Post by: globalmark on April 06, 2019, 05:06:28 PM
Just been given this Yew log by a Old Famous Bowyer that lives local to me in the UK - he's had for 20 years but doesnt make yew bows anymore due to the dust almost killed him.
so will try and make a yew bow or 2 and make some laminations out anything left ..
But due to the big Knots in one side i was wondering if anyone had a idea of best way to split it into halves or anything .
It already has some shakes and splits doesnt look like had ever been end sealed - so not sure will get any Billets out of it but like to try
I have split a few logs before but these big knots in one side look like if done wrong will ruin this..
So if anyone has some experience on splitting these funny shaped logs - is it best to try to split it through the middle of the knots or should i keep them in one half ..
or shall i just Bandsaw this in Half ?
Thanks Mark
Post by: Buemaker on April 06, 2019, 06:58:47 PM
The color does not look good in this one.
I cut my first Yew around 1990 so I have cut many over the years.
One can always hope that I am wrong about this one, good luck.
Post by: Flem on April 06, 2019, 09:08:48 PM
There are some talented, experienced log splitters on this forum, maybe you will get some useful advice.
Post by: globalmark on April 07, 2019, 03:27:58 AM
I kinda already knew that - unfortunately when someone gives like that have no choice
the few logs I have done I always split when green ..
Guess it’s to the saw and see if can get some laminations and handle material then - but I will keep hopeful Watch as I go ..
Thanks Mark
Post by: globalmark on April 07, 2019, 05:22:16 PM
but also Made some laminations but they are bit bendy so maybe ok once straightened and middle layer in something ..
Mark
Post by: Wolftrail on April 09, 2019, 04:25:42 PM
Post by: globalmark on April 09, 2019, 05:21:45 PM
no they are not that sweet - to many cracks and Shakes - no doubt as left as a round log - also nothing straight ,
But having a go anyway - managed to Glue up 2 staves from the 4 billets
1 bow should be ok as nice matching pair but other stave not sure we will see .
used draw knife to get ends of billets to size
marked stave to string line of both will approx go through handle
stuck on with PVC card with splice marked
stuck on scrap wood so can cut splice square
cut on bandsaw then cleaned up with bandsaw and small rasp/file
few test fits then glued .
Post by: globalmark on April 09, 2019, 05:23:03 PM
Glued stave 2 (different one from test fit) - have glued tiny bit recurve at handle as one billet bends wrong way - so hopefully will help bit .
Post by: Flem on April 09, 2019, 05:58:06 PM
I've got some twisty Yew that I managed to saw into 3/16" slats. Still haven't had any luck getting them flat. Now I'm hoping you will shed some light on the subject.
Post by: Roy from Pa on April 09, 2019, 06:21:40 PM
I had some 36" long yew billets about 2" wide and 1/2" thick that were twisted/warped.
I'd heat and straighten and clamp them down.
Take clamps off the next day and a half hour later they were warped again.
Gave up after 4 tries.
Post by: globalmark on April 09, 2019, 06:33:04 PM
No i like a challenge when comes to building stuff - am a cabinet maker so the wood work comes easy made table once for fun with 250 piece wood in it ..
i also made a yew bow before from a twisted bent stave and its not to bad 88lbs -
This Log was given to be by Rex Oakes a UK bowyer and he kept for 20 years so feel like have to try and get something.
worst can happen is it breaks and get some time consuming firewood - or will make some chopsticks haha
I will not even try and straighten the staves - i glued up with tips line up through handle as best could so as long as tillering goes OK might get a bow .
FLEM - all my offcuts i cut 5-10mm then passed them through my Thicknesser down to 2-5mm (different ones) but none are flat or straight -but will use for something .
Will add photos as I go
Post by: Flem on April 09, 2019, 06:40:39 PM
Roy, I tried steaming the crap out of these and clamped them flat. They also sprung right back to their original twisted shape. I did hand plane/sand some and once they got down to about .150 they were quite compliant. But that was a LOT of work.
