guys who have used poplar for arrows?

[caleb7mm]

How long did you soak the shafts in stain?

I have 6 of them cut to length and ends tapered soaking in a home made dip tube full of "1 step" stain. I am hoping that they will soak up and get heavier. If they don't work for me its okay, the wife can shoot them and im only out $5  

[darb]

I just brush on the stain until the wood doesnt absorb it anymore.  I was never really trying to do it for weight though.  I have been very happy with the poplar shafts and they are heavy enough for me.  Don't know if that helps- Brad

[Don Stokes]

Caleb, when you take them out most of the solvent weight they absorb will evaporate away. They might pick up a little weight, but probably not much after they dry. If you're trying to make them stiffer, it won't work.

I've done a lot of experimenting with poplar, and soaking in stain didn't have any benefit that I could tell over just dipping them or rubbing it on.

[caleb7mm]

thanks guys!