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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Keenan on November 10, 2012, 11:35:00 AM

Title: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Keenan on November 10, 2012, 11:35:00 AM
Right now I have four charater bows in the works. Two of them are very lumpy bumpy staves and full of character. Here are a few progress pictures.
  (http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/bornagainprimitve/IMG_0020.jpg)
  (http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/bornagainprimitve/IMG_0021-1.jpg)
  (http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/bornagainprimitve/IMG_0023-2.jpg)
  (http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/bornagainprimitve/IMG_0036-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Trapper Rob on November 10, 2012, 11:55:00 AM
Love the character.
Rob
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: rainman on November 10, 2012, 01:23:00 PM
I thought you were talking about Roy and his bow.  :bigsmyl:
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Keenan on November 10, 2012, 02:11:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by rainman:
I thought you were talking about Roy and his bow.    :bigsmyl:  
That yew character would take more then a little heat correcting. I think there would be a few warped limbs and definietly some major knots to work out of that ol bird! Might even find a little dry rott  :laughing:      :laughing:
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Roy from Pa on November 10, 2012, 02:33:00 PM
I kin see I gotta start a Special Thumpen List now:) Just when I was starten to like ya again Keenan, ya go and talk smack on me. An Rainman, I'm gonna be real busy when I get to Missourri, the other thumpen list is full of Missouri Boys:)

That's some wild looking Yew Ole Boy! Can't wait to see what ya make out of it.
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: DVSHUNTER on November 10, 2012, 03:32:00 PM
Those will be some cool bows keenan. I can't wait to see em finished.
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Keenan on November 10, 2012, 03:44:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Roy from Pa:
I kin see I gotta start a Special Thumpen List now:) Just when I was starten to like ya again Keenan, ya go and talk smack on me. An Rainman, I'm gonna be real busy when I get to Missourri, the other thumpen list is full of Missouri Boys:)

That's some wild looking Yew Ole Boy! Can't wait to see what ya make out of it.
Goal for the weekend accomplished. Made the list again!
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Black Mockingbird on November 10, 2012, 03:59:00 PM
Don't forget to put my name on one of those n send my way...its gonna be nice to see a Keenan bow/bows again

Chris..aka blackhawk
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Roy from Pa on November 10, 2012, 05:16:00 PM
Won't be long there will be carp skin all over it:)

(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f165/ROY-CHRIS/is.jpg)
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Keenan on November 10, 2012, 07:16:00 PM
No Roy, out of carp skins but we did put some sturgeon skins on a bow today.  :readit:  
Think of it this way. If your ever wrapped a handle in leather then you have put animal hide on your wood. Fish skins are just the same as leatherwrapped handles  :readit:
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Roy from Pa on November 10, 2012, 08:52:00 PM
I put tanned deer hide on my bows ole timer. I put fish skin on my fishen rod handles.   :readit:
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: rainman on November 10, 2012, 09:01:00 PM
Roy, DVS and I will make it easy on you we only live 15 minutes apart. So you can catch your breath between thumpins if you need too or we can be there at the same time for the thumpins to get you on stand sooner, your choice.   :notworthy:
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Roy from Pa on November 10, 2012, 09:13:00 PM
LOL Dan, that will work:) Click the picture below to see how a real Yew Bow shoots:)

 (http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f165/ROY-CHRIS/th_MVI_7278.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/albums/f165/ROY-CHRIS/?action=view¤t=MVI_7278.mp4)
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: rainman on November 10, 2012, 09:50:00 PM
It aint just the bow, the shooter seems okay too.
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Keenan on November 10, 2012, 09:53:00 PM
Wow, nice group Roy. What more could a person want. Very impressed with your work on that one Roy. Are ya ready for one of these lumpy bumpy staves? LOL
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Roy from Pa on November 10, 2012, 09:58:00 PM
Ya got my address ole boy:)
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Roy from Pa on November 12, 2012, 07:40:00 AM
Let's go Ole Boy.. I wanna see one of those character bows bending.
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Keenan on November 12, 2012, 10:27:00 AM
:bigsmyl:    :laughing:    Helped the boy Saterday and back was flared up yesertday so didn't get anything done.   :rolleyes:    :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: coaster500 on November 12, 2012, 10:35:00 AM
Keenan!!! can't wait to see this unfold  :)

