Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Easternarcher on September 14, 2012, 03:31:16 pm

Title: Got Some YEW!
Post by: Easternarcher on September 14, 2012, 03:31:16 pm
I just picked up a couple of planks of West Coast Yew wood. 2in. thk plus and 6-8in. wide X 6ft L.
One piece is nearly useless....split badly all over. The second may be sawn into serviceable slats to make a hick backed yew bow...but it has quite swirly grain in some areas, but at least I can work around the few knots I can see.
Question I have is how careful do I need to be with grain orientation and is grain runoff just as much a problem as most woods....even under a hickory backing or maybe even bamboo? I have both.
I don't have pics and this was sent by a well intentioned family member out west.
Title: Re: Got Some YEW!
Post by: Dauntless on September 14, 2012, 05:01:52 pm
I've kept swirly grained yew in one piece under sinew and under bamboo. I think bamboo or Hickory, anything solid really, would do a great job.
Title: Re: Got Some YEW!
Post by: Easternarcher on September 14, 2012, 11:15:31 pm
Thanks Dauntless.
Title: Re: Got Some YEW!
Post by: Hamish on September 15, 2012, 01:49:07 am
Even though it will be backed you still want pretty straight grain. Less important on a flatbow, more crucial on an english  longbow which can tear apart along the short grain on the belly if a sideways twist develops.
 Hamish.