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.