Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: DC on October 30, 2015, 03:18:25 pm
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I'm pretty sure this isn't good news but how bad is it. This is on an otherwise new perfect stave. It would be right in the middle. It's about a foot long in a 77" stave. I could cut it out and splice the ends together and get rid of most of it or I could cut the sapwood off and Bamboo back it. It won't be a total loss but I would prefer a one piece bow
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Does the wood seem sound? If so I'd go ahead with it. Yew is pretty rot resistant.
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Yew heartwood is super rot resistance but not the sapwood.
Was this salvaged yew? Sometimes there's discolouration in yew sapwood
and if it's punky or rotten I can smell it once it's been worked
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I don't think it was salvaged but not 100% sure. The bark in the area is perfect, no sign of a ding. The stave is 2 1/2" wide and there is no sign of grey on the other side. If I'm real lucky maybe I can move the bow over an inch. I'll let it dry and take a closer look later.
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Knife it off and make a sinew backed rocket ship.
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Is sinew that much better than Bamboo. It's awfully damp here.
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How does the grey stuff feel under a spokeshave or draw knife?
If it's waxy/cheesy then it's ok, if its limp,chalky or dry feeling cut it all off and back the heart wood.
Listen to the little voice in your head or gut that knows... don't talk yourself into using bad wood. I've regretted it before now.
A little discolouration can be ok, but I think feel tells you what you need to know.
Del
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Is there not enough room for an all heartwood bow?
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How does the grey stuff feel under a spokeshave or draw knife?
It cuts just like the rest of the sapwood.
Is there not enough room for an all heartwood bow?
Yes there is. May be an option.
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Delamination would bother me, I believe that's what happened on your last bow. Unless that damaged hump was at the grip, I wouldn't use it as is. I'd rip it off and add 3 layers of sinew and HIDE GLUE and make a killer bow.
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,46041.msg626156.html#msg626156
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Gotta love that Hippy Yew stick- man that is smoking! :D
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I would say you will be alright, (although I usually say that)
I would guess it was elk scrape years ago that has grown over, I have seen lots of staining like that, especially on the north island where there are lots of elk.
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When I get a minute I'm going to scrape the bark off in that spot just to see if there is a wound. Like I said the bark looks pristine but Yew appears to shed some bark and that may cover some faults.
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I'll trade you for a better piece of Elm. >:D
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I think Del's got the right idea. If you think it feels good than it's likely fine. I've make several yew bows with a little discoloration with no ill effect.
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Looks fine.
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I'll trade you for a better piece of Elm. >:D
I would in a minute if the freight and hassle at the border wasn't a problem. Never worked with Elm. I'll do some checking :) :)
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PatM lives in Canada.
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Looks fine to me. Wouldn't ever bother thinking about it. Just imagine it's not there, and make the bow as usual. You'll get a nice streak of colour through it at the end, but it won't fail on you because of that.