First try at a self bow

[tbullman]

I had an extra yew stave that is full of knots and a little smaller than I would like but I want to practice on this one first. I've got the belly flattened out but because of the knots on the back I've had to try and find a lower ring and it's getting pretty thin because the back want very round it has humps so it's almost impossible to follow a single ring. My question how much does it matter to have the same ring all the way on the back because a board bow doesn't follow a ring and they seem to work fine

[glenbo]

If you are concerned about ring violation you can always add a rawhide backing. The only wood that I have personally used that will tolerate breeches of the back ring is hickory. I have never had the pleasure to work on Yew. Looking forward to photos of a fine finished bow

[fujimo]

you still have sapwood on the back of the stave?

if not you will need to back it, if yes, then you need about 1/4" of sapwood or little less, the rings can be violated in yew sapwood, just as long as you are not exposing the heartwood- be careful around the knots.

[fujimo]

we musta been typing at the same time glenbo-
yup yew can handle ring violations in the sapwood- however if i had lots of very aggressive violations i would do as glenbo says and back with rawhide or silk- might not be needed- but would allow me to get to full draw without flinching too much   :D

[tbullman]

I still have some sapwood on the back side I was planning on backing it with sinew. would that do pretty much the same as the rawhide? This one is kinda practice because I have a really nice piece of yew About 4.5 in thick without a lot of knots

[Pat B]

Pics really help.
 How long is your stave? What weight, draw length?

[tbullman]

This first one is  only 56 in  I'll get some pictures later today  I would like  to have  it around 28 in or just a little less draw length and something between 50 to 70 lbs

[Pat B]

Without it bending through the handle and having a sinew backing and perfect tiller it will be very difficult. If this is your first selfbow start with something you have a chance of success with.