I wanna make a Yew ELB

[huntsmanlance]

It is about time that i actually gave making a bow a try....gee ive only been on here 4 years and havent done it yet.....   :D  

I have the Bowyers Bibles and the first book has a pretty good description of how to do it....but where is a good place to get the staves? and i really think i would like to add a rawhide backing to it for strength because i know i will smack it into stuff and i would rather use this instead of another wood so the sap on the yew will show through....where do i get this?

and has anyone seen or tried out the pre shaped horn nocks that 3 Rivers sells?

Thanks all
Lance

[Lost Arra]

Call Gary Davis.
Rattlestick Bows 989-845-7740

[huntsmanlance]

ttt

[longbowguy]

The best way is the way I did it. Go to selfbow.com and sign up for one of Jay St. Charles's bowmaking classes. He will provide the materials. You come out of it with a vacation in Washington state, a fine yew English longbow of your own manufacture, a good grasp of the skills of bowmaking and a memorable experience.... all for little more than you might spend on a factory bow. Or you could buy his dad's book 'From Billets to Bows' by Glenn St. Charles, a living national treasure.

[BamBooBender]

Making a yew elb is not generally recommended for a beginner, but that being said, it's not impossible. The reason that most don't recommend starting with yew is price. A good yew stave is around $150 (last I saw) with osage being around $60  and hickory $40, that makes makes yew really expensive by comparison (not to mention harder to come by). Also yew is really thin ringed (harder to chase a ring on the back).  

If your heart is set on a proper yew elb then I say go for it. Also, as longbowguy  suggested, a tutor would a great help. Online help is great, but having someone there with experience is better.imho

Btw fwiw I have seen some fine elb's made from slippery (red) elm.

[huntsmanlance]

Steve i would LOVE to attend one of Jay's classes but the traveling and time off isnt possible for me right now. I will definately get his Dad's book.

and thanks Bamboo but yeah i am set on yew!

I did find a billet suppier....  http://www.murraysluys.com/BowStaves.html   and a set of premium billets are $140 which even though more expencive than osage isnt complety horrible.

Has anyone bought yew from them before?

Thanks!
Lance

[Tom Phillips]

Lance,
 If you are still searching for some good YEW wood would it would be worth calling TRADGANG sponsor Raptor Archery <> Hood River,Oregon.Ted Fry not only sells it he harvests it himself.Give him a call or email him with questions on any and all aspects of self-bows be it making,shooting and archery in general.He is a full time shop not weekend warrior.  www.raptorarchery.com  Hope this helps.
                  Tom

[SCATTERSHOT]

Makin' a new bow to go with your cane arrows, Lance? It's a disease, isn't it?

Gene

[Pat B]

Lance, If this is gonna be your first bow I would recommend starting with a cheaper piece of wood for your first bow then go to the yew. I'm sure you would hate yourself if you screwed up a nice yew stave on a simple newby mistake.
  A red oak, hickory, hard maple or other available hardwoods will give you the tillering experience you should have before you start with a good yew stave. If you have an abundance of yew then get started. Pat