Longevity of Pacific Yew

[Carson (CMB)]

Not much to add.  I agree with what has been said. 

I have found a good thorough heat-treating works great on yew.  However, I am not sure I would temper the belly of an all heartwood bow. 

[Eric Garza]

I'm just being nosey but why are you concerned about decay resistance?

I have a theory that decay resistance correlates to resistance to deterioration, so I want to experiment with woods known for their decay resistance to see if they yield bows that shoot well for a very long time.

[Don Case]

I have a theory that decay resistance correlates to resistance to deterioration, so I want to experiment with woods known for their decay resistance to see if they yield bows that shoot well for a very long time.

Thanks, Sounds interesting.
Don

[Hamish]

A bit of heat treating works really well on yew. I wouldn't toast it, do enough to put in a little reflex and it will be a rocket launcher. Don't bend it for at least a week after heat treating, 2 would be even better.

[Eric Garza]

My goal is to source a ~60 inch stave and turn it into an all heartwood, sinew backed deflex-reflex paddle bow. I've been really into paddle bows for the last couple years.