New to Forum and Questions

[TSalmon]

Thanks, everyone. And thanks for all of the pictures. Every picture I see helps me learn a little more. David, that "character" bow you made is beautiful. My stave doesn't have that much character though. Actually, it's pretty boring compared to that one.

Question: I'm pretty much going to let the wood design itself, but there is one thing that I do want; a handle narrower and deeper than the limbs. I never see pictures of yew bows like this. Is there a structural reason for this or are people just trying to keep with the ELB theme?

[David Long]

You can make the handle as you describe. You should get the Traditional Boyers Bibles 1 through 4 if you can. Definitive references that will answer many, many questions. Boring can be good in a piece of wood man  . Try Mountain Maple, it grows in your area too and makes really great bows. When I get so frustrated with yew I can't stand it I go to Mountain Maple and always enjoy it too. Much cleaner and consequently easier. Dave

[TSalmon]

Mountain maple, as in rocky mountain maple? What are some other good tree or shrub species in my area that would be suitable?

[David Long]

Yessir, Rocky Mountain Maple (Acer glabrum) Grows nice and straight and is very pleasant to work. Dave