Self Nocks

[Pat B]

I just put a single bandsaw cut and open it as needed to fit the spline with sandpaper. That's how I make the nocks and haft stone and trade points. K.I.S.S.

[Mike Vines]

Router and a router table.

[chall]

All of those look great !

[Sockrsblur]

I've enjoyed yours so here are a few more... I used a double hacksaw blade, a few small files and sand paper...

 

 

 

[Pat B]

I like the way you relieve the shaft in front of the nock for the string. Most folks don't do that but it saves the string from abrasion.

[Thumper Dunker]

Great looking arrows.

[Jon Stewart]

I do the same as others on here using hardwood and horn.  I also glue bamboo skewer sticks using  titebond 111 inside my bamboo arrows.  This inside foot makes a nice strong nock.

I just use my bandsaw to cut the nock.  Quick and easy.

[hitman]

What can I say that someone else hasn't. Beautiful arrows.

[Pat B]

I found that filling the void in cane arrows is not necessary so I stopped doing it for nocks or hafted heads. A sinew wrap makes it plenty strong enough.
 I got the idea for rawhide splines in reinforced self nocks from Glenn Charles in "Billets to Bows". It works very well.

[gringol]

I love self nocks, but just don't have time to make them anymore.  It's great to see such beautiful arrows being made by trad gangers.

[Jon Stewart]

Footing the nock and point end of the bamboo shaft also allows you to taper bother ends and use regular nocks and glue on hunting points.

With footed nock you don't have to sinew wrap below the cut unless you want to do so for looks.

Just a matter of personal preference.

I also sew my thread thru the feathers after they are attached.  Makes for a uniform looking feather.

[Pat B]

Jon, I also taper cane for glue on heads without adding the insert inside of the cane. I sinew wrap all self nocks, reinforced or not and also the forward end of the fletching. Its just the way I make arrows.    

[Jon Stewart]

I guess it is just a matter of preference.

 The bamboo skewer sticks weigh nothing and I just like the idea of something solid in that hollow tube of an arrow, LOL

[Sam McMichael]

These are attractive arrows! I have recently made a set of self nocks, but certainly they are nothing compared these. At least now I have a standard to aspire to. Good work, guys.

[Pat B]

Yep, to each his own. There are many ways to skin a cat.

[stumpinkaiser]

Those Going to the WI State Trad shoot will have a chance to buy those arrows. Hopefully find a good home. Nice Arrows Mike

[halfseminole]

I'll have to get some pictures of my mosaic nocks I made up out of veneers-3/8" arrows are so much easier to make fun patterns with.

[meathead]

Here are some I made for this falls hunting season.  I cut these with Ted Fry's nifty nocker.
 

[Sockrsblur]

Thanks Pat! I have read so many of your posts I almost feel like a stalker. You, and many others here, are a tremendous source of knowledge. Many thanks for all your contributions sir. Over the winter I cut shoots of what I am rather sure is red oiser dogwood and wild rose. It's been a learning curve but a lot of fun. The first shafts I worked up were way to big, stiff, & heavy. This next bAtch is going to be close. I'm excited to share when I'm done.

[Pat B]

Red osier and rose make very good shafting but they all need work. Its a labor of love for sure. You will probably have to work those shoots that are too big. I use a cheap thumb plane from ACE Hardware to reduce shoots when needed.
  Here are a few of the tools I use on shoot and cane arrows. The thumb plane is at the top...
 

 Some find a board with a "V" groove down the center is handy to hold the shaft while planning it. I made this one from scraps. It has a "stop" at the far end to hold the shaft while planning...