Yew 'Character' Bow

  • Thread starter Deleted member 7654
  • Start date
D

Deleted member 7654

Guest
I cut a Yew log a while back and when I split it the split ran out one side leaving a slender manky stave and a good un.
[/IMG]
Well I'm having a play with the manky stave, it has bends in both directions, to such an extent that the stringline falls outside the handle!!!
[/IMG]
The grain twists and bends so much I've had little choice.
I'm seeing if I can coax a bow out of it, I've got it back to 40lb @ 19" so far.
There is a huge knot showing on the back (a few inches below my string shortening toggle [very handy when tillering]) and pins all up the belly, some even coming out the side.
I've filled one knot already.
There is huge torque when getting a string onto it, but once braced it calms down a little, I'm trying to tiller the limbs to go with flow.
I'm probably foolhardy, and a more cautious individual would wait until it's finished before posting!
Anyhow it may smash but it's just a bit of fun to see how far I can push such an awfull stave.
It's good to share failure as well as success, so we'll see.
I'm having to ignore much conventional wisdom....so
Wish me luck.
Del
 

barney

Member
I read somewhere (Bickerstaff website?) that some top of the range longbows are tillered slightly off to one side to reduce paradox. Looks like you should get a good 'centre-shot' effect with that one!
 
D

Deleted member 7654

Guest
you should get a good 'centre-shot' effect with that one!
Yeah, I'm building up the side and belly in the handle area with some Yew and Ash, to give a nice pistol grip and arrowshelf...I'll make that look really true which will be a great contrast to the wobbly limbs.
I'm just about back to full draw.
I've even shot an arrow with it, half draw in the garage...
I stabilised some of the smaller knots by putting on epoxy and giveng 'em a burst with the hot air gun, left it overnight and then filed it back down flush.
I've Christened it 'Mr Wobbly' :)
More pics soon.
Del
 
D

Deleted member 7654

Guest
It shoots!

48lb @ 28"... :)
[/IMG]
[/IMG]
[/IMG]
I shall take Mr wobbly field shooting tommorrow.
Del
 
D

Deleted member 7654

Guest
Full Draw

It shoots pretty well, the torque is much reduced, the cast is a tad sluggish, probably due to there being too much sapwood relative to the heartwood.
I'll tune it up and finish the grip over the next week or so.
[/IMG]
Del
 

myownslave

New member
nice job on that. looks like a lot of coaxing went into making that sling arrows. a testament to your bowyering skills.

Dustin D
 
D

Deleted member 7654

Guest
Thanks guys :)
I'm not sure how long it will survive...
Del
 
Top