Roy, Roy, Roy at the risk of gettin kicked off your thumpin list....  man that's a sweet shooter there....  great work!!!
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Roy from Pa on November 12, 2012, 12:43:00 PM
Don't worry Kipper ole boy, you'll be on it for a while:)
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Keenan on November 13, 2012, 07:45:00 PM
Here is an update on one of the bows. Tillered out to 23 inches. Shooting for 28"  Right now she is still heavy and about 65 lbs. at 23
Shot a few rounds through her at short draw. She sure zips an arrow at 65 lbs.  This back is so lumpy bumpy and just beautiful. Don't think this one will have any skins Roy.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/bornagainprimitve/IMG_0077.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/bornagainprimitve/IMG_0087.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/bornagainprimitve/IMG_0090.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/bornagainprimitve/IMG_0093.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/bornagainprimitve/IMG_0103.jpg)
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Keenan on November 13, 2012, 07:46:00 PM
One more for prespective.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/bornagainprimitve/IMG_0104.jpg)
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: DVSHUNTER on November 13, 2012, 07:56:00 PM
Looking good. Maybe a bit stiff on the left limb right after that big ole bump? Those spots always give me fits. I always worry aboutgetting to thin there. I'm glad you remembered I've got skins on the other bow you gave me so I won't need any on this one.
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Roy from Pa on November 13, 2012, 08:04:00 PM
Very nice Keenan...
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Keenan on November 13, 2012, 08:11:00 PM
Thanks guys. Thanks for the eye ball input David.After looking at all them bumps all day , my eyes are starting to get crossed. I've been trying to get a little more bend on the outer thirds. Keep scraping and scraping but they still look stiff.  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Roy from Pa on November 13, 2012, 08:17:00 PM
Looks pretty good to me ole boy. Less ya wanna get both outer 1/3rds bending more.

 (http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f165/ROY-CHRIS/IMG_0087.jpg)
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Keenan on November 13, 2012, 08:48:00 PM
Yep Roy that's what I was thinking outer thirds are still being stiff.  :rolleyes:    :bigsmyl:
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: snakewood3 on November 13, 2012, 09:39:00 PM
That is some amazing work on a beautiful piece of wood.
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: tenbrook on November 14, 2012, 08:26:00 AM
Keenan = Jedi Master of Selfbow
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Roy from Pa on November 14, 2012, 08:34:00 AM
Did you reflex the outer limbs, Keenan? That would keep them flatter. So it's ok I guess:)
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: coaster500 on November 14, 2012, 09:23:00 AM
Beautiful Keenan!!!


 :notworthy:  


 :campfire:
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Jack Skinner on November 14, 2012, 01:49:00 PM
I like that bow its sweet. I am working on a yew right now as well. Are you going to reinforce the string nock area or not? I didnt on my last yew and it spit, was thinking of trying horn but I am normally less is better kind of bowyer. I am also thinking the outer limbs need to bend more, but a lot of folks really like the stiff outer limb tiller. Suppose I am more of a whip tiller guy. Great looking bow though.
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Dan Landis on November 14, 2012, 07:25:00 PM
Beautiful work as always Keenan.  I think the back looks great the way it is, be a shame to cover it up with skins.  Can't wait to see it with some finish on it...Dan
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Keenan on November 14, 2012, 10:08:00 PM
Thank you everyone. I worked on her a little more today and got the mid and outer limbs bending a touch more. Little closer to weight but still have a few pounds to shed. Out to about 26" now.  will try to get some more pics up tommarrow

Jack The tips have zebra wood overlays. Sorry I didn't post pics of that. On yew I always do tip overlays. Just to soft to risk it without, and I like fast flight instead of b50
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Roy from Pa on November 14, 2012, 10:45:00 PM
Fast Flight on a Yew Longbow? Oh My God, Howard Hill just rolled over in his grave.    :laughing:    :deadhorse:  

Hey ole boy in those pictures, which is the top limb? The limb with the big lump?
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Shaun on November 14, 2012, 11:04:00 PM
HH did not have fast flight or he would have used it.

