How to choose arrow spine for selfbow?

[snag]

Is there a basic rule of thumb for spining arrows for selfbows? Like 10# under the draw weight of the bow? I know different selfbows are more or less centered with the string. The one I am working on now is about 1/4"+ from center. What do you guys do for your arrow selection?

[Pat B]

10# under is a good starting point. Or you can make it the same as the draw weight and cut your arrows to 30". That would effectively reduce the spine weight by 10#(5# per inch over 28"). I prefer longer arrows for the extra physical weight plus I think they get around the bow better and fly better.

[PEARL DRUMS]

I find that a 50-55# spine works great from all of my bows between 45-60# draw. Self bows seem to be more tolerant to me? I recently switched to bamboo shafts and they will fly from just about any draw weight bow under 70#.

[Osagetree]

One single solution - RIVER CANE      

[snag]

I'm sold on Surewood Shafts. Haven't tried making my own from shoots, river cane, etc. Don't have anything like that around here that I know of. I have heard hazelnut shoots properly seasoned make great arrow shafts. I plan on trying some. But for now just trying to make up some Surewoods to shoot this osage bow in. I have some 50#-55#'s that I think I'll give a try out of this 65# bow. I'll start out at 30" and cut them down to where they shoot well. Thanks, David

[northland archer]

I agree with Pearl Drums and OsageTree, i switched to cane arrows and they fly great out of my self bows and my glass bows.  They seem to adjust to whichever weight bow your are using.  I cut mine an inch to two inches longer than normal.  Shoot away!

[George Tsoukalas]

Check out Selfbow Care and Tuning on my site. Jawge
 http://georgeandjoni.home.comcast.net/~georgeandjoni/