Yoke Publications

Yoke Publications

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Neck Yoke Design and Fit by Richard Roosenberg, 1992
TechGuide, 12 pages

This paper gives more detail on how the humble neck yoke works than any source we know. It analyzes the importance of the draft (or drop of the hitch point below the neck seats,) and describes the consequences of the draft on bow movement and beam seating on the neck. Understanding that depth of draft has varying consequences depending on the nature of the load helps readers appreciate different yoke styles and their best uses. Yoke dimensions common to American neck yokes are described relative to bow widths. This paper includes concepts essential for improving yokes, along with a bibliography of traditional yoke knowledge. --rjr

Item #2gnyk. Price: $3

Building an Ox Yoke by David Kramer, 1998
TechGuide, 19 pages

This is a thorough how-to guide for making an ox yoke.  You will find instructions on selecting and curing wood, shaping the beam of the yoke, making the bows, forging the hardware, and assembling the final product. This TechGuide offers great background information for using the plans and templates.

Item #2gykb. Price: $4

Yoke Maker's Plan and Template Package drawings for 4-11" yokes

For those who want to make a series of yokes for growing teams, we suggest a special package of 2 TechGuides (Neck Yoke Design and Fit and Building an Ox Yoke), a 4" full sized plan, and a series of templates for beams with bow widths from 4 to 11 inches. For the package we can discount these documents that would cost $53 separately.

Item #2yktp. Price: $42

Traditional American Yoke Plans by Richard Roosenberg

These actual sized plans can aid you in making your own yokes. Front and top views are included, as well as several cross sections. Oval and half-round bows are also shown. The development of these plans is described in the Neck Yoke Design & Fit TechGuide (item #2gnyk). The yokes' proportions are based on bow widths, and can be extrapolated to larger sizes without buying a additional sets of plans. Indeed, we have discontinued plan sizes larger than 8", due to high costs of reproducing copies over 48 inches long. – rjr

Drawings - See "Plans Price List" below, Item #2ykpl.

Traditional American Yoke Templates by Richard Roosenberg

These actual-size templates of the front and top outlines guide the shaping of a good yoke. The larger sizes come in reversible half templates, with reference marks to orient the flipside to a straight reference chalk line. These are an economical alternative to larger yoke plans. --rjr

Drawings - See "Plans Price List" below, Item #2yktm.

Ox Yokes I & II by Dave Kramer and Drew Conroy, 1998
Video, 225 minutes

This pair of tapes covers neck yokes in careful detail. Tillers offers a special deal on the pair of tapes for just $48 while current supply lasts. They are also available separately.

Item #2vkr3. Price: $48 for both

Vol. 1: Carving a Yoke

Ox Yokes I: Carving a Yoke by Dave Kramer and Drew Conroy
Video, 120 minutes

This tape shows how to design and fit a double neck yoke, including selecting appropriate materials, and constructing the yoke with either hand tools or power equipment. The video also demonstrates how a yoke works, correct yoking procedures, the advantages of a dropped-hitch point, and yokes for working a single ox.

Item #2vkr1. Price: $37

Vol. II Bow and Hardware

Ox Yokes II: Bending Bows and Forging Hardware by Dave Kramer and Drew Conroy
Video, 105 min

In this second video Dave and Drew show how to bend bows and forge hardware to complete the yoke assembly. Dave shows how to select appropriate wood, carve out the bows with hand or power tools, and bend the bows for a comfortable fit to your oxen. They also show alternative straight bows for training calves, and how to bend bows from PVC pipe. Dave explains how to use the forge and anvil to shape staples and rings, and how to fit them to the yoke.

Item #2vkr2. Price: $35