River cane arrow book?

[TNtrapper]

Hey guys,
Im getting the itch to try and build my own river cane arrows. The Obion river that runs on the north side of one of my farms has large groves of it growing everywhere. Can somebody recommend a book that covers this? Ive got several books on wood arrows but nothing that deals with river cane. Thanks y'all!  

[beaver#1]

Good luck. I had this same idea abiut a month ago.  A few tutorials here and there  but I still have not found anything in depth.  Let me know if you have better luck than I did

[stringstretcher]

Not any books that I know of that go into detail, but we can help you out if you like?  First off, when cutting your cane, be selective.  Saying that I mean, you have to cut second year growth stuff.  You can tell this by the sheaths falling off the cane or completely gone.  But not dead standing cane.  Also look for pieces that are no bigger than 3/8" (take an open end wrench with you) at the big end.  And look for the pieces with the least amount of kinks at the nodes.  This will make your straightening a lot easier. Let me know what else you would like to know about.

[sweeney3]

As mentioned, I don't know of a specific book about it, but there are lots of resources and it isn't too difficult. Good shaft material. Billy Berger has some useful articles in PA and there are lots of tutorials online.

[gringol]

There's a couple really good build-alongs in the "how-to" forum on this site.

 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000071;p=1

 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000128

These should get you going.  It really isn't that hard once you get going.  It takes lots of time, but it isn't difficult.

good luck.

[Danny Roberts]

Or you can get on U tube and there's some good ones on there.

[TNtrapper]

Thanks a lot guys! Im going to cut some in the next few days. After reading some on here I think I will cut it and bundle it up with a broomstick and set it in my barn to cure.

[stringstretcher]

You can cut it, and try and cut them about 40inches long so you have some length to work with while straightening.  Take half and point the large ends in one direction, and the other half wit the small ends in the same direction and it will make almost a round bundle.  Wrap them as tight as you can.  I use five heavy rubber bands on the length of mine and get them as tight as possible.  You can put them anywhere that it is warm, but you want a place with circulation of air if possible.  Do not put them in direct sunlight while drying, as they will crack.  Usually they will dry in about six weeks.

[TNtrapper]

Alright sounds like a plan. I will put them in the rafters of the barn. Theres no direct sunlight there and it should get good circulation.

[Pat B]

Check them on occasion to be sure bugs don't get them. I keep mine bundled in the utility room.
 Rubber bands are good to bundle with. They shrink as the cane does and keeps the bundles tight.

[TNtrapper]

Will do!