A while ago, one of my friends got interested in primitive/traditional archery decided that he wanted a yew bow. Rather than buying one, he bought a pacific yew stave from ravenbeak and brought it over to my shop, saying, " I want to make a bow." He wanted one that he could hunt with. He's a rifle hunter, but rapidly taking up (and getting addicted to) the stick and string.
the original stave was 69 inches, and we had set out trying to make an english-style bow. unfortunately a tip broke off, but we were able to salvage the rest of the stave, which was now about 62.5" (if I remember correctly.)
So we ditched the english bow idea and went on to make a D bow. I backed it with some silk, as I did'nt want to take chances with a stave that had already broken on me. there was one loose knot on the side of the bottom limb which we excavated and filled. I gave it a green leather handle wrap, and also did a bit of artwork on the back. (I got my inspiration from totem poles). Jatoba tip overlays.
So, without further ado, here it is:
62" ntn
50 pounds at 26" (his draw legnth, which is the reason why I don't look like I'm drawing very far in the money shot--my draw is 29!)
I'm not 100% happy with the tiller, (but o well. It shoots hard and fast, and hardly any handshock.