Arrow makers?

[swampcrawler]

So being a newbie I've decided that it would probably be best to have a pro make my first batch or two of arrows for me. I do plan to set up to do my own, but I figure I will be less likely to rush things and screw them up if I already have a functional set to shoot when I start learning to make them.

I think just a basic, well made arrow from preferably a Surewood shaft. No need for cresting/footing/etc. Affordability is a plus. Suggestions?

[slowbowjoe]

You're idea is good swampcrawler. There are a number of good sources for Doug Fir shafts here, but as i've been making up my own for a number of years, and the two arrow smiths I bought from aren't active any more, I'm a little light on sources for you. Raptor archery and Elite Arrows come to mind. Lost Nation may be able to help you out; not sure on that one.

Figure out your spine and length with a purchased set or two, acquire a few basic tools, and have at it yourself after that if you're inclined. I'm glad to have taken that route, and also good to know their are arrow builders out there to help when needed.

[swampcrawler]

Thanks. I've found one guy that I'm planning to contact tomorrow but after doing some looking around I'm not so sure. I fully understand that these maker's knowledge and skill comes at a premium but I'm not sure if I'm willing to pay over 100 bucks for a dozen arrows or wait several weeks for them.

[Orion]

Have you priced the components of wooden arrows lately?  Shafts will run at least $40 per dozen.  Feathers will run another $10,  field points, $3-$5, and nocks, a couple of bucks. That's at least $60 for the raw materials. $100 per dozen for finished arrows looks pretty reasonable to me.

[swampcrawler]

Originally posted by Orion:
Have you priced the components of wooden arrows lately?  Shafts will run at least $40 per dozen.  Feathers will run another $10,  field points, $3-$5, and nocks, a couple of bucks. That's at least $60 for the raw materials. $100 per dozen for finished arrows looks pretty reasonable to me.

Hmm. You've got a point there.

[slowbowjoe]

Yup, it's a valid point. I figure it costs me around $65 for a set of premium shafts, with shipping costs included. I don't count my time, but it definitely requires some, and a good dose of patience.

It does save me some money, maybe $30-40/doz. I don't begrudge the arrowmaker anything for their cost of labor; I build mine for the satisfaction of making them up myself, within my own time frame.

[BlacktailBowhunter]

I'm going to start doing my own carbons using gt blemished to save a few bucks.

Even finished carbons are a hundred plus a dozen now.

Hand made wood arrows are easily worth 120 to 130 a dozen with the time and detail that goes into them.

There's a guy in my neck of the woods that makes some nice arrows and was an inspiration for me to give traditional archery a try. The goal this year is to harvest a deer with my Blacktail bow and an arrow made by the gentleman.

[warpedarrow]

I am paying about $140 a dozen for carbons.  By the time I add shipping and sales tax, I 'm shooting $13 arrows.

[Scott E]

Lost nation is good with wood arrows and I really like Elite arrows.

Everything else d&m custom arrows is the guy I use,

[YosemiteSam]

For educational purposes, it's hard to beat mass produced carbons.  You can pick up half a dozen GT traditionals with 4" straight fletch for about $60 on Amazon.  They'll get the job done just fine until you know what kind of setup you want to design for yourself (speed, components, etc.).

[Surewood Steve]

Swampcrawler, try my son at Archery Past he has access to Surewoods, and his prices are in the hundred dollar range for a dozen arrows.   www.archerypast.com.   Thanks Steve.