Question about Cedar

[**DONOTDELETE**]

What spine group would I need for a 41# recurve. I'm guessing 50-55. They will be about 30". Also, I know I need to check for straightness in shafts. But, what does grain run off mean? Could someone explain what that means. Sorry, new to cedars. Justin

[vermonster13]

When the grain doesn't run from one end of the shaft to the other. You'll see the lines coming out the sides of the shaft. As far as spine it will depend on point weight and draw length some also.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

So is it just luck of the draw when you order cedars?

[Van/TX]

50-55 will be about right if you are pulling 41#'s at your draw length.  Good luck...Van

[vermonster13]

These days you're lucky to get 4 good arrows out of a dozen.

[Van/TX]

So is it just luck of the draw when you order cedars?
 

Pretty much unless you pay a premium price     ...Van

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Well that dont sound like a good deal. I think I will stick with carbons. What about aluminums? What size?

[Fletcher]

HI Justin, welcome to the Gang.  Grain runoff means the shaft was not cut straight with the growth rings  of the wood.  If you sight down the shaft you will be able to see the "grain" lines of the wood running down the shaft.  Where this line "runs off" the shaft it will show as a point and this is runoff.  Some runoff is OK and these days it is rare to find a cedar shaft that doesn't have some runoff.  It is up to you to decide how much you want to live with.  Rose City seems to think that 12 inches from one side of the shaft to the other is primo. On the other end of the spectrum, I don't want to mess with a shaft that won't run the full length.  Somewheres over 2/3'rds the length of the shaft is probably OK.  You want the grain to be straight, too.

Altho we call it grain, the "lines" are really the growth rings of the tree.

The spine you will need depends on several variables, but I suspect you will need something a bit stiffer.  Is the bow 41 lb @ 28" or at your draw?  What is your actual draw length?  What kind of bow is this?  FF or B50 type string?  Point weight will figure in there, too.

Isn't this fun!    

[jacobsladder]

contact scattershot...  he has some great pics and samples of grain run off...  he's helped me a bunch... When building woodies u have to pay attention to a few details... how to glue the nock on in relation to the grain... the rifts (>>>>>) should be facing away from you on the top of the arrow, and <<<<< toward you on the bottom of the arrow... Its all easy and a lot of fun. hope this helps... Steve

[Shawn Leonard]

I agree with Van, unless it is a real high performance bow and cut well past center. Shawn

[Alex.B]

how much are a dozen carbons these days? 80-100 bucks? for this price, I have 2 dozen great, compressed & tapered cedar shafts made by a true craftsman, and everyone of these shafts fly true and straight, just like my top of the line carbons.
it's not about what is better, but what is your choice. Try Cedarsmith in CO or Allegheny Mountain arrows in PA