Preparation of yew staves

[keef]

Hi Folks
Perhaps I can pick your collective brains here?

I have an opportunity to harvest a number of 5-7" diameter yew trunks ( all pole straight and lovely!!).

I have left cutting them until winter time, but the window of chance is starting to run out as they may get cleared soon for building. Thus lost for ever.

My question is; should I split them as soon as I take them down, or wait until they have dried more?

Any suggestions appreciated

Cheers

 Keith

[Weylin]

YOu can split them right away. Just make sure you leave the bark on and seal the ends well.

[keef]

Thanks for that.. I would have done the same myself up until a few years ago, when the two staves I had developed longitudinal fissures in the seasoning process that troubled me enough not to use them. That's the issue that puzzled me compared to some of the easy going white woods I have experience with.

Perhaps I was unlucky that time, and I will now heed your good advice

Thank you

[Bryce]

YOu can split them right away. Just make sure you leave the bark on and seal the ends well.

+1
There also easier to split while green.

[vinemaplebows]

If it's pipe straight saw it!

[Bryce]

There's always that save the back a bit, and a little more wood

[mikekeswick]

Hi Keef, hope you are doing well.
I've always split my yew as soon as i've got it.  I also think with really good staves it's well worth reducing the thickness down after spliting. Afterall it's excess thickness that causes checks. If you leave most of the width then they remain straight without having to tie them down to anything.
Definately best to cut them now as the sap is down and humidity is on the up! 84% in my workshop now.......