Yew vs. Osage for first bow

[links0311]

I found someone nearby that's agreed to show me how to make my own bow. He normally works with Osage, but I like yew wood. What's the difference bewteen yew and osage? Is one easier to work with than the other? Thanks.

_Links

[links0311]

I should add that the bow will be bamboo backed.

['46]

Osage is tough as nails and very forgiving, yew isn't!!!

You can really screw up on osage and still have a shooter.

[gordonf]

My favorite bow is a bamboo backed yew that I made last year. That said, I think either combination is a fine choice.

[longbowguy]

Consider your draw length. Osage is a very heavy wood and makes powerful fairly short bows for short draw lengths. Yew is very light wood and works well in very long bows for long draws. If you are going to make a 6 foot plus long bow for a long draw, I'd say yew would be the better choice. If you want a 5 or 5 and half foot bow for a short draw, I would say osage.

Yew is very soft and easily worked (and damaged) if you get a straight piece without too many irrerularities. Osage is tough and long lasting but you will need really sharp tools. Either way I would pay extra to get a really straight stave or pair of billets for your first effort. And I would probably back either one with rawhide or sinew as it is easier than a bamboo backing and might well perform better. LBG

[Tom Leemans]

What George said...

[wingnut]

We build both in our custom bows and offer them in our blanks.  For a first bow, go with osage.  Yew is much tougher to work with because things happen much faster.  It is soft and material comes off very quick.

After you get a few bows under your belt, build the yew bow.  

Mike

[Ted Fry]

What Mike says , both are good woods , however things happen faster with Yew while tillering, not a good first time wood.