Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: stuckinthemud on July 24, 2015, 06:45:09 am

Title: yew sapwood discolouration
Post by: stuckinthemud on July 24, 2015, 06:45:09 am

Hi All,

I am making a pair of short-bows out of yew (about 50" ntn), but the sapwwod on one side of the stave is not a pale cream, but almost the same colour as the heartwood - is this anything to worry about? The sapwood on the other side of the stave is the 'proper' colour. Sorry, got IT troubles so no photos at the moment.

Title: Re: yew sapwood discolouration
Post by: blackhawk on July 24, 2015, 07:31:51 am

Bend it and youll find out!!!  ;)  :laugh:

If the wood feels sound and not punky or rot like itll prob be ok. But pics wood really help here

Title: Re: yew sapwood discolouration
Post by: stuckinthemud on July 24, 2015, 10:16:12 am

OK, apologies for image quality, two roughed-out billets from the same stave, the good one (for reference purposes) and the un-known quantity - side view and top view.


(https://stuckinthemudsite.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/image1.jpg)

(https://stuckinthemudsite.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/image.jpg)

Wish the photo of the top view was clearer but any advice welcome.  The timber itself is firm, not rotted or holey.

Title: Re: yew sapwood discolouration
Post by: Pat B on July 24, 2015, 10:31:40 am

Generally, yew is pretty rot resistant. I don't know how resistant the sapwood is though.

Title: Re: yew sapwood discolouration
Post by: dylanholderman on July 24, 2015, 10:35:54 am

i think that ''Del the cat'' has made some bows with sapwood like that before, i'm sure he will chime in when he see's this.

Title: Re: yew sapwood discolouration
Post by: wizardgoat on July 24, 2015, 12:58:27 pm

I've made bows out of discoloured sapwood and they seemed fine.
Staves where there's not much definition between sap and heart, the
wood seems a little "rubbery", but still makes bows.
Sapwood is not as rot resistant as heart wood.