Yew Forks?

[krawnden 1,036]

I've been cutting back a yew tree at work today and cut out 6 or 7 forks that might possibly be worth making catties from. But I've never made one before and am clueless about where to begin. Does the wood need to dry out before you do anything? Should I strip the bark off while the wood's still green?

 

Also, does it matter if the forks are uneven? On some of them one fork is noticeably thicker than the other.

[flynndog 543]

Iv3 made a nice little yew catty the first catty I ever made and if ones thicker dry it and sand to match

[1Wally 204]

I've been cutting back a yew tree at work today and cut out 6 or 7 forks that might possibly be worth making catties from. But I've never made one before and am clueless about where to begin. Does the wood need to dry out before you do anything? Should I strip the bark off while the wood's still green?

 

Also, does it matter if the forks are uneven? On some of them one fork is noticeably thicker than the other.

Strip off the bark then dry it out, can do it in the microwave. 30 secs then let cool for a bit and repeat till dried through.

Then go at it with the sandpaper till you are happy with it. Check out some of the pics of nattys on threads here you'll see they arnt all even in shape or size.

Yew is a top tree to get forks from.

Atb

[.338winmag 78]

Get yah some various rasps round half round ,flat etc an shape those forks the way you want em ,one reason to cut a bit larger forks as they lend them selves to more customising finger grooves etc.

[krawnden 1,036]

Thanks for the advice. Will have a crack at it.