Help with bamboo shafts.

[M60gunner]

I am trying to make arrows from bamboo shafts for a fellow club member. I am looking for a way to make point and nock plugs so I can taper the shaft for points and nocks. I got some plugs from 3Rivers but they are to pricey for 2 dozen shafts. I have only hand tools to work with.
Tom

[shikari]

I used some bamboo squers on some of mine and some throw away chopsticks from chinese takeout,heck if you cant find those at wallymart then just use some thin wooden dowels.

[R.W.]

What Shikari said.

You can buy bamboo skewers at most supermarkets, and in different diameters, from "toothpicks" to skewers that are nearly 1/4" in diameter.

I use these as "plugs" so that I can taper grind my shafts (bamboo garden stakes) for glue on points, and for some, plastic nocks.

You can also use hardwood dowels from Home Despot, Lowes, etc. These dowels are sold in numerous diameters so you can find a match for your shafts.

If you drill out the centre of the bamboo, go carefully, or you can split the shaft very easily.

[wingnut]

The hardwood dowel is the way to go.  Find one that fits in the end and run a couple of inches inside of the tips and an inch or better on the nocks.  Glue in place with titebond 3 or thick CA glue.  Should be good to go for grinding tapers.

Mike

[barebow17]

I use my broken woodies.

[SCATTERSHOT]

Another option is to use the screw in points. Just drill the center of the shaft to fit the shank of the screw in point, pick one that's the approximate diameter of the shaft, and you're in business. Remember to wrap the point end to protect it from impact.

[shikari]

wrap the ends of the shafts with ordinary masking tape,helps to stop it from splintering on you when you use a drill.

[M60gunner]

Thanks for all the tips. I have learned a couple of things the hard way already. Clean out as much of the pith inside the shaft as possible. Titebond 3 will suck the pith up and not adhere to the power fibers. Do not try and use a hand held taper tool, it tares the fibers.
I may get some Urac 185 to glue the bamboo. I know it works, built 2 flyrods using it. Do not waste time with Locktite expoxy glues. The glue may be ok but the packaging is no good.
This is almost as much of a challanage as keeping Hickory shafts straight.