Post by: globalmark on April 09, 2019, 06:46:28 PM
will need cutting and or straightening with steam but some pieces i could use under glass or bamboo straight away ..
or glue loads together and get a quad laminate yew bow maybe haha ?
The rollers inside holds the piece down under the cutters so don't need to be flat to go through really .
Post by: Flem on April 09, 2019, 06:55:27 PM
Post by: Roy from Pa on April 09, 2019, 07:02:22 PM
Post by: Flem on April 09, 2019, 07:44:37 PM
Post by: globalmark on April 10, 2019, 03:50:25 AM
In cabinet making in UK and Australia yes -
A surface PLANER just cuts one edge perfectly flat and square and usually you manually push the timber through the bed (table) which has the cutter in it .
Where a Thicknesser has rollers that pull the timber through and holds the timber down to the table bed itself usually with a cutter above the timber -
Is in the USA a thicknesser is called a Planer
What do you call a Surface Planer - as they are 2 very different machines do different jobs ??
Post by: Fishinglink on April 10, 2019, 09:52:34 AM
Post by: Roy from Pa on April 11, 2019, 11:29:27 AM
https://www.grizzly.com/planers
Drum sanders:
https://www.grizzly.com/drum-sanders
Post by: Flem on April 11, 2019, 12:46:29 PM
Post by: globalmark on April 11, 2019, 02:36:46 PM
I remember now - Jointer is the Name i have also heard of - haha
Flem - yes i put all my Lam's on the thicknesser and depending on the timber i can get them to 1.5-2mm easy and if i put a strip wood underneath i can get them down to 1mm -
I even use the thicknesser to make tapered Lam's - I have a strip of wood thats Tapered (say a 2x1") with whatever taper i want approx length of taper piece with old coarse sandpaper glued all the way along - just sit it on top and pass it through - squeeze together the ends with my fingers to stop any slippage -
if i making a 6' + bow and have a Tapered LAM full length i put Half ie 3' on the Sled (2x1 with sandpaper on) and pass through just stop when cut near the middle - ( lots pencil scribbles or chalk helps see where been cut)
Post by: Roy from Pa on April 11, 2019, 02:47:33 PM
Put a known lam pattern size between the bandsaws guide and the board ya are cutting and out pops a roughed out lam that takes very little trips through the drum sander to get down to size..
https://youtu.be/Sh64PirorD0
Post by: globalmark on April 11, 2019, 02:53:54 PM
Roy that Looks like a wide belt sander - nice toy had one in one workshop i worked at for a bit -
yes Bandsaw the Laminations first - but starts from the tree - here are some Lam's I cut today from a Log left in the local Woods ..
Post by: globalmark on April 11, 2019, 02:57:54 PM
progress so far -
staves in Clamps
staves out of clamps
layout
initial shaping
more layout
pic heated stave tied up over night to bend slightly straighter as this stave was impossible get string through centre handle
Post by: globalmark on April 11, 2019, 02:59:09 PM
one bow looks like will be good other just ok i think - but will have to see ..
more shaping
shaped to approx oversize dimensions - ready next step tiller tree .
Post by: Roy from Pa on April 11, 2019, 03:49:13 PM
$660.oo + shipping.
I love it.
Post by: globalmark on April 12, 2019, 03:37:45 PM
best Tool for this is Rasp - File - cabinet scraper flat - Gooseneck scraper to get left over pieces ..
1st check on tiller tree -
few check on tiller - lots scraping with scraper in-between
last check on tiller tree today - little bit more but almost there - this stave was so uneven and had recurve and bent wrong way had to get a perfect arch .
scraping upper rings (whiter part) carefully around knots
Can see the single ring (oranger part) white being scraped away which is upper ring
Post by: globalmark on April 12, 2019, 03:44:56 PM
side view showing Knots
this Limb mostly done
Using final scraper Gooseneck - so useful to get those slightly indented upper rings
Rings on this bow mainly finished - next back to the Tiller and tiller this one properly .
Thats all for today
Post by: globalmark on April 15, 2019, 04:31:35 PM
Details of fixing the twist in stave A is on my post asking for help on twisting string off..
