Author Topic: Got Some YEW!  (Read 1519 times)

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Offline Easternarcher

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Got Some YEW!
« 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.

Offline Dauntless

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Re: Got Some YEW!
« Reply #1 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.
The starving grad student with too many hobbies.

Offline Easternarcher

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Re: Got Some YEW!
« Reply #2 on: September 14, 2012, 11:15:31 pm »
Thanks Dauntless.

Offline Hamish

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Re: Got Some YEW!
« Reply #3 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.