Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: E. Jensen on August 27, 2015, 07:07:30 pm
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I have a 2.5" ish diameter Irish yew stick that I split a while ago. It split perfectly down the pith the entire length. If I used that as the back, it would be perfectly decrowned and would need only a little scraping and its good to go. The other side has some scars and weird knots I don't really want to deal with, especially as its not the most desirable species of yew to begin with.
My question is how do you guys think I should do the cross section profile? Yew heartwood is good in compression and tension but slightly better in compression? Would a standard D profile with flat back be the way to go then?
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I've never made an all heartwood yew bow, but have seen plenty.
As far as I know yew heartwood is still good in tension, just not as good as the sap.
I believe otzi the icemans yew bow was just as you described.
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D?
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Yeah, "D". Flat decrowned back, not too thick, and if it starts acting up, you can crown the belly or back the almost flat back. Maybe?
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The underbark surface is the back... The heartwood is the belly.
Even with some knots I'd rather trust the sapwood on the back.
My alternative would be to use any offcuts from the same wood if possible to make sapwood patches to go over any knots or suspect area. Make 'me long shallow curved sections say 3 or 4" to patch over a knot. Rasp the knot/defect away but leaving some of the original sapwood in place where possible, patch over the top.
Del
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Not just knots. Scars. Too late now anyways.
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Cant say that I have ever seen that done. It seems like it could work. I would be concerned if there are any pin knots laying flat along the split back.
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Do the other half the ordinary way and compare notes. ;)