Rivercane.. stiff side in or out?

[razorsharptokill]

Going to be mounting some knapped heads and can't remember which way the nock has to be oriented

[2fletch]

I cut my nocks along the indention that's usually prominent on the side of the shaft. I cut the shaft (at the nock end) just about 1/4 inch above the last node at the small end of the shaft. That gives it resistance to splitting. Usually it's a good idea to wrap the nock end to further prevent splitting. Then the slot at the point (larger end of the shaft) end is cut at right angle to the nock slots. That way the point is horizontal on the bow which is how I prefer.

[nchunter]

Not sure if I'm understanding your question, but I orient the nock so that the bend in the shaft(no cane shaft is absolutely straight - they all have a slight bow)is like an upside-down "U" relative to the riser shelf.  I figure that way when the arrow flexes during launch it won't flex down and hit the shelf. My theory may be all wrong, but my cane arrows generally fly pretty true.

[Pat B]

Generally one of the two sides with the nodes(alternating node pattern)will be the stiff side...but not always. I place the node side against the bow and the stiffer side of the two is preferred(for me at least). If it doesn't fly well that way, flip it over and try. Generally that will solve that problem. I also generally cut the nocks just above a node and wrap with sinew(or thread set in glue) but it is not necessary to cut above the node as long as you wrap below the nock.
   With cane shafts, as well as hardwood shoots, it is not critical to get the shaft completely straight. Obviously the straighter the better but if the point and nock ends line up and the arrow spins true it will fly well. Cane arrows are very tollerent of different draw weights. I like to leave the cane(and hardwood shoot)shafts a bit longer than with store bought shafts. The natural taper of the cane(and hardwood shoot) will reduce the effective spine weight by about 10# to 15# so a 60# spined cane arrow will generally shoot well from a bow of 45# to 70#. Any length over 28" you can also reduce the effective spine weight by 5# per inch.

[razorsharptokill]

Thanks guys! That helps a lot.