But thats fixed so continue with the build
where were we ??
cut temporary nock with small rasp file and started tillering - mainly with cabinet scraper but also file and rasp occasionally ..
Pics -
Bow B - pretty much tillered - might need small touch up
Bow A on tiller loose string
Bow A first few pulls
Bow A tiller more and more pulls - remembering exercise limb 10-20 times or more every time i return to the tree.
Post by: globalmark on April 15, 2019, 04:33:17 PM
Back to tree for bow A - it was about after this Point i tried a shorter string and it just twisted it's self off and caused a Issue (look at other post to see how was fixed if interested )
Bow B - laying out for horn Nock (this is How Chris Boyton showed me and pretty effective) - Hold drill bit in line with bow shaft - pencil Line , cut to a wedge shape
Bow B - shaping with Rasp/file (sometimes start with small draw knife)
Post by: globalmark on April 15, 2019, 04:35:41 PM
Square point after cut shape - now knock of corners with file
looks like this
test fit Nock - Rotate fast with hand and push - this makes shiny spots on timber , which file off with small fine file , wobble twist and check -
Nock fits correctly when NO wobble is fel
Post by: globalmark on April 15, 2019, 04:38:13 PM
Shaping Nock (other end then just showed) - i am not a great Carver - so just make sturdy strong probably bit thick Nocks ..use Files mainly and small rasp , sometimes break out the dremel with sanding drum if feeling lazy ...
Horn Nock finish (sanded to 150G)
Horn Nock Finished (sanded to 150G ) - to be fine sanded and polished
Post by: globalmark on April 15, 2019, 04:40:23 PM
Bow sapwood glued on with Smooth-on , probably 4-5mm thick only , flattened and scribed with saw blade the faces before glued ..
Clamped on while glue drys , cling film and the Inner tube
Arrow rest - didn't have mother of Pearl so used some offcuts of horn . Filed a very slight taper on the sides (wedge shape) cabinet maker trick so when clamp the Horn get tigher in the Hole and makes tighter joints ..
Clamped in Vice (5min epoxy)
Post by: globalmark on April 15, 2019, 04:42:18 PM
Pic of filed Arrow plate, rest
Sanded Handle add-on -side view
Sanded Bow with OLD 60grit paper , 80 grit then some 150G , then I put some cellulose Sanding sealer and sanded that off with worn 150G
Danish oil coat all over except the Nocks (they will be polished)
all bow 1 coat Danish Oil - due to climate here in the UK needs full 8hrs to dry between coats then i bring inside house to cool room at night to dry
I will use fine wire wool , dry wipe down after and do several coats of oil , more coats shinier it will become ..
Post by: globalmark on April 15, 2019, 04:43:54 PM
tiller was pretty much there - so next step Nocks (try not to repeat Pics as same process)
Drilled Horn with 16mm Spade Bit (ground to point)
got my 4 sided point then round it off , test fit wiggle , twist and wobble when happy Glue
NB -(see Hole ) had a Large knot just along from the handle went at 45% through to where arrow plate will be - had a dig and it fell Out , so made a pin to fit hole (not dowel as grain runs in same direction as bow wood inc sap wood and heart, probably overkill But i like that) glued that in with smooth-on then put my Handle add-on on top - rest of pin sticks out side and will get covered with arrow plate when do that .
Handle Add On - Flattened Bow Sapwood 6-7" long scrapped Sawblade alone for better glue grip
Clamped on handle with Inner tube
So Bow A is now in the heating cupboard letting smooth-on cure the handle - and the Nocks are also clamped and drying
Post by: globalmark on April 16, 2019, 04:44:51 PM
Bow A Handle Add-on - out of clamps
Bow A Handle Shaping - can see the Peg i put in the KNOT hole - how grain runs same direction as Bow -
Bow A Handle Add-on shaped
Bow A Nock 1 before shaping
Post by: globalmark on April 16, 2019, 04:50:13 PM
BOW A While shaping
BOW A Shaped and sanded to 400G - polished later
BOW A other end shaped
Post by: globalmark on April 16, 2019, 04:58:09 PM
Bow A , Arrow plate clamped using vice - epoxy glue
Back to bow B while glue drys -
I like to use some left over CORK tiles (self adhesive backed) - just cut to rough size peel of backing and stick on , then can shape with rasp easily , can also layer it to make thicker which i do a lot if making a thin tri-laminate bow .
didn't photograph - try remember when do Bow A - but a simple leather grip (ends folded and glued together then mark the back and punch holes in leather and the stitch or glue and stitch on .
