Primitive shafts?

[Crittergetter]

Hey gang, has any one tried crepe myrtle for primitive shafts? I've been eyeing some and they have some pretty straight shoots about the right length and diameter. Sounds like it makes a decent self bow according to ranger44's thred. ( I didn't want to jack another mans thred!) thx!

[KellyG]

Makes some and let us know!

[Pat B]

That's what I was going to say, Kelly. They are liable to be heavy but you can always reduce their diameter or if they have enough taper, just the forward half to reduce the weight. Let us know how they work. Crepe myrtle is a pretty common tree in the Southern US and probably elsewhere.

[Crittergetter]

Well, I guess I'll just have to give it a try then!    may be a little while tho with work and hunting season right around the corner! I'll Keep y'all posted when I do!

[Pat B]

They need to season well before you make arrows so after hunting season should be about right.

[Todd Cook]

I bet they would work good.

[Crittergetter]

Thx PatB, this will be my first attempt at primitive shafts so I welcome any advice I can get!

[Jack Denbow]

You mean like these. Though not "primitive" these Crepe Myrtle arrows were made from my spring time prunnings.
Jack

 

 

 

[Crittergetter]

Wow, great looking arrows Jack! I think you definately answered the question of weather or not it would work!! Thx!! Now I just gotta hide behind the garage and wait for my neighbor to leave for work!!!!    

[Mike Most]

I am headed out front to see how many I might have.

[Jack Denbow]

Here is a link to a little build along I did a few years ago.
Jack

 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=114739

[Pat B]

This really expands the primitive arrow materials list. Makes quality shoot shafting for the town folks more readily available.
 I'll have to try some crepe myrtle. The finished arrow weight is similar to my sourwood shoot arrows.

[Crittergetter]

Cool, thx Jack! And to think, I've been eyeing these for over a year now!! Better late than never!!

[KellyG]

jack those were some great looking sticks I would love too see more on how you get them so straight!

[Jack Denbow]

I heat the area that I want to bend with the heat gun, it will get "soft" then I bend it so it is straight. Heat it till it is about too hot to hold. In the pix of the heat gun you can see a piece of 2x4 that has one side cut in an arc. I just bend the bent area over that arc to straighten it out. It takes a little practice but once you get it, it works nicely. One other thing to watch out for is crepe myrtle has a "pith" in it so you will need to remove wood evenly around the shaft so you keep the pith in the middle.
Jack

[George Tsoukalas]

Jack, awesome arrows! Jawge