Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: servicebeary on April 10, 2008, 03:45:47 am

Title: Yew, Boilling good?
Post by: servicebeary on April 10, 2008, 03:45:47 am

Has anyone ever used boilling to strainghten yew?  I'm bout to go buy the pipe, I wonder if boilling would make it more brittle than steam, or heat?  Any advice on the best size for boiling pipe?  I tried steam, but in cold Idaho my white gas stove, and 3 hours later, all I did was possibly damage the stave:(  no more steam for me.  It's obvious when water boils, and the temp is therefore correct:)

Title: Re: Yew, Boilling good?
Post by: Pat B on April 10, 2008, 10:45:11 am

Boiling should be fine but if your yew is well seasoned, seal the back, first, with shellac to help prevent checking as it dries. You should be able to buy spray shellac where you get the pipe.      Pat

Title: Re: Yew, Boilling good?
Post by: broad_head on April 10, 2008, 11:04:15 am

Hi
    I have steamed and boiled yew with good results. I use a large pan (14 - 15 inches in diameter) and cover the pan/stave with foil, this concentates the steam to the area to be bent. I would guess that a pipe steamer would only be used if you need to heat the hole stave?
          Peter (UK)

Title: Re: Yew, Boilling good?
Post by: OldBow on April 10, 2008, 01:06:34 pm

I use my heat gun on yew. Works great with no soggy wood to dry out.

Title: Re: Yew, Boilling good?
Post by: servicebeary on April 10, 2008, 11:10:18 pm

thanks for all the advice.  hmm, I'm hearing so much good stuff about heat guns that maybe I'll have to give it a try.  Only if it's cheap though, I'm wicked allergic to yew dust, I've gotten 3 terrible migraines while working on it, so I quit using a rasp on it, just scraping it now.  I like service berry and chokecherry better anyhow. 

Title: Re: Yew, Boilling good?
Post by: OldBow on April 12, 2008, 01:08:04 am

Quote from: servicebeary on April 10, 2008, 11:10:18 pm

I like service berry and chokecherry better anyhow. 

Although I really like yew, I've had good luck with service berry and chokecherry, too.
Keep in touch..
OldBow, Miissoula, Montana

Title: Re: Yew, Boilling good?
Post by: servicebeary on April 12, 2008, 01:44:24 am

good to hear, I've actually just started my 3rd attempt at a serviceberry bow, and have yet to use chokecherry, but I like them because they are native plants that I've eaten and made other tools out of.  hmm, if I get the job that I applied for in Missoula I'll have to track you down.  See many grizz near there?  I've backpacked in the Bob and the Bear tooths, both being my favorite destinations, and have fished around Missoula.  You hunt moose?     

Title: Re: Yew, Boilling good?
Post by: radius on April 14, 2008, 01:59:13 pm

I agree with ya.  I've only made one bow out of yew (see yew holmegaard in the buildalong section) but I found that the dust was very irritating.