Yew- Steaming without staining

[DC]

I've had a lot of trouble with the wood staining when I steam Yew and I haven't been able to figure out why. I don't like to reduce or even touch the back of my bows. Not because of any strength issues, just because I like the natural back but when I steam them I get a pinkish stain. It may sound dumb but I'm not sure if it happens with the bark on or off. It's been so long since I've had to do it I just don't remember. Any tips?

[PatM]

Maybe try using distilled water?

[DC]

Our water is almost distilled right out of the tap. We had it OK'd for use in our batteries right from the tap when I worked for the telephone company so I don't think that is the problem. I just finished a couple of test strips, one was just sapwood and the other was sap and heartwood. I didn't get a lot of staining but where it was was where the heartwood touched the sapwood. I think the stain is coming from the heartwood.