Yew stave straightening

[Muskyman]

More work today and then I thought I’d test out how to straighten it before I try to straighten it. Probably try to straighten tomorrow.. probably over bend it more than my test bend..

[Muskyman]

Another question.. can you take deflex out of a yew stave? This one has a little bit. More in one limb than the other. More in the outer half on both limbs if I remember correctly..

[superdav95]

Yes you can.  I’ve done this with mild deflex with no problems.  Like stated already here by others go a little past straight as some spring back does occur.  On mine with yew I rough it out pretty well then do my bend corrections in the mid section first then any limb correction from there.  You could even induce a little reflex as well. 

[Muskyman]

Thanks Dave, don’t want to get to crazy with it. Most of the straightening is in the handle area. Planning on taking it down to a better bow shape after that.  Trying not to get crazy after burntstick had his bow break I’m a little nervous..

[superdav95]

Ya I find that yew is more susceptible to getting too brittle with too much heat so tread carefully.  Osage is little more resilient I find to heat corrections.  I don’t the amount of correction you need is excessive.   Good luck with it. 

[Muskyman]

Steaming then clamping today

[Muskyman]

Clamped .. didn’t come out perfect but got most of the bend out

[Muskyman]

Any thoughts on how to handle this?

[Muskyman]

Another pic

[Muskyman]

One more

[Muskyman]

I figure I have two options. I can pop it out and try and glue it back or try and file it out and see if the limb has enough heart wood to still hold up.  It’s closer to the fades but maybe not close enough.

[Hamish]

I would bring the stave to final dimensions for width( with a little extra at the tips), then start tillering, and don't do any more heat corrections until you absolutely need to, ie get it to a 4-5" brace height, but not drawn more than 15"(less if feasible). Hopefully when you get to that point, the knot will have disappeared.

I wouldn't try and pop out the knot, its likely to tear out rough.

[Muskyman]

It’s just starting to bend slightly on the floor tiller, barely flexing. Should I follow the contour of the sapwood on the belly of the bow like in the pic I posted below?

[Hamish]

 Register the thickness of the limb from the back(so follow the flow of the sapwood). A pair of outside calipers will allow you to check that the limb doesn't get too thin around that curve, and create a weak spot.

[Muskyman]

Took your advice Hamish. Took it down to bow shape and have it bending more but not quite ready for a long string yet but close. Working on it with the scraper. Should cut knocks in and get a low brace today or tomorrow.