NB- will take off leather Handle again to oil Bow as easier and restitch later - might stain the leather also as bit light colour for me .
Thats Bow B mostly finished - need to Put name and weight (ordered new scale and wire wool, waiting for post) then will need rubbing down with fine wire wool and 4-5 more coats danish oil, rubbing down in-between .Then polish Nocks before final coat danish oil ... Made a string for Bow B today also - but Brace height is 6-7" and strange due to there being a lot Deflex in one LIMB and without tension i have maybe 3-4" brace already , but seems to shoot fine - considering this was my bad pieces of wood and wasn't sure i would even make a bow out of this -..
Post by: Flem on April 16, 2019, 06:00:43 PM
That looks like a labor of love or maybe OCD :goldtooth:
Post by: globalmark on April 16, 2019, 06:04:11 PM
thanks for compliments .
yes Has been pretty challenging - NOT OCD - but i do like making things - cabinet maker by trade and made a chair with over 100 laminated pieces a , table with 250 pieces so a bow that takes a few days to a week is not bad ..
i am not even bothered about archery shooting the fun is the making for me - haha
Post by: Flem on April 16, 2019, 06:09:14 PM
Did cut them on the Bandsaw first and managed not to violate the grain. But of course they still have all the twist. They will make lams once they get down to about .150". Getting them there is the problem. I will try your method, Mark and run them thru the thicknesser on a sled
Post by: globalmark on April 16, 2019, 06:18:53 PM
Is that that Pacific coast YEW you get over the pond ? - wow compared to mine looks straight mine all look like Bananas even thickness Bananas though -
With the Thicknesser - not sure what type you have but i have a small one and have a home made extended table like a meter long piece of 38mm (1-1/2") thick worktop (MDF with melamine on top) - this just gives a really good base that doesn't flex - but a 2x4 or if a bigger old style thicknesser has a solid base should be ok - just some these cheaper portable machine's don't really have a long bed - so not enough support for thin timber .
Post by: globalmark on April 19, 2019, 04:52:06 PM
Bow A - i filed the bone arrow plate - but still was not happy how the string sat - the limbs had to much Lateral movement still causing twist - so spent lots time with Heat Gun heating few spots and leaving over night to cool - but finally this morning string sits there really Happily ..
so Not much to report so Far - will upload more pics when sanded and oiled ..
In the Mean time been making few Bamboo Arrows as cut some bamboo from bush on local Common .
and cut the laminations straight that had left over as off cuts these also terrible timber - but possible use under glass or Bamboo as Mid layer or just Laminate loads together and make a Laminated Yew Bow ?
Photo - i drew lamination shape (from 40mm x 36" template) then I bandsaw one edge, after hand planed (no.7) same edge before table saw to 40mm wide make perfect Parallel lamination .. if i will use them i will use my lamination sander to get perfect ..
Post by: globalmark on April 26, 2019, 02:37:23 PM
No post for a few days as takes Time to Danish Oil the Bows - 8hrs between coats with a fine wire wool rub down between , but today both finished .
AND decided make a Pyramid or flat bow with laminations that's also almost finished ..
Bow A - still was not happy so heat and straightened more like 5 times (this is my clamping and holding while cools)
Bow A after cooled still some wiggle but much straighter
Bow B - Polishing the Nocks ( had like 4-5 coats Danish Oil, then masked and polished nocks after will put 1 -2 more coats on ) _ pillar drill with polish mop on)
Bow B - polished Nock
Post by: globalmark on April 26, 2019, 02:39:17 PM
Bow B Finished _ this was the Dodgy Wood - 2 limbs different shapes - one with reflex and one with deflex , has a funny Brace as looks like has set - plus hell of a twist - but at 41Lbs seems shoot ok - not a great Bow but certainly not bad ..
