View Full Version : Yew Craft project?
James Watson
22-08-2004, 19:12
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 :cry:
TheViking
22-08-2004, 19:24
Hi...
You could carve a spoon... or make a head out of one piece... :wink:
James Watson
22-08-2004, 21:19
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 :lol:
James
TheViking
22-08-2004, 21:30
Hi...
Here's some info on yew (http://www.2020site.org/trees/yew.html)! :wink: :-) And another link (http://www.british-trees.com/guide/yew.htm).
Squidders
22-08-2004, 21:55
2" diamiter.... how long are the bits?
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
23-08-2004, 13:13
I was thinking more of an english long bow... :wink:
RovingArcher
23-08-2004, 17:27
I've read where the dust of yew from sanding is also toxic, so perhaps wear a dust mask.
Squidders
23-08-2004, 19:17
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
How about a match safe or some other tubular container?
Ed
TheViking
23-08-2004, 19:34
Hi...
You could also whittle/carve
cork
buttons
animals
balls
angels
spreading knife
Also have a look at this link (http://garyfdean.tripod.com/id9.html).
:wink:
beads or other jewelery?
Ed
Squidders
23-08-2004, 19:39
a chess set would also make a nice project.
James Watson
23-08-2004, 21:46
I was thinking more of an english long bow... :wink:
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, :lol: 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!
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
23-08-2004, 23:02
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
24-08-2004, 16:47
[QUOTE=Squidders]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. :naughty:
The other Ideas are great also :-P
wildernessphoto
25-08-2004, 02:02
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. :naughty:
The other Ideas are great also :-P
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_han dle_36in-2176393.htm
Those are great projects for 2" stock. :biggthump
-Gary-