 2.5" ish diameter Irish yew stick that I split a while ago.  It split perfectly down the pith the entire length.  If I used that as the back, it would be perfectly decrowned and would need only a little scraping and its good to go.  The  other side has some scars and weird knots I don't really want to deal with, especially as its not the most desirable species of yew to begin with. 

My question is how do you guys think I should do the cross section profile?  Yew heartwood is good in compression and tension but slightly better in compression?  Would a standard D profile with flat back be the way to go then?
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Offline wizardgoat

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Re: Decrowned Yew
« Reply #1 on: August 27, 2015, 07:35:21 pm »
I've never made an all heartwood yew bow, but have seen plenty.
As far as I know yew heartwood is still good in tension, just not as good as the sap.
I believe otzi the icemans yew bow was just as you described.
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Offline E. Jensen

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Re: Decrowned Yew
« Reply #2 on: August 27, 2015, 07:52:04 pm »
D?
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Offline Springbuck

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Re: Decrowned Yew
« Reply #3 on: August 29, 2015, 12:42:20 pm »
  Yeah, "D".  Flat decrowned back, not too thick, and if it starts acting up, you can crown the belly or back the almost flat back.      Maybe?
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Offline Del the cat

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    • Derek Hutchison Native Wood Self Bows
Re: Decrowned Yew
« Reply #4 on: August 29, 2015, 01:03:26 pm »
The underbark surface is the back... The heartwood is the belly.
Even with some knots I'd rather trust the sapwood on the back.
My alternative would be to use any offcuts from the same wood if possible to make sapwood patches to go over any knots or suspect area. Make 'me long shallow curved sections say 3 or 4" to patch over a knot. Rasp the knot/defect away but leaving some of the original sapwood in place where possible, patch over the top.
Del
« Last Edit: August 29, 2015, 01:07:04 pm by Del the cat »
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Offline E. Jensen

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Re: Decrowned Yew
« Reply #5 on: August 29, 2015, 05:02:17 pm »
Not just knots.  Scars.  Too late now anyways.
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Offline Carson (CMB)

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Re: Decrowned Yew
« Reply #6 on: August 30, 2015, 12:43:11 pm »
Cant say that I have ever seen that done. It seems like it could work. I would be concerned if there are any pin knots laying flat along the split back.


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"The bow is the old first lyre,
the mono chord, the initial rune of fine art
The humanities grew out from archery as a flower from a seed
No sooner did the soft, sweet note of the bow-string charm the ear of genius than music was born, and from music came poetry and painting and..." Maurice Thompso

Offline Pat B

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Re: Decrowned Yew
« Reply #7 on: August 30, 2015, 12:46:48 pm »
Do the other half the ordinary way and compare notes. ;)
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Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC
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