Great work Keenan. Trying to look through the lumps and see the tiller is a challenge. What is the length and what weight are you aiming for?

I was doing that short draw shoot-in thing once with an unbacked yew and had a brain short circuit... "What if I pulled it another couple inches..." largest piece was eleven inches. Very exciting.
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Keenan on November 15, 2012, 07:31:00 AM
Roy, Since the original bows were made with sinew strings and other types of natural cordage I'm sure that that would have been said about him as well  :eek:     :bigsmyl:  

And yes the top limb is the one with the big bump

Shaun, Thank you, It's 66" and shooting for 45-50 lbs. at 28"
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Roy from Pa on November 15, 2012, 09:11:00 AM
Just messen wit ya ole boy:)
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Keenan on November 15, 2012, 10:28:00 AM
Yep Ol Roy, and now that you admitted it on a public forum, you is on MY thumpin list.  :laughing:    :laughing:
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Roy from Pa on November 15, 2012, 11:26:00 AM
I ain't skeered.   :laughing:
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Jack Skinner on November 15, 2012, 02:19:00 PM
I have a bone block and had Roy from Pa show me in his yew bow forum his method of tip overlay. Could you put some pictures of your tip overlays up here for me to look at please and thank you. I have been having problems with my yew billets and not sure they will make bow but would like to try some tip overlays for practice if nothing else.
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Roy from Pa on November 16, 2012, 08:35:00 AM
Here are some pictures of Keenan's over lays, maybe the ole boy will post more, when he gets out of bed:) I imagine he does his similar to how I showed you.

 (http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f165/ROY-CHRIS/keenan2.jpg)

 (http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f165/ROY-CHRIS/keenan1.jpg)
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Jack Skinner on November 16, 2012, 09:23:00 AM
OK Thanks Roy I remember that from your forum now. I would say from the pictures that you are correct he would do them basicly the same way.
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Keenan on November 16, 2012, 09:46:00 AM
Hey ol Boy, I've been up since 4:45 our time. That about three hrs. later then your time.  

So translation would be if I'm up late, Then you go to bed when most of us are still getting stuff done!  :readit:    :laughing:  

I think I have some how to pictures somewhere in the files. I'll try to find some and get thenm posted.
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Roy from Pa on November 16, 2012, 10:02:00 AM
Ok ole boy get thenm posted:)
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Tom Leemans on November 16, 2012, 03:23:00 PM
Dang that fella can turn out a bow! Beautiful as usual Keenan!
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Keenan on November 16, 2012, 07:49:00 PM
Thanks Tom.
Got side tracked today with several other projects that I had to finish and had to shut things up for the day. Back is toast.

Blacktail is coming over in the morning to cut up some yew that he has and then we might head out to harvest some Juniper branches
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Diamondback59 on November 16, 2012, 10:26:00 PM
hy jack gimme a hollar we can get togather do some tips if u want have several yews im workin on now and a lot of water buff horn if ya want some to try need to get the dates for our shoots from ya this year brock
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: twitchstick on November 18, 2012, 09:48:00 AM
Very nice!
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: blacktailchaser on November 20, 2012, 01:47:00 AM
i didnt know you was showing off them pritty little sticks of yours..a man who can work on 4 bows at once has talent..john
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Keenan on November 21, 2012, 12:45:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by blacktailchaser:
i didnt know you was showing off them pritty little sticks of yours..a man who can work on 4 bows at once has talent..john
A man working on four bows at once,,, just might not have a full deck  :readit:  

