hey stiks, i split a premium yew log the other day, and got 4 nice staves out of it, the log had been stored outside for at least 2 years, no checking etc, and the bark was starting to peel off, so i brought them into my nicely heated indoor shop, let them dry off for a day or two, as they were wet from the snow and rain, and when i went to scrape off the bark, and start making this yew bow i had been fantasizing about- they were all so badly checked on their backs, through the sapwood, deep into the heart wood, about 1/4" wide. i was devastated!!the mc had read 16% when i brought them into the shop.
i was so nervous with the next stave, that i left my shop unheated, until i had the bark off and the back sealed with 2 coats of verathane.
its seem to be holding up quite well.- started marking out the bow tonight for my trade bow!!