Tonkin cane arrow shafts?

scottm · September 04, 2011, 02:39:00 PM

I bought some tonkin cane arrow shafts at Mojam this year.Can any one please tell me what is the best way to taper them for glue on points and nocks.I keep reading mixed reviews on weather you can use a simple "pencil sharpener type tool" or not.Since I do not own any taper tool at all Im looking for advice on whats best.Thanks so much for your time.Scott

JAG · September 04, 2011, 03:13:00 PM

To start with I take a small dowel,sand it down until it fits inside the cane, at both ends mavbe 1 1/2", or whatever you can get to fit, then glue it in. I use a wood chuck to taper the point end, don't see why a good hand taper tool wouldn't work. Add the point/broadhead, make sure its true and spins true. (that can be tricky, but a bit of adjustment, maybe a bit of sandpaper and it'll come together) I make self nocks on the other end and wrap with sinew, the extra dowel helps there as extra strength.
When using a hand taper tool, make sure the blades are sharp and go slow.
Good luck, hope this helps.
JAG/Johnny

Grey Taylor · September 04, 2011, 03:28:00 PM

For plugging the ends as JAG mentions I've used bamboo bbq skewers with good results. I wrap masking tape tightly around the end so it doesn't split and drill out the end for the skewer to fit properly. Go slow and use a sharp drill bit.
On tapering, I've always used a Woodchuck. I've heard of mixed results with the other type of taper tool. It seems like it has a tendancy to catch at the bamboo fibers. Your mileage may vary.

Guy

Benjy · September 04, 2011, 06:35:00 PM

The tonkin cane that I have has very small holes so I do not plug the holes. I have used some bamboo shiskabob skewers and if I want to add some weight I use cooper electrical ground wire.

I use a tru taper tool for the nock and point tapers. You have to adjust the blades so it does not take a big bite or it will split the cane.

These are tonkins without anything in the hollow part of the shaft.

This is river cane and it does need dowels in the ends.

DannyBows · September 04, 2011, 07:21:00 PM

I was wondering about this myself. I just got some beautiful Bamboo shafts from Chuck at Two Tracks. They only have a tiny hole and don't look like they'll need a plug.

scottm · September 04, 2011, 09:14:00 PM

Thanks so much for the tips and the pic's Fellas!I was thinking about trying to make a jig for my disk sander kined of like the Woochuck.Anyone had any luck with that? Thanks again,Scott

JAG · September 04, 2011, 10:53:00 PM

Guess i should have said that i do mostly river cane. Sorry bot dat!
JAG

Grey Taylor · September 04, 2011, 11:16:00 PM

The small hole you see in the Chinese bamboo shafts doesn't really need to be filled. It's not nearly as big as what you find in cane. But I like to fill it so I get a solid end when tapering for a tip of nock. If it's not filled the end gets a little wonky when tapered.
Scottm, a jig for a table sander will work just fine.

Guy