yew sapwood discolouration

[stuckinthemud]

Hi All,

I am making a pair of short-bows out of yew (about 50" ntn), but the sapwwod on one side of the stave is not a pale cream, but almost the same colour as the heartwood - is this anything to worry about? The sapwood on the other side of the stave is the 'proper' colour. Sorry, got IT troubles so no photos at the moment.

[blackhawk]

Bend it and youll find out!!!   

If the wood feels sound and not punky or rot like itll prob be ok. But pics wood really help here

[stuckinthemud]

OK, apologies for image quality, two roughed-out billets from the same stave, the good one (for reference purposes) and the un-known quantity - side view and top view.






Wish the photo of the top view was clearer but any advice welcome.  The timber itself is firm, not rotted or holey.

[Pat B]

Generally, yew is pretty rot resistant. I don't know how resistant the sapwood is though.

[dylanholderman]

i think that ''Del the cat'' has made some bows with sapwood like that before, i'm sure he will chime in when he see's this.

[wizardgoat]

I've made bows out of discoloured sapwood and they seemed fine.
Staves where there's not much definition between sap and heart, the
wood seems a little "rubbery", but still makes bows.
Sapwood is not as rot resistant as heart wood.