Wood arrow Guru's & Makers

[H1tman7]

I built an Osage self bow, it's 55 @ 30" which is my draw length. It does have a shelf cut that i would estimate will be 1/3 of in inch short of center once I get material on the shelf.

I need to pick up some shafts for it that I can work up into the 550-600 grain range.  Point weight will be approx 100 grains (stone points).

Any recommendations on a wood shaft spine & material?  This is my first go at getting a spine for a self bow.

[Fletcher]

Self bows are real individuals when it comes to spine, but assuming a centered string, shelf well out from center and a 31" BOP arrow, I would figure 50-60 lb spine.  Ramin would be a great arrow wood if you can find the spine. Doug Fir would be my choice.  Spine and desired weight should be easy enuf to get.  I figure a shaft around 400-450 grains.

I have some test arrows:  50, 53, 53 and 59 lb spine full length if you would like to try them.  They have 125 points on them and I don't think I have any 100's, but that should be easy enuf to adjust for.

[Zradix]

sounds like great fun.

If I were you I'd get a spine kit of Douglass Fir or maybe ash.

I'm sure you'll make more bows and have these questions all over again.

A 32" DF shaft in 50# might weigh only around 400grains.
Ash would be quite a bit heavier....not sure how heavy.

Ash is a pain to straighten.

I guess if I was knapping the heads I'd try to knap out some 200ish grainers and put em on some fir...

I'd think 100 grain heads on a heavy shaft like ash would give you a sorta unstable combo ... not much weight up front..

I won't even put a spine guess out to ya..it would just be a shot in the dark..sorry bud.

[monterey]

With 100 gr points you will need to go to something heavier than POC ,for example.  A  full length POC with 100 gr points will come in at 440 to 460 grains, just for a reference.  My only other reference is Doug fir but they will probably be on the light side too.

[Orion]

Actually POC weight ranges more than that.  I have bare shaft 11/32 POCs that weigh 440-460 grains.  With feathers and finish and a 100 grain head, they'll be in the 560-580 grain range. Just ask your supplier for shafts in the 400-450 grain range as Fletcher suggests.  They're available in POC, though not as common as Doug Fir in that weight range.