So I just felled and hauled a yew out of a friends place. Wondering if I should dry it whole log or split it into staves now? have heard its fine to leave whole if painted but will take way longer to dry and have heard its best to split and paint the ends. What do you all think?

Seal the ends immediately to keep them from checking.

I have some experience with yew logs. I would not leave it whole. If you do, it will likely split itself as it dries, and probably not where you want it to. It can also acquire many smaller, hairline drying checks through the bark, sapwood, and deep into the heartwood... enough that it can make it very difficult to find a bow between the cracks, or even be practically ruined.

Since the diameter is usually smaller than other bow wood logs, yew is often sawed rather than split to make the most use of the wood. Sometimes, like when it's too big to fit through my bandsaw, I'll split it in half, then saw the rest. In the absence of a bandsaw of adequate size and power, it can be deeply kerfed with a circular saw, then split the rest of the way. I would saw it into quarters, sticker them, and lash them back together to help keep them straight. Where you keep them initially is important also. Don't allow them to dry too fast. An unheated garage, shed, or basement is ok for the first few months.

What is its length and diameter?

Split it and seal the ends now.

I sealed it last night 2 hours after cutting. The log is 74in long, 5in across at the base an 4 and a half in at the top.thank you for the tips. I was a little scared to split it with wedges.

Keep us posted and take some pictures as you go, even if it's just cutting or splitting. We like to see that kind of stuff here :^)

Will do. Just gotta get home from work!

O.K. here's the end grain on the bottom.

That sure is pretty!

Here is another of my 8yr old with the whole log.

Nice. Your boy looks like he's ready. 'Just gimme the drawknife and stand back, dad.'

It looks like it has a few issues you'll need to work around, but it's straight. Imagine your bow(s) laying between the biggest knots and imperfections and plan your cuts accordingly.

Remember, yew dust can cause nasty reactions in some folks. Wear protection, and I certainly wouldn't expose my kid to it.

Thank you Jeff. I'm pretty new at self bows so your advice is very appreciated. I'm going to get a few done while this dries before I even think about touching it. Don't want to mess this wood up. To hard to get this precious stuff.

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