Wood Arrows

[Terrence Greene]

OK... long time lurker, have been reading alot of the stories and how-tos...

But I should have bookmarked, or whatever you call it the wood arrows how-tos...

I have picked up some wooden blanks, do not know the spine.. but figured since I really don't know what I am doing, maybe I could start here and not screw up too bad..

Now that I got the wood... what do I do now??  how do I treat the wood so it doesnt absorb the water?  how do I cut them, how do I... please tell me it all.

[Autumnarcher]

I would highly recommend TRaditonal Bowhunters Handbook by TJ Conrad, editor of Trad. Bowhunter Magazine. There is a lot of good info on arrow building. Start simple, as you learn how to put them together, you can get fancy if you want.

Plain well built arrows wil always outshoot fancy but poorly made arrows.

[Paul Mattson]

Wooden blanks?  Are you talking about arrow shafts? or something else?

[Charlie Lamb]

First make sure the shafts are straight. Easiest for a new guy is to roll them on a counter top. When you can see light between shaft and counter that's a bend.

Without moving it rub the top hard with the shank of a screw driver until the shaft rolls flat.

Once straight seal with water based Polyurethane... wipe on with rag.

Taper straightest end for the nock THEN measure for length. When you cut to length (use coping saw, hacksaw, bandsaw or role on table top and press down with edge of sharp knife)add an extra
inch to your final measurement until you are sure
you know exactly how long you want the finished arrow.

Hint... allow an inch of material for the field point or broadhead taper.

[Bear]

Charlie summed it up in simplest essence. Those simple instructions, taken one at a time, in that order, will yeild a fine first set of arrows. I would add that if you don't get the hang of straightening right off, don't get hung on it, just do your best. Shoot your best ones for practice and hunting.

T.J.'s TBH is a great resource too.

[Killdeer]

Mr. Greene, you ARE planning on going to the big trad shoot outside Baltimore in May, right? Should I bring my spine tester?

Killdeer

[Van/TX]

Killy, makes a good point.  Without knowing the spine first you are spinning your wheels   ...Van