Bow A - after straightening again - was 52lbs - but really Fast and a lot of shock - so decided to reduce this - did 20 strokes with Cabinet scraper on each limb , mainly flat on the belly and reduced to 43lbs - goes to show how much LBS reduce with such a small amount of wood . - had to tiller again little also ..
Bow A - Polish Nocks - after again 4-5 coast Danish Oil .
Post by: globalmark on April 26, 2019, 02:40:52 PM
BOW A Braced
Both BOWS finished - Bow A did a wrap with 1.4mm suede (didn't skive the edge of leather just cut the end tapers and glued with Spray contact adhesive)
Both Bows Finished
Post by: globalmark on April 26, 2019, 02:42:22 PM
Post by: globalmark on April 26, 2019, 02:43:49 PM
Thanks for all those who gave Help - enjoy
However Not finished as have all those Laminations making a bow so more to come
Post by: globalmark on April 26, 2019, 02:45:23 PM
What to do with all those twisted bad laminations - Make a bow what else hahah i was thinking they were to bad and thought maybe under some glass - but decided maybe get enough good wood if made a pyramid bow as can carefully cut out the bad bits and several layers might NOT break - lets hope ..
Made a Pine Template - mainly sport can see what parts of the dodgy Laminations can use - took ages spinning the lams and moving around
Many of the Lams were so twisted - i heated some to Straighten -make the grain as straight as possible
Cut out enough Laminations - i stacked them so one strip of all sapwood on top - and the edges of sapwood I reversed so didn't have sap wood on one side only (where possible anyway)
Made a solid bit Pine Base to Glue to approx same size as template (as didn't have enough spare wood to shave down after glue up - so needed it close as i could) - covered in Tape and will glue one limb to each side .
NB - Middle Lamination I put through Thicknesser again with Tapered Sled so Middle Lamination is Tapered slightly too the tips (same as my recurved bows)
Post by: globalmark on April 26, 2019, 02:47:06 PM
Limbs or laminations on my Glue stick covered in Clingfilm
Limbs wrapped in Innertube - all i had (also small pressure strips made from thin timber) - ready for heat cupboard - Smooth-on used
Limbs ready to clean and shape
Post by: globalmark on April 26, 2019, 02:48:30 PM
Limb Splice layout
Splice cut on Bandsaw
Splice cleaned up so perfect fit - and Handle overlays ready as will glue up all together (mainly all YEW , but used one bit oak and elm also)
Post by: globalmark on April 26, 2019, 02:50:12 PM
Dry and out of clamps and cut and sanded Handle sides
Shaping Handle
Couldn't be bothered with Tempory Nocks so glued on some IPE and slice of Horn just basic flat as bow might not work ?
Post by: globalmark on April 26, 2019, 02:52:45 PM
See the Jig ( covered in Tape ) just a 2x1 and small blocks cut to the recurve shape on bandsaw and held on 2x1 with Tape)
Ready for Cooking
Out of cooking and cleaned and Shaped
Post by: globalmark on April 26, 2019, 02:53:55 PM
Last Lamination - looks ok bit sapwood but layer underneath is on opposite side so hopefully stress out evenly ..
All Bows from that ONE log -
The Flat/pyramid bow mostly finished , maybe some light Tillering but i like to wait a few days before tiller make sure the Smooth-On is 100% cured first
i had it lightly on tiller with the 3 laminations and shot couple arrows But with the 4th going up the Handle i will leave it a day or so longer ..
there is a lot of defects in this Log generally and these Laminations were Cut as could not get a Longbow out of the pieces - shakes , cracks , splits Knots - all in this Flat Bow , but hopefully they are buried in the laminations and strong enough now ...
that's all for now until get to Tiller the Bow and finish it up - will post when Can ..
