Yew lumber and bow building

[Scott E]

The local lumber yard has a great selection of hardwoods and exotics. They have yew boards and it has me thinking. Anyone have experience using yew lumber? Things I should look for? I would of course back it with boo or hickory.

[strungstick]

I've used dimensional (pacific) yew in glass bows.  Check the moisture level and all the yew I've used has been pretty unstable.  After I cut it into lams I always didn't waste any time in getting it glued up because it would do all kinds of funny stuff.

[Bowjunkie]

I've used it in recurves and d/r longbows backed with bamboo, in bamboo backed yew tri-lams, and tri-lams with yew in the center and osage on the belly, etc. I really like it. I wish it was easier to find. Bamboo backed yew bows are something special.

Things to look for? Like any wood, I look for good grain/ring structure, as clear as possible, straight, etc.

The only thing I've found different with yew is, it's easier to over-dry it... and when it's too dry, the very best piece of yew will explode before it gives to the string.

[Black Mockingbird]

Mmmmmmm....boo backed yew...tasty goodness...I've done a boo backed yew with a walnut core trilam and i love that bow ...

And lucky yew to find some yew lumber local...hopefully yew can find some bow worthy material...might be tough to find? Since it'll be on the belly it doesn't have to be perfect like an unbacked board bow and can take a slight violation of grain..but its still gotta be pretty close..good luck    n I want some  

[Roy from Pa]

Yup B-Bird, your turning into a glue up cookie cutter bowyer... LOL          

[Black Mockingbird]

Can't disagree with ya Roy. ..hate to say it but your right...I've been thinking of taking one of my few 6-8" logs of yew and slating it up for cookie cutters ... ;D

[Roy from Pa]

Can I have a yew slat please?

[Scott E]

I just called them to get pricing on it and they are out of it      They don't plan on bringing anymore in    

[Scott E]

I did find a place in PA that carries it (outside of Philly sorry Roy). I might have to call them up.