YEW log into Billets and 3 BOWs - 3 FINISHED BOWS - Renamed title again

[globalmark]

Hi

Just been given this Yew log by a Old Famous Bowyer that lives local to me in the UK - he's had for 20 years but doesnt make yew bows anymore due to the dust almost killed him.

so will try and make a yew bow or 2 and make some laminations out anything left ..

But due to the big Knots in one side i was wondering if anyone had a idea of best way to split it into halves or anything .

It already has some shakes and splits doesnt look like had ever been end sealed - so not sure will get any Billets out of it but like to try

I have split a few logs before but these big knots in one side look like if done wrong will ruin this..

So if anyone has some experience on splitting these funny shaped logs - is it best to try to split it through the middle of the knots or should i keep them in one half ..

or shall i just Bandsaw this in Half ?

Thanks Mark

[High-Desert]

I typically split through knots, but it can be risky. If the opposite face is clean sometimes I’ll leave the knots on the opposite split. It all depends on what each face looks like and whether I’m confident I can get a clean split to get two staves. I don’t bandsaw any of my staves, but it may be the safest bet.

[Del the cat]

Saw would be my preference.
I'd suggest as shown below, should get 2 billets from the lower portion, may get 2 smaller from the upper.
Del

[globalmark]

Hi
Thanks Guys

Sounds like a saw is best bet  - i will give it a go and see what happens
cheers Mark

[Del the cat]

My suggested saw cuts don't take into account the knots, as I can't see where they are on that pic. I'm going by the asymmetry of the growth rings.
Del

[globalmark]

HI
thanks - i cut on Bandsaw - maybe got 4 billets - but might only get 1 bow as lots shakes and cracks through it .
the rest i made some laminations - cut on bandsaw then through Thicknesser , but also not great so maybe 2-3 might be ok for a bow as middle Lams or something or handle pieces .
cheers for help '
Mark

[globalmark]

not great billets but gonna give a go here - managed to Glue up 2 staves from the 4 billets
1 bow should be ok as nice matching pair but other stave not sure we will see .

used draw knife to get ends of billets to size
marked stave to string line of both will approx go through handle
stuck on with PVC card with splice marked
stuck on scrap wood so can cut splice square
cut on bandsaw then cleaned up with bandsaw and small rasp/file
few test fits then glued .

[globalmark]

few more pics - splice cut and glued with Smooth-on as didn't have any Urea Formaldyhyde (preferred glue when timber concerned)

[DC]

Looks like a great splice! Is that the belly side we're looking at mostly? Are you going to back it with something?

[globalmark]

HI DC
Thanks - for me the trick of good joint in all woodwork - sharp tools , patience and properly set up saws (ie Bandsaw - 100% right angle table to blade - blade tightness perfect and blade guides adjusted)

NO not the Belly thats the Back of the bow the sapwood of the Yew - i have cut it away as the sapwood was way to thick , but still need shaping and chase a few rings if i can .

i wasn't going to Back it as its English yew so has the sapwood and nice heartwood - but i was considering a small Handle piece to reinforce the splice - but will see when start shaping if needs it ..
But never say never so if one of the 2 staves looks dodgy might do something ?

[globalmark]

yew stave in clamps
yew staves removed clamps
"
marking out

[globalmark]

left stave roughed out compared to other
marked out for shaping
heated stave to straighten - tied up until cool down - heated with heat gun
2nd stave marked and started shaping

thats all had time for today

[ohma2]

Very nice on the spliceing ,ready to see the rest

[globalmark]

doesn't look anything different
but got to rough shape today - almost to dimensions - next onto the tiller tree

doing 2 bows at same time so taking longer - 1 bow will be good but other maybe just OK

Pic - got some guy in one of the worst shakes - think will be fine as near the handle anyway so a precaution..

[Rākau]

Nice! looking forward to this one!