John I got the one you saw me tillering, to 28 inches today!  She has been a tuff biuild, scraping and sanding to get her to bend through all those bumps took some work and allot of hours but we have made it! Did a final sand out, Boned the back and hit her with some steel wool. She is now soaking in her first layer of finish  :bigsmyl:    :bigsmyl:    :bigsmyl:
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Roy from Pa on November 21, 2012, 07:17:00 AM
A man could say anything in here. I wanna see pictures before I believe ya ole boy.   :laughing:

But I do believe your not playing with a full deck:)
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: DVSHUNTER on November 21, 2012, 07:44:00 AM
I'm with Roy...prove it!
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Buemaker on November 21, 2012, 07:49:00 AM
Most  interesting and excellent work. You say the bow is soaking in her first coat of finish, Does this mean you have it fully submerged in an oil bath. Bue--.
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Keenan on November 21, 2012, 09:06:00 AM
:bigsmyl:    :bigsmyl:   Oh the Drama!  :laughing:  

Hopefully I can figure out the youtube video thing so I can get some footage of shooting it at my "Roy and DVS" Target  :laughing:    :laughing:  

When I wrote soaking in the first layer of finish. I was meaning applied and the wood is soaking it in. Sorry for the confusion.
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Roy from Pa on November 21, 2012, 10:08:00 AM
Put the video on photobucket ole boy. Then post it just like pictures, but tell us it's a video and to click the picture to view it. Can you hit a target at your age? :)
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Keenan on November 21, 2012, 01:59:00 PM
Roy I can't seem to get the video to load on Photobucket like my pictures do? Here is a you tube link. Not very good, a little shakey and just a quick trial run. Probably a little to close with the camera. Only one coat of finish so far.
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJuZblmula4&feature=plcp
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Roy from Pa on November 21, 2012, 02:17:00 PM
Breath taking, Keenan. Fantastic, awesome, super, great, nice.

I guess it's OK....  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: vanillabear? on November 21, 2012, 02:35:00 PM
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Keenan on November 21, 2012, 03:48:00 PM
Thanks Guys. Your going to have to wait for the full draw. Need to let this coat get hard so I can steel wool it again then about 8 more coats of finish.
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Roy from Pa on November 21, 2012, 04:10:00 PM
8 more coats? Yer stalling ole boy, yer skeered to put a string on her, hain't cha son? Put a carp skin on her or sompen ole boy. I knew it DVS, he's just BS-en us.   :laughing:
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Dan Landis on November 21, 2012, 04:57:00 PM
I notice that all of your yew bows have a rounded belly, is this just your preferance or is there a reason for it.  Beautiful by the way, glad to see you decided not to skin it.

Don't wanna steal your thread, but how long do you typically let your yew staves cure before working them?    Dan
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: DVSHUNTER on November 21, 2012, 07:32:00 PM
I was thinking the same thing Roy. Who makes a video of just a shiney stick.
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Keenan on November 21, 2012, 08:01:00 PM
Yes Roy 8 more coats. This one is going to Lousiana so I want to make sure she is sealed good.
Shot her a bunch, as far as I could draw her,  but I have a hard time hitting 28 inches with my short 25" draw. That string tends to hit the back of my head as it goes by   :saywhat:    Gave her a good workout on the tillering tree so I feel very confident with it holding up.
He wanted this one between 45 and 50 and she is sitting right at 48 lbs at 28"   :bigsmyl:      :bigsmyl:  
As with most bows I fell in love with it, especially shooting her in. I expected may a slight hand shock with all the bumps but it is dead quiet in the hand and very quick. I know, I know You want proof!!  you'll just have to believe for now till I get them targets posters of Roy and David made up   :laughing:      :laughing:

Dan It is mostly preference and I've found it works well for me.  I hate square corners and with a softer wood like yew, square corners will dent easier then rounded
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Roy from Pa on November 21, 2012, 09:26:00 PM
Yer right DVS, more BS-EN I say.

