Always confuses me whenever I see someone suggest using bow wood and especially yew as firewood. Isn’t yew pretty darn poisonous?
Well, I’m new to bow making, so I’m just looking for opinions as to whether this is good bow wood, or worthwhile to attempt a bow with.
As you probably know, not every piece of Yew, Osage, or even ash, hickory, or cherry can be made into a bow.
And yes Yew does have some compounds in it that are poisonous (taxine/taxane), but cherry has cyanide in it, and is used for firewood all over the place. I’ve burnt Yew wood before and don’t have an issue with it. That said, I’m not going to cook my food over it or breath it in on purpose..
Yes yew wood is poisonous and the dust from working it is pretty bad. I remember reading something about the bark being used for cancer research. I also remember that bugs don’t bore into the wood cause it’s poisonous to them as well. Hope to see that bow in the bow thread soon!!! Best of luck!
Yeah, but bugs can't read.... they certainly do bore into Yew.
I've been working with Yew for years, it's the dust that is problematic, but even that effects some more than others. Dust extraction or working outside is the answer.
Over the years I seem more sensitive to dust, but never had any real reaction to Yew.
IMO the wood and shavings are no problem, the underbark stuff (cambium) is very dust and nasty.
Yew isn't really a problem, just don't make pine needle tea from it, as that was the Roman's preferred suicide method
Del
PS. Every man is his own safety officer!
