Opinions please

[Taxus brevifolia]

82" x 7" Pacific yew billet. When I split the tree a year ago, this is how it came apart, mostly along a single ring of heartwood 💓

I also have the heartwood core, but I'm saving that for when I'm a better bowyer.

My questions are: do you think it's a good choice for bows, and if so, what designs would you consider? Aside from that black rotted patch, it's clear.

Here's video: https://youtu.be/RoNeLHNiWzo

[stuckinthemud]

I would go for it, what have you got to lose? I'd guess that would suit most 'flat' designs, myself, I'd probably go with a primitive leaf-shaped limb, stiff tip and maybe a slight hollow limb? Finish chasing that split along the length of the billet and you'll get two bows from it with enough left over to splice together and get a third. Happy days!

[Taxus brevifolia]

Cool yes I thought it might work. My concern is how thin the heartwood is. Not a lot to spare

Have you got a link to a picture of the type of bow you described

[Del the cat]

That's cryin' out to be a pyramid bow... or leaf shape like stuckinthemud said.
Del

[Badger]

  I worked a yew stave that split like that several years ago. The first time I went to floor tiller it all the rings separated like pages in a book. I would still work it but don't be surprised if the rings are not securely attached to one another.

[George Tsoukalas]

I'd split it in half and have at it. I'd try to make a bend in the handle bow. Jawge

[DC]

I'm working a piece like that right now. Mine was short so I made two billets and spliced it. I'm having a struggle making 40# but yours looks a lot cleaner.

[Taxus brevifolia]

Thanks so much guys! I'm nearly done tillering the 59" flat bow, then it's full speed ahead on the leaf bow!