25 inch draw? Heck my Grand Daughter draws that far:)

Yada Yada Yada.............

Hain't a bow to me till I see that full draw pix and arrows in the 10 ring ole boy...

I got the Douglas Fir arrows tuned in tonight, cut 1 1/4 inch off em. 40 - 45 spine, 11/32nd shafts, 29 inches to BOP, 125 grain field point. Perfect now for that 45 # Yew @ a 27" draw.

 (http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f165/ROY-CHRIS/IMG_7295.jpg)

 (http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f165/ROY-CHRIS/IMG_7294.jpg)
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Roy from Pa on November 21, 2012, 10:02:00 PM
Keenan what's ya using tru oil? When ya get er done, ya get er done:)
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Keenan on November 22, 2012, 10:27:00 AM
Nice group Roy! Now ya got me thinking my shootin is not up to par.  :knothead:   How close,,,, I mean far away were you?  :dunno:  
Using spray on Minwax poly.
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: blacktailchaser on November 22, 2012, 11:41:00 AM
holy cow,keenan is in the video world..that is great..SO,what is next bow making,elk hunting..that bow looks so nice..and glad to here the scraping went o.k...john
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Roy from Pa on November 22, 2012, 12:06:00 PM
That was 12 yards Keenan. That Yew bow is very impressive. Fast and accurate.
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Keenan on November 29, 2012, 10:55:00 PM
Ok I guess I'll have to shoot at twelve yards tommarrow just to keep you honest Roy.  :bigsmyl:  
Did I mention I love yew wood! I guess I am going to have to quit playing with this one and get her on the road to her new home. She is all dolled up and ready for the runnway. Here are some pictures of her with the final coats of finish. I'll get some pictures of the handle wrap and full draw tommarrow. Rained all day today.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/bornagainprimitve/DSC_0007-3.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/bornagainprimitve/DSC_0067.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/bornagainprimitve/DSC_0068.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/bornagainprimitve/DSC_0161.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/bornagainprimitve/DSC_0029-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Buemaker on November 30, 2012, 06:31:00 AM
Looks like a fantastic finish. Is the Minwax poly spray on a waterbased finish? Bue--.
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Roy from Pa on November 30, 2012, 07:34:00 AM
Very sweet, Keenan.
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Keenan on November 30, 2012, 01:24:00 PM
Blue, not water based.
Here are a few more pics.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/bornagainprimitve/DSC_0041-1.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/bornagainprimitve/DSC_0001-1.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/bornagainprimitve/DSC_0022-1.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/bornagainprimitve/DSC_0032-1.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/bornagainprimitve/DSC_0033.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/bornagainprimitve/DSC_0121.jpg)
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Keenan on November 30, 2012, 01:32:00 PM
Here is the video clip and the money shots Roy. Yes Roy, My son will verify that it was twelve yards.   :bigsmyl:  

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZCXgTn3FoE&feature=youtu.be  

  (http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/bornagainprimitve/IMG_0148.jpg)
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Roy from Pa on November 30, 2012, 04:14:00 PM
Not too shabby ole boy...
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Dan Landis on November 30, 2012, 06:01:00 PM
Beautiful bow, and the tips look like they grew there....Dan
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Shaun on December 01, 2012, 07:47:00 AM
Looks like it shoots about a quarter inch high and left. Fantastic bow Keenan.
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: DVSHUNTER on December 01, 2012, 09:09:00 AM
Great looking bow keenan. I could definitely pick your bows out of a lineup anyway. Classic keenan style.
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: jsweka on December 01, 2012, 03:42:00 PM
Wow.  That bow is wild!  Good shootin'!
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Osagetree on December 01, 2012, 04:11:00 PM
Purdy!
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Keenan on December 01, 2012, 10:23:00 PM
Thanks Guys. If I shot like that all the time I'd be happy. Somedays the group is a bit sloppy
Title: Re: Yew Character (updated)
Post by: Mark Baker on December 02, 2012, 11:53:00 PM
Very nice, very nice!