Hello,
Last year I cut a Yew branch and shaped a rough bow and left it to season for 1 year. The yew was growing near a river in cornwall, and the branch was growing no leaves. The tree itself was of medium size, and despite not being particularly high altitude, the branch I cut had lovely tight rings and a nice coloration difference between the heartwood and sapwood.
Here is the almost finished product. Please keep in mind that this is my first Yew longbow (one of many I hope in the near future). For that reason there are many imperfections.
The main imperfection being a giant knot that I have had to leave, protruding 1 cm or so. unfortunately, it is at this point, the branch decided to start growing in a different direction. Despite trying to steam it straight, the bow holds some flex the wrong way.
Also, the stave was twisted. It's a funny sort of twist. It is only in the middle that the twist occurs, the bow straightens out on both ends.
I have treated it with beeswax polish after burnishing. I have not measured it, but it's a big bow, perhaps 6'4"... perhaps too big.
I will be glad to hear what you think.
Hazel.
Last year I cut a Yew branch and shaped a rough bow and left it to season for 1 year. The yew was growing near a river in cornwall, and the branch was growing no leaves. The tree itself was of medium size, and despite not being particularly high altitude, the branch I cut had lovely tight rings and a nice coloration difference between the heartwood and sapwood.
Here is the almost finished product. Please keep in mind that this is my first Yew longbow (one of many I hope in the near future). For that reason there are many imperfections.
The main imperfection being a giant knot that I have had to leave, protruding 1 cm or so. unfortunately, it is at this point, the branch decided to start growing in a different direction. Despite trying to steam it straight, the bow holds some flex the wrong way.
Also, the stave was twisted. It's a funny sort of twist. It is only in the middle that the twist occurs, the bow straightens out on both ends.
I have treated it with beeswax polish after burnishing. I have not measured it, but it's a big bow, perhaps 6'4"... perhaps too big.
I will be glad to hear what you think.
Hazel.
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