Trapping a Yew self bow?

[DC]

How much could I get away with or is it even wise? it's a nice piece of yew but from a 3-4" trunk. The sapwood comes down the sides in spots and I thought if I trapped it I could expose a little more heartwood.

[dylanholderman]

I haven’t really worked with yew (ha) so take this with a grain of salt, but the Mary rose bows look to be pretty heavily trapped in the one cross section pic I can find on google so you’re probably fine.

[willie]

Does yew sapwood have different qualities than yew heartwood?

[Del the cat]

It doesn't really matter. I've made several with oval section limbs where the sapwood wraps rounds a tad, it just vies a nice coffee and cream look on the belly (or side).
I'd say keeping a bit of width may be more important to the stability and tiller of the bow.
You don't need to trap the back as it won't overpower the belly... the sapwood and heartwood have been married for so long they know how to put up with each other 
Del

[Badger]

  100% agree with Del

[DC]

This is just an aesthetics thing. I knew I didn't have to. In a few spots I just had too much cream