Author Topic: Anyone ever make self arrows from quaking aspen? (Read 500 times)

BamBooBender · « **on:** September 21, 2007, 01:51:00 AM »

Just wondering cause I have several large trees down due to some recent storms. I have a co worker coming over this weekend to help cut them up for firewood, and I was thinking of saving a 3' section to try out. I know that aspen is a relative of poplar, so I'm curious to see if aspen arrows would be similar.

Pat B · « **Reply #1 on:** September 21, 2007, 09:21:00 AM »

I have an arrow that Art Butner made for me that is aspen. I'd say give it a try. I would split the 3' section in half(lengthwise) to aid the drying process. Pat

Art B · « **Reply #2 on:** September 21, 2007, 09:52:00 AM »

I would have to rate it as an excellent arrow wood myself. Physical weight is slightly less then that of yellow poplar and it's top spine weight on the wood I used topped out at around 50-60# (average 11/32" shaft). As Pat mentioned just rough it out for drying but don't get in any hurry to make your arrows. Going to took several years of seasoning to produce suitable arrow stock IMO.-ART B

Oregon Bill · « **Reply #3 on:** September 21, 2007, 10:45:00 AM »

Makes wonderful material for gouging out bowls, by the way.

BamBooBender · « **Reply #4 on:** September 21, 2007, 11:56:00 AM »

Thanks for the replies. I forgot to mention that the 3' section is gonna be around 18" in diameter, should I split it up more than in halves?

Pat B · « **Reply #5 on:** September 21, 2007, 01:00:00 PM »

The more you split it the quicker it will dry. It will still take a few years to cure, though. The difference between dry and cured is quite a bit. Once cured, the arrow shafts will be more stable. Pat