Post by: Flem on April 26, 2019, 03:28:29 PM
I was able to run them through the drum sander and get them tapered after planing.From garbage to golden. Thanks for the idea :thumbsup:
Post by: globalmark on April 26, 2019, 03:34:38 PM
Glad that worked Out - lot of mine had grain running in several directions was really bad stuff - but the 3rd bow made from Laminations I think will be quite good bow , will have to see
as in my post many Laminations were not straight but surprise dry heat (heat gun) straighten a fair bit ..
yes Good Yew Hard to come By in the UK also and most is not straight and the tree surgeons just Log it straight away -
so definitely a Special wood - and this piece kept by who gave to me for 20 years I tried damn hard to make something ..
Are you making something from your Slats/Lams , or just going to hold onto them ??
Mark
Post by: Flem on April 26, 2019, 07:40:00 PM
They are from small trees salvaged in wildfire burnt areas. High altitude Rocky Mountain Yew. They don't get very big here, harsh environment, short growing season. The big, clean trees are near the west coast of the U.S. Most of it would be considered garbage, but I have been making things from it when I can.
Post by: globalmark on April 27, 2019, 03:22:31 AM
That sounds more similar to UK Yew not great stuff for bows -due to size and shape -except the mountain bushfire bit haha to wet in UK for those - mountain Yew sounds could be good though - cold grown timber always better
Most of the yew bows made here in medieval times were from the Alps or Pyrenees , but can use if do lots more effort - best luck with yours ..
Post by: globalmark on April 27, 2019, 05:39:26 PM
and even though 4 laminations of Yew still only had a 25lbs draw weight seems to shoot fine BUT
due to using all the left over laminations and even as careful as i was -
the bow has a developed a crack in the Back and some shakes opened little on the belly -
Plan - i have glued there crack and the shakes - warm smooth-on while bow was drawn i pushed glue into the cracks for a few mins so hopefully some will get inside . let that dry - then Belly Maybe ok but the Back i am thinking about putting a 2nd Back on it (only 25Lbs) so happily can add some thin layer
unfortunately don't have enough yew Sapwood left so either might Buy something Hickory , Ash or maybe even some glass ?
Pics
Tiller - not great - was a large Knot in 4th lamination causing a bend , so did very gently tiller .
Tiller - getting better
Belly - Shakes coming through
Back Crack in sapwood (have 3 other layers so not as serious as think) but still needs fixing. is also only 2/3 width of 1 lamination ..
NB _ if anyone has other suggestions what can put on the Back - timber or other material to repair or stop this Crack getting worst would be appreciated
as been trying to decide best way -
Thats all for today -
Post by: Flem on April 27, 2019, 07:28:02 PM
Post by: globalmark on April 28, 2019, 03:26:13 AM
Yes a bit annoying but was a
Quick bow to make really as had the laminations already -
This is what happens when Male a bow from leftover rubbish wood I suppose
But it’s not over yet -
I will fix and reinforce somehow
Mark
Post by: globalmark on April 29, 2019, 04:20:46 PM
1st thing i did was run lots Glue into the crack but now cut that out - but put glue also in the Belly shakes that should be fine for them...
Glue Belly Pic
Crack on the Back after glue dry can see crack
side view of crack
Pic of Bow New Back laminations - unfortunately didn't have any pure sapwood but these are mostly sapwood and grain running different way (like quartersawn ) so should reinforce underlayer well (i manually bent just the lamination to 180˚ and didn't snap so plenty of bend on them)
Post by: globalmark on April 29, 2019, 04:22:04 PM
Plane off Handle riser i glued on before
Bandsaw off Nocks (about 1mm above lamination below and finish with block plane)
Cut template of Half one limb - then i layed that on some spare offcuts sapwood cut out and cleaned edges -picture here is that half lamination layed ontop of cracked limb and use sharp knife to cut clean edge following my spice repair piece (make sense ?? )
next pic use a Router and freehand cut away most of the wood with the crack in middle - about 1/2mm above the lam below
(i didn't replace whole lamination as i didn't have enough sapwood spare - just enough do this half repair
Post by: globalmark on April 29, 2019, 04:23:32 PM
Pic of cleaned ready to glue - 1/2 limb down to lower lamination (below lamination had NO damage or cracks)
glueing on the splice (1/2 lamination limb) - I use the spring clamps hold all in place (clingfilm - pressure strip) while i wrap in Innertube
Limb wrapped in Innertube - ready for heater
Post by: globalmark on April 29, 2019, 04:24:57 PM
i didn't take pics - but same procedure as adding Lamination before -
i took my extra Laminations i will add to the BACK , which i had already spliced together earlier - and using saw blade scratch surface for better glue join
I also Made sure splice was opposite one below so all joins DO NOT line up just a little extra strength - also made the best cleanest Lamination ontop of my splice - again make sure has best chance ..
