Yew Takedown

[Bjorn]

I'm not finding much on how thick the white wood should be on the limbs. I intend to apply rawhide to the bow when it is pretty much tillered (assuming I get there).
Any of you experienced Yew folk wish to offer some input?
 

[LittleBen]

Not experienced, but I was under the impression that you basically thin it based on desired asthetics, since you don't really "need" any of it.

[Walt Francis]

I usually go 40-50% whitewood.  Can't say it is the best ratio, but it works well for me.  I read it somewhere and haven't had any problems since following the advice.  It's an eyeball measurement and I tend to be closer to the 40% than the 50%.  Used to take it down to around 20% whitewood but had a couple break (there were other issues too).

[Pat B]

I've heard to leave 1/4" of sapwood but Walt's suggestion should work too. Yew sapwood has good tension properties and the heartwood had good compression properties, a perfect combo for bows.

[Bjorn]

OK. Thanks for the feed-back. I got it down to 1/4-3/16 especially where the bending occurs but in a couple of spots it is thinner..................hope the rawhide will make up for that.
I have a few plusses and challenges to go before I get there; the metal pieces fit, the alignment looks pretty good.
All I have to do is tiller-and some heat treating to induce a bit of R/D. If I manage all that I'll post some pics. If not--bonfire!    

[Bjorn]

OK I got the sleeves fitting nicely, and I heated and removed a nasty bend in one of the limbs, and scraped both a lot.
So now it is bending a little and I want to apply rawhide before I bend it any further; but I still want to do some more heat treating.........any problems heat treating with rawhide glued on?

 

[Walt Francis]

I always do my heat bending before applying any backing or glue.

[Pat B.]

I'm pretty sure heat compromises glue joints of any kind...

[Bjorn]

Thanks for the feedback-glad I asked here. I have the bending and straightening done, gonna' dye the rawhide dark brown and get it on tmrw. I'll post a pic when it is dried and trimmed.

[Bjorn]

I'm going to stain the wood dark as well-assuming it all works out. Have not had it on my tree yet. Just tillering and exercising off the floor.

[Ice Mike]

Looking good B!!