hole in wood

[Blacktail]

I am working on a bow that is yew wood and I have a knot hole that is hollowed out and goes all the way through the wood. It is 3/8 wide, the hole that is. Should I fill in the hole because I plan on putting snakeskin backing on the bow?  Thanks John

[Josh]

I'd leave the hole there snakeskin over it and when it dries cut a hole in the snakeskin.  Make it look more more interesting... 

[Ifrit617]

I agree with josh

[George Tsoukalas]

My experience with yew is very limited to a couple of bows. You need someone who does have more experience. Typically those areas with knots and holes are left a bit wider. I'm not sure  you have enough wood to keep that stave from breaking. You might consider a Dutchman's plug which is simply a piece of wood placed in the hole but wait for better advice than mine. Jawge

[Blacktail]

it would look good with a whole in the snake...but,i am just try to make the bow survive...George,there is 1/2 inch of wood on one side and 5/8 on the other...since i want to put snake on it..i am thinking of super glue and shavings to plug the hole...john

[sonny]

if you're seriously considering plugging that hole you're much better off using a dowel rather than shavings.

[George Tsoukalas]

Usually the bow is laid out leaving that area wider with enough would that about equals before and after  the hole. That doesn't sound like enough because and here is the main point...that area is weaker than the surrounding area above and below. You may need a glued in hardwood plug that fits perfectly. That may involve drilling out the area round but again wait for someone who has more experience with yew than I do like Del who makes some beautiful yew bows. Jawge

[MWirwicki]

Like a river flowing around an island, there should be equal amounts of wood width to either side of the knot (combined), as there is above and below it.  It appears that your limb lines run straight.  I would install a hardwood plug.  What I've done in the past is make a plug out of yew wood, for the yew bow.  My shape was right on, with no gaps.  It looked nice.  In fact, this bow had two plugs.  If not, a hardwood dowel would be my recommendation rather than the shavings and glue.  If you're thinking survival, go with the plug.  Your chances are much better.

[Blacktail]

LOOKS like we are plugging the hole..SO,matt you are saying yew wood would work fine...john

[MWirwicki]

Works for me! 

[Stiks-N-Strings]

Blacktail,

 I just finished up a yew bow that is 46 ntn and draws 51# @ 23". It has two holes in one limb and I did not plug them. I skinned it with Moccassins and cut the skin from out of the hole after it dried. I have put a few hundred shots through her and she shows no signs of any problem from not pluggin the whole. I didn't get any good pics of the holes but posted some pics of the bow a few weeks ago.

 I think it would fine just to leave'em. JMO
 
 Stiks

[Del the cat]

Plug it, with a piece of Yew.
It will probably survive without a plug, but are you building a 'looking a't bo' or a 'shooting' bow?
If it's a shooting bow, plug the hole especially as you don't have any extra width across the bow at that point.
Here's one I did earlier... smaller plug, but it gives and idea.
http://bowyersdiary.blogspot.com/2011/03/more-yew-longbows.html
Del