Yew Craft project?

[James Watson]

Hi all,

I've just pruned a yew tree in my back garden and have a few nice peices. The largest beeing around 2inches in diameter. Has anyone got any ideas of what I can make out of it?

Thanks James.

Oh, unfotrunatly its not suitable for bows

 

[TheViking]

Hi...

You could carve a spoon... or make a head out of one piece...

 

[James Watson]

Hey, Andy.

I thought of making a spoon, but i wasn't sure of the toxicity of the timber. :shock: I would like to know that before putting it in my mouth

James

 

[TheViking]

Hi...

Here's some info on yew! And another link.

 

[Squidders]

2" diamiter.... how long are the bits?

 

[Ed]

You could still carve a spoon, even if you don't use it due to the toxic nature of yew. Its a tradition in wales to make one for a loved one ;-) .. yew is very hard to carve though.
Do a forum search on yew.... alot has been covered on its toxicity and its probably best not to use it for cooking fires or utensils.


Ed

 

[Squidders]

I was thinking more of an english long bow...

 

[RovingArcher]

I've read where the dust of yew from sanding is also toxic, so perhaps wear a dust mask.

 

[Squidders]

Most woods are nasty if you work with them A LOT... lots of chippies end up with throat cancer. I personally wouldn't worry too much if you're hacking away outdoors.

*** anyway... it seems like everyone here is spoon obsessed, how many do you people need?!?... how about the following ideas:

*** Picture frame... Good dovetail joints can be done with just a knife and bonus points for 4 x 90 degree angles.

*** A Computer case... I made one AGES ago and it was so cool.

*** Candle sticks... boring but can be quite rewarding.

*** Classes case... use thin twine for the hinge.

*** A flute... this one is pretty hard... maybe start off with a penny whistle.

Come on everyone... spoons have been done to death!

Joe

 

[Ed]

How about a match safe or some other tubular container?

Ed

 

[TheViking]

Hi...

You could also whittle/carve

• cork
• buttons
• animals
• balls
• angels
• spreading knife

Also have a look at this link.

 

[Ed]

beads or other jewelery?

Ed

 

[Squidders]

a chess set would also make a nice project.

 

[James Watson]

I was thinking more of an english long bow...

squidders,
well... it would be great if I could make a long bow as bow making is my latest project. the longest piece is probably three foot long which I am going to make a mini bow for a bow drill set using natural cordage ( primarily because natural cordage is more effective with a bendy bow).

Picture frames, chess sets etc. are not really my cup of tea, any ideas of something more primitive?

Thanks for all your input so far

James

P.S. I know yew is good for knife handles. I'd be happy to post some pieces of the yew to anyone who might need it. It's still a little green though!

 

[Ed]

Ah... something primative.... ummmm....

If your making a bow for a fire bow drill set then you could also make a bracing block (yew is very hard and you could add a bone insert) and an ember pan.

How about a fire piston....

Get yourself a blade and have a go at making a knife.... or if something simpler, then how about a bradle/awl.... you'll always need something to make holes ;-)

pot hanger...

ummmm... I'm sure I'll think of a few more.

;-)
Ed

 

[Squidders]

any ideas of something more primitive?

a club for hitting things is about as primative as it gets...

Or a chinese rice flail aka nunchaku... aka lots of fun until you break one of your own ribs. they need a fairly heavy wood though and i'm not sure how heavy yew is.

maybe some rigging accessories for rope work, pulleys etc?

I'm running out of ideas in a big way here hehehe

 

[James Watson]

a club for hitting things is about as primative as it gets.../QUOTE]

Now your talking :super: I think every man, women and child should have a throwing stick :biggthump I don't know why I didn't think of it myself... I've an advanced design that i want to try out.

The other Ideas are great also

 

[wildernessphoto]

a club for hitting things is about as primative as it gets...

Now your talking :super: I think every man, women and child should have a throwing stick :biggthump I don't know why I didn't think of it myself... I've an advanced design that i want to try out.

The other Ideas are great also

Hi James,
How about an Axe handle, or better yet an Adze handle??:madaxe:

http://countryworkshops.org/toolhandles.html

http://products.compare-online.co.uk/pd-Fai_full_hickory_carp_adze_handle_36in-2176393.htm

Those are great projects for 2" stock. :biggthump
-Gary-