Dowels for shafts

[JStark]

What size dowels should I get for shafts?  I cannot afford a spine tester, and until I get the time to make a homemade one, I'll probably shoot flu-flus at rabbits (no big-game for eight months).  I shoot a 55# 58" recurve.  My 'supplier' (Orchard Supply) sells poplar dowels.

[poekoelan]

My experience with most dowels is that they come in either 5/16 or 3/8. I would try a few of each and see what happens. I'm betting that 5/16 will be to weak and most 3/8 will be too stiff. You'll probably have to go with 3/8 and sand them down some.

The biggest thing when making arrows from dowels: chose the ones with the least amount of grain run off.

I have a spine tester that only took about an hour to make and only cost about 10 dollars ( less than that if you have some of the materials already )and it's just as accurate as a commercial one, I tested it on aluminum shafts. PM if you are interested and I could tell you how to make it. It's very easy.

[SCATTERSHOT]

Poplar makes a good arrow. I'd go with the 3/8" dowels and leave them long with a heavy point. You can also sand down the middle of the shaft to reduce spine. In my experience, the 5/16 dowels average about 45#, give or take.

[sir_h_c]

sent you a PM poekooelan.

[Sal]

3/8" is the better size, they usually spine in the low 60's.  Be selective of your dowels and you can get perfect grain in all of your arrows.  I did that once with a dozen.  You don't get perfect grain on most commercian shafts anymore.

[thp]

Poekooelan,

sent you a PM as well. Thanks.

[Gerry]

Poekooelan,

Sent you a PM as well, thanks.

[poekoelan]

I responded to all. If you didn't get it, let me know.

[The Ursus]

I reccomend 3/8" shafts and making a taper jig. There's a design or two in the How-To section on this site.  That will help you bring down the spine on your really stiff shafts and promote better flight in the end.  Most of my 3/8 ramin dowels spine in the 80-100lb range so some material removal is eminent.

[poekoelan]

to all who wanted to know about the spine tester....I started a new thread with pics. Hope it helps.

[JStark]

Thanks, guys, for pushing poekoelan into setting up a new thread!  Thanks, poekoelan, too.

And Ursus, I found a great taper jig idea that I think is Erik Krewsons.  I think it's on the cheapskate thread.  Thanks for the suggestion.

[BamBooBender]

I'll second the 3/8 poplar dowels barrell tapered. Sanding the middle can get them right on as well, as leaving them long.