Point and nock tapers

[K. Mogensen]

Okay, so I've got another question about woodies. (I know, I just can't make up my mind    ) Anyway, I had a question about tapering the ends. Which tool would you recommend for tapering BOTH nock and point ends and doesn't wanna drop a bunch of dough on a Woodchuck. I got a Tru center for tapering some bamboo (recommended by a friend) and after trying it out last night for an hour on my POC's, I think that's all it'll be for. Just not my cup. I hear alot about a Wiffen or Wiffle or something like that, are those good? Thanks!

[Cyclic-Rivers]

I'm looking for a good taper tool myself.  Thanks for the thread!

[StanM]

K. If you have a table saw, or access to one, you can make a really simple jig that will do point and nock tapers pretty simply.

Here's a link to thread I did a while ago that shows my jig.

 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=043864

Stan

[Fletcher]

The best tapers are ground on a disk sander.  If you have access to one, use it.  One of the benchtop 6" disk/4x36" belt sander combos is a very handy tool and does a great job with tapers.  I like a "V" groove type guide.  AMAW makes a guide block that is grooved for both nock and point tapers.  AMAW, KK, 3RA and I all carry them.

The Bearpaw tool is getting some good reports.  It looks good, but I haven't used it myself.  The pencil sharpener types will work on some of the softwoods like POC, but not on hardwoods or fir.

[JRY309]

For me I have tried a few of the hand held,but broke down and bought a Woodchuck and happier that I did,it does cost a bit more but if you are going to do alot it is worth it.I can make small adjustments to the taper for a perfect fit,I have had it for 15 years and done many dozen arrows with it.Hand held ones don't always taper a hardwood shaft and well as grinding it with the Woodchuck.It depends on how much you want to spend.

[Grey Taylor]

As mentioned, a power sander of some kind is best. If you need to go with hand held I'd look at the little Wiffen types. I find them much better than the Tru-Center.
For bamboo you'll have to go with power, the pencil sharpener type will not work for those.

Guy

[SuperK]

Check out the Bearpaw.  The one I have cuts smooth tapers on cedar, poplar and ramin.  The only thing I would change would be to be able to adjust the length of the broadhead taper.

[Don Stokes]

If you do very many, the Woodchuck is worth the money. Mine has been going for about 15 years now.

[BobW]

BearPaw and sharp blades.  I taper walnut footings with no problem.  You just need to keep it sharp.

[lpcjon2]

I have a few hand taper tools that look like pencil sharpeners and if you keep the blades sharp they work fine.If you are doing dozens of arrows then get the jig.

[Shakes.602]

I just made My Own Jig for my Combo Craftsman Disk/Belt Sander.     I used the Grooves in the Disk Table as a Reference, and and made a Block with the Angles are already cut!! Works Like a Charm!!      

[Roconman]

I just got done tapering a dozen shafts with a "Traditional Taper Tool" from 3 Rivers.I'm impressed, the tapers came out perfect.They are even on sale right now. Don't waste your money on there True-center taper tool,I could never get accurate tapers with it.