Taxus Rubberensis 59" - 42# @ 28"

[simk]

This is one of the bows I made for the bow trade. This one had the natural setback and also one deflex curve is natural. It finally didn't make it in the trade because it's not shooting fast enough. I will not send a wallhanger. Yew branches are from extraordinary wood in almost every aspect, except performance,...little detail  Indestructable, great for kidz bows. Sinewbacking one is the next step - I think it can handle a stupid amount of reflex  Even if it's not the fastest bow I still like it.

[simk]

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[simk]

thanx for watching

[Hamish]

It might not have lived up to your expectations, but it looks pretty damn nice.
I expect sinew will make it a good performer.

[bownarra]

Well she looks pretty darn nice anyway!!!
One reason for the lack of speed is the reflex off the handle. Reflex like this means that the mid/outer limbs have top bend further and the handle reflex also concentrates the bend here.  These things lower energy storage. Also a deflexed limb will do the same thing - lower energy storage.
You are right about the sinew Heat the raw stave into a nice progressive reflex, straight through the handle! but with reflexed limbs, like an elliptical tiller but in reverese! Crown your sinew down the middle of the back.

[simk]

Thx Hamish
Thx Bownarra - you sure are right about the design aspects  but its also the wood: I'm quite sure the same bow same dimensions with regular yew or osage would be at least 70# and shoot much harder before exploding. Limb thickness in the main bending spot is 23mm! This wood is just extremly heavy and rubbery. I finally did try to give her more reflex but all I got was misalignement of the tips and a nice pressure mark  so I called it a nice wallhanger for now.
I have already prepared a new one for sinew backing. Just keep postponing the sinew job  If this doesent shoot like hell I will only use this wood for kidz bows in the future....

[diliviu]

Amazing work, and a thing of beauty!

[simson]

Nice work on both neighbour!
Be careful with the second, you've concentrated the bend in the first thirds. I dunno know how far it is drawn in the pic, but i would go for the sinew job now and concentrate some extra at this portion.
Good luck!

[Gimlis Ghost]

Despite perceived lack of performance the first bow is a real beauty.

Should be a good target practice bow as is and I hope you will not just let it hang on the wall, put it to good use.

[Stixnstones]

It sure is a good lookin bow and bet its a joy to shoot

[Kidder]

That is a beauty! I love the shape. Nice job.

[Jim Davis]

Might be less stretchy if you removed one of the "b"s. from the name.  ;-)

[simk]

Thanx Jim, I will try that on the next one 

[BowEd]

Very nice looking bow,but changing the profile of a design midstream usually does'nt work.You would need more width in the lower limbs into fades for more power with the all reflexed design if done as a self bow.
She's a bow and that usually counts for something.