arrow building question

[shortstroke 91]

Just to make sure I'm correct. When looking at the point end of a new shaft laying on the bow shelf ready to be shot, should the grain should be horizontal to the shelf? Is that corret or should it be paralell to the side plate?

In other words should the grain go = or I ?
Don't want to screw this up...
Thanks

[NoCams]

= bud. This keeps the string from acting like a splitting wedge and splitting the arrow along the grain.

[kenscollick]

correct also the points should be on the top of the arrow facing away from the nock end.

[shortstroke 91]

Originally posted by kenscollick:
correct also the points should be on the top of the arrow facing away from the nock end.

Are you referring to the small (fade out) points?
Where the grain runs to the edge.

I thought the points went towards the nock end...

[Killdeer]

Toward the point on the top, toward the nock on the bottom. If it separates, think about which side should be lying on top of your hand as the arrow flies forward.

Killdeer

[shortstroke 91]

I got cha', thanks. No need to send half a shaft down into the hand.

[Grey Taylor]

There was a discussion here a while ago where no one admitted ever having seen an arrow split along those grain lines. And, if you think about it, four fletch users who are not using indexed nocks shoot their arrows "upside down" all the time with no apparent ill effects.
But I still build my arrows with the rifts properly oriented... just in case.

Guy

[David Mitchell]

That's also why there are left handed and right handed arrows, yet you never see any labeled that way on the arrow makers tables at the shoots! Us leftys need the little pointy thingies just the opposite of you righties.

[Grey Taylor]

David, that's why I ask left or right handed when I make custom arrows. Arrows on my table are always right handed due to most folks being right handed.
I have gotten some odd looks at the question, especially from old timers. Many times I can just look at their bow and not have to ask the question.
I'm still not convinced it really makes any difference but it's the small details that makes a quality set of arrows.

Guy

[shortstroke 91]

OK now I'm confused again. If the points are on the top of the shaft towards the point end, what can be different between right and left? I must be missing something but it seems to me it would be the same for righties or lefties.

[Grey Taylor]

Brandon, you're right. Same same for both hands on the shaft. The difference is the cock feather and the nock index (if any) placement.

Guy

[shortstroke 91]

OK, so if I shoot cock feather in and right handed then I'd actually order a set left handed.

[Javi]

Originally posted by shortstroke 91:
OK, so if I shoot cock feather in and right handed then I'd actually order a set left handed.

Normally the index mark on the nock is aligned with the cock feather, but if you order left handed arrow and shoot right handed with the cock feather in… the rifts will be on the wrong side of the shaft…  if that matters to you then you need to explain to the Fletcher that you are right handed but shoot cock feather in..  He’ll know what to do…
As for the grain alignment you normally want the stiffer side of the shaft aligned with the paradox so when shooting fingers you would place the grain horizontal =. Although I’ve never seen a wooden arrow break on the rift leaving the bow, I expect that it has happened at one time or another so I put my arrows together rift pointing toward the nock on the bottom and toward the point on the top. Better safe than sorry, I guess…

 

As a note: I don't use an index mark and I fletch with all feathers the same color...  but I'm weird..

[Grey Taylor]

Shortstroke, yes.

Most of the time the nock index is aligned with the cock feather. With cock out this means the index will be to the outside as you nock the arrow. If you shoot cock in but want the nock index out, or if you shoot cock out but index in, then just let your arrow maker know.
Isn't this fun?!    

Guy

[rraming]

Align the rift correctly as well, take note whether your shooting cock feather in or out