I recently cut down a yew branch from my mum’s garden and thought it would be fun to turn it into something special.
After some thought, I decided to make a yew longbow as a display piece-and perhaps even a family heirloom to pass down! was at the makerspace today using the steamer to bend the wood and met @Judecollins, who suggested share some photos of the project here.
Below, you’ll find pictures of the yew branches I’ve cut, my very makeshift workspace at my mum’s (a saw, two chairs, and a door balanced on a table!), and how I transported the branches all the way from Hereford to London by train.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts, advice, or any similar projects you’ve worked on!
Hey Benjamin, always good to see another bow maker. I’ve made a lot of bows in my garden and ran a bow making workshop a few times, so if you want any advice on tillering or whatever I’ll be happy to help.
Hard for anything specific without looking your stave closely but for some generic advice, when tillering most first time bowyers leave to much bend in the fades(the transition between handle and limb) rather than spreading out the bend across the whole limb.
Ahh brilliant Harry! Ill be honest the piece I am making at the moment has alot of knots and defects, so I’m not entirely confident it will hold. But i would love some advice tillering if you are in the makerspace any time soon?
Not got any concrete plans at the moment, though I do want to see if I can setup my tillering works in the wood workshop alright. Should be doing it on a weekend or Monday afternoon sometime soon. If you’re planing on being in on the weekend at all send me message and I’ll probably be able to take a look/help you out.
