Torched, scorched, or flamed. Whatever you like to call them I've realm started to like the looks of them after seeing the YouTube video for Sitka gear: The challenge. So who else likes em and how do you do yours? Do you use a torch like the guy in the video? Alcohol burner? A candle? I've seen son where the back half is dark like it was dipped or stained. Is that stain or more torchwork? Does the heat affect spine or stiffness? Iknow wood can be firehardened. Or am I just over thinking all this and need to just get a fore going?! Of course pics are always welcome! Thanks!
I do mine with a plumbers torch. I do it lightly and it doesnt affect the spine.
I actually line up the whole dozen at the same time and just spin them 1/4 of a turn on each pass.
I cant add a picture. I can email or text it to you if you'd like to see them.
Any pictures out there ?
Regular old propane torch.
(http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l502/MrDwood/DSCN1092.jpg) (http://s1121.photobucket.com/user/MrDwood/media/DSCN1092.jpg.html)
(http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l502/MrDwood/DSCN1308.jpg) (http://s1121.photobucket.com/user/MrDwood/media/DSCN1308.jpg.html)
(http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l502/MrDwood/DSCN1498-1.jpg) (http://s1121.photobucket.com/user/MrDwood/media/DSCN1498-1.jpg.html)
Its been a long time since I have done them. I used a propane torch. I really like the look.
Guys I knew years ago did the torch thing. One was Jerry from Rancho Safari. Did it to break up the straight line look of the shaft for hunting.
There is a sleeve device available that has patterns like cresting. Can not remember who had them, 3Rivers did at one time.
Definitely look great! Does the heat alter arrow straightness? I imagine the heat would have some affect. Thanks for the pics :thumbsup:
That's what I'm talking about! Thanks guys! I like the idea of rolling them! Good tip! I never thought about the camo effect. Sorta the woodie version of Easton gamegetters!!M60, I've seen the sleeve you're talking about...kind of like a stencil to torch designs on your arrow. Any advice on the ones I've seen that look like they have a dark crown? Is it stained or flamed? I like the looks of these arrows, but I also like that I can save a few bucks on stain too!
Never had the heat alter the straightness, but I kept the shaft rotating and the torch moving. If I was going to burn an entire crown, I'd go a little at a time.
I've seen arrows with the designs on them, I believe the tool is called a Flame Crester.
These caps are stained:
(http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l502/MrDwood/DSCN1209.jpg) (http://s1121.photobucket.com/user/MrDwood/media/DSCN1209.jpg.html)
You can achieve a nice camo effect by using different colors of stain and just putting a dab here and there. If I was going to do a large area I would use stain rather than torch the wood.
Ive been told by others that I should never be allowed to play with fire.
I have been camoing my arrows with a propane torch for the last 30 years! I have also made a deer hoof branding iron that I made out of the heads that I shaped of box nails, and have incorporated into my woodies!
----------Black Wolf 68"57#@28------
-----------Tall Tines 60"52&45#@28-----
Arrowcraft, I'm stealing the branding iron idea. :thumbsup:
Arrowcraft, that's a cool idea! I think I'm gonna give that a try! Thanks for sharing the tips a pics everyone! Dringge, your suggestion reminded me of a pic I saw in TBM magazine a while back. I wasn't sure if it was the angle of the arrow in the pic but it had a cool sunburst look to the staining, like an old Gibson guitar. I'm thinking I used dyes like some selfbow/BBO bows have applied. It looked realm well done and it blotchy! Sorry for getting off topic on my own post!
Flame crested with stencil and torched both. Homemade poplar shafts.
(http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n274/JackSkinner/IMAG0431%202.jpg) (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/JackSkinner/media/IMAG0431%202.jpg.html)
That torched look has never appealed to me. But I know a lot of folks do like it.
Bisch
TTT
Bisch, its funny how tastes change. I used to be the same way and didn't like the look. But for some reason Its grown on me and now I'm set on making a batch! Another question: Do you guys sand after flaming the arrow or not?
50 50 sometimes I sand sometimes not depends on how much burn I use and if it roughs up the grain. It doesnt hurt to do lite 220 or 320. It may dull the dark look to the burn a bit though so most of the time I dont.
Same as Jack.
Does this weaken the shaft at all, as long as you just barely scorch it?
Not that I've seen, Russ.
No. Not perceivable to me and my shafts anyway. Also as I torch I also straighten when complete most of the time the heat helps shafts stay straight, better than just the thumb technique anyway.
It's a very nice look, as was mentioned it sort of resembles the Easton camo look.
I may experiment with this.
One question; I primarily use cedar shafts. Does this technique primarily work better on hardwoods like ash or fir than softer woods like cedar, or is there no difference?
I'm assuming you scorch before you apply any kind of finish or stain...?
Captain I have used it with all types of shafts it actually works a little better on the softer woods like cedar and poplar than on say ash but works on both .
Russ I like to burn then stain if I going to and yes then finsih last.
QuoteOriginally posted by Jack Skinner: Captain I have used it with all types of shafts it actually works a little better on the softer woods like cedar and poplar than on say ash but works on both .
Excellent! I have a dozen cedars ready to build...think I will give it a try. I find the look very appealing.
Gonna try it....thanks!
This right here is what's awesome about this site....
Here are some ash arrows that I litely burned to bring out the grain a little. These when I turned them had a really rough finish (tear out). They will be perfect for the CTAS High Country shoot and the 3 arrow and Fred Bear ranges which if I remember correctly is really tough on arrows.
(http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n274/JackSkinner/IMAG0435.jpg) (http://s114.photobucket.com/user/JackSkinner/media/IMAG0435.jpg.html)