pic of spliced Lams (the one going ontop)
Pic - of glued bow with added Laminations over whole Back - Now in hot box ..
More too come when remove tomorrow ..
Post by: globalmark on April 30, 2019, 12:15:28 PM
1st Pic - unwrapped the Innertube - ready to clean up
cleaned and ready for handle plate
slither bone glued with 5min epoxy (shape that before glueing on old nocks)
Smooth-on glued handle plate
Post by: globalmark on April 30, 2019, 12:16:29 PM
that's all did today - hopefully in next couple days will have time to clean all that up - and get it back on tiller tree see where we are .
Post by: globalmark on May 02, 2019, 02:09:49 PM
Cleaned up and shaped Handle plate - rasp , file and sandpaper
Belly of Bow - 1 limb all sanded up
Bow back on tiller Tree for last time
Post by: globalmark on May 02, 2019, 02:10:59 PM
Arrow rest shaped and profiled so sits perfectly on handle - will be held in with spot hot glue and the leather wrap eventually
Arrow rest
I like to Use some sanding sealer - do this with most wood work projects - just raises and seals the grain means less top coats of whatever also - quick wipe on 10mins dry and sand smooth ..
Also last minute decided to add a Arrow Plate as Yew is pretty soft and does dent and mark easily - so used thing off cut of horn (used for arrow inserts)
Post by: globalmark on May 02, 2019, 02:12:50 PM
Filed and sanded smooth plate
Smooth - can see follows the shape of handle - i deliberately put this in so didn't ruin the shape
Both arrow plate and rest together - how will be under handle
1st coat of Danish Oil - will let dry for 20+hrs then sand most off and smooth with 400G or wire wool - label/name bow then continue with several more coats of oil ...
that's all today
Post by: Flem on May 02, 2019, 04:50:35 PM
Post by: globalmark on May 02, 2019, 05:03:04 PM
Thanks mate - yes from a terrible Log - to finally 3 bows , this one added 2 more Lams then wanted and a big splice to fix the crack - but got there in the end well almost ..
my first arrow rest of this type so nice to always make something new - I will continue with few more pics when all sealed and finished ..
I look forward to see what you do with you LAMS also ???? haha
Mark
Post by: globalmark on May 06, 2019, 12:01:38 PM
then Used hot glue to fix on the Arrow rest (this glue only temporary holds while wrap is done)
then used 1.4mm suede leather strip 1" wide (didn't skive the edge of the leather as thin anyway )
used Hot glue to hold leather strip - tiny blob on the leather and bow each rotation just to hold and stop slippage - sometimes use contact adhesive but thats more permanent ..
photo shows handle wrap finished - just need to smooth out tucked in bit and tidy up neatly
leather wrap
Post by: globalmark on May 06, 2019, 12:02:55 PM
nice shooter - has lots speed and penetration power for a 42lbs bow its one of my favourite
Post by: globalmark on May 06, 2019, 12:04:36 PM
me holding full draw - silly position i am as trying to hold for photo
so thats 3 bows all useable out of 1 dodgy UK yew log
Thanks all guys for watching and COMMENTS please - if see something i can do better or you would do different i would LIKE to hear as I love learning how to improve myself and bow making
SO please critique and give info how you would do different or suggestions how to do things better ..or if you want any more specific info on any bows or how i do please ask happy to help ..
Post by: BMorv on May 06, 2019, 12:27:07 PM
The laminated pieces on the handle are beautiful.
Post by: globalmark on May 06, 2019, 12:32:54 PM
Certainly more work then i thought when started - but i hate to waste anything especially timber ..
Post by: Buemaker on May 06, 2019, 12:36:54 PM
Post by: globalmark on May 06, 2019, 12:40:22 PM
Thanks for that - Myself also when i first split that log saw all the shakes/cracks and worm holes i though if i get one bow would be lucky ,So I really didn't expect 3 - i am not saying they are great BOWS though but all useable and Yew always looks nice ..
Post by: Flem on May 06, 2019, 01:27:00 PM
I have a bin full of little off cuts and scrap Yew, I can't bring myself to burn or toss.
You inspired me to go out and get a fresh log. Looking forward to making a ELB with it sometime in the future. Might have to send you a chunk when it's seasoned, I know it won't go to waste :bigsmyl:
Post by: globalmark on May 06, 2019, 01:31:26 PM
Thanks for that - still waiting for your Laminated YEW bow hahaha.
Lefty - NO my father is a Lefty and always seems wrong hahaha , I think the string is straight , just the photo the bow is leaning slightly in the pics , but you could be right i didn't study it exactly ...
Would be happy to receive any Yew - being a cabinet maker and keen woodworker any scraps get turned into Bowl, woden spoons (a 6-8" lam makes great spatula for the kitchen) , key rings whatever or if really small they turn into glue sticks -
Mark
Post by: canopyboy on May 06, 2019, 02:18:57 PM
Post by: globalmark on May 06, 2019, 02:26:09 PM
Appreciated comments
Post by: globalmark on May 08, 2019, 01:59:48 PM
Found a YEW branch on local Common (field and woods in the local village people live around allowed to take cut timber)
and you can see the sort of nice shapes we get from English YEW - give it a year to dry and might be a light spliced handle BOW from it -
this is what i do to UK yew
Drawknife - take all Bark off
decide where cut or split (cut this as so small) - hand draw line top limb
cut in half
seal ends with End seal (a wax) or PVA glue thick coat and about 1" down sides ( done this several times before and seasons without further splits .
If no good for a BOW - make some Laminations or use for Handles or make some Xmas pressies (spoons , spatulas , bowls etc etc )(i am wood turner and cabinet maker) so no wood ever gets wasted .
Post by: Flem on May 08, 2019, 06:17:39 PM
Post by: globalmark on May 08, 2019, 06:30:09 PM
Hahaha - have to wait a year or until its dry to see what can be done with it - but i cut a branch off a tree in Fathers house once left the country for 10 years and made a decent longbow 88lbs 12years later - and wasn't much different from this - but this one is a bit short 57" overall and last 22 or so" has a lot of knots - but should give enough for a 68-72" yew bow one day or can make a kids or light womans bow who knows hahah- Just add to my stock cut branches for now.
YEW is yew and i feel its precious wood so always pick up any cut branch's - also amazing for wood turning , can be turned super thin .
Post by: Flem on May 08, 2019, 06:45:03 PM
Post by: globalmark on May 09, 2019, 02:56:45 PM
Actually was thinking about that the other Day YEW being Toxic - but maybe need some more research - i know the dust is but when sanded and sealed - i dont know ? The guy who gave me that log cant work with YEW as the dust almost killed him he told me so stays away from it completely .
But many years ago i met a Famous wood turner that showed me the Goblets he turns which you can see Light through - and the QUEEN has a pair - but dont know if they every get drunk out of or just decoration -
maybe someone here know if YEW is toxic and HOW ..
Post by: Flem on May 09, 2019, 03:36:58 PM
They use to harvest it here in mass for the bark, they were making anti cancer drugs from it. Fortunately they found a way to synthesize the drug.
This is an interesting, obscure book. Lots of good info on Yew if you can find a copy to read.
Post by: globalmark on May 09, 2019, 03:42:31 PM
Just been reading this also
https://www.kew.org/read-and-watch/analysis-of-yew-wood
Basically - wood seems a lot less toxic then berries , bark or needles - but best be cautious - so think best no yew touches food or drink ..