I've really been wanting to build a set of wood arrows. What tools do I need to build them? Any tips or suggestions? I think it would be really cool to make my own. Already have fletching jigs and a saw. So I guess I need a taper tool.
This (https://www.3riversarchery.com/tru-center-v2-taper-tool-for-wood-arrow-building.html) is a good taper tool from 3 Rivers. You might want to order some replacement blades at the same time, since they appear to be pretty unique to this tool.
I used to dip my wood arrows, but these days I prefer the convenience of wipe on poly. I usually get a small can of whatever Minwax stain I want and another small can of finish.
Traditionally, Duco has been used to glue the feathers and nocks to wood, and Ferr-l-tire to glue on the points, and both still work fine. I don't know if anything better has come along.
What wood do you plan to use? For most a simple pencil sharpener type works well for both the point and nock ends. There are other methods and tools but until you are sure you'll make more wood arrows no need to go to extra expense.
I made a simple dip tube from PVC pipe and used water based poly to seal the shafts. Again simple and inexpensive.
If the shafts aren't completely straight generally hand straightening is all you need. You can also use a little heat for stubborn bends but if you do lay the heated, straightened shaft on a flat surface to cool before messing with it again.
Here's a little info to chew on while you are waiting for more answers...
https://www.tradgang.com/tgsmf/index.php?topic=178862.msg2999761#msg2999761
Go to the How to rescores page there all kinds of how to post on building wood arrows. this where I learned how to build wood arrows, and I received a lot help from Rob DiStefano.
https://www.tradgang.com/tgsmf/index.php?board=3.0
Thanks Blake!
I total forgot about that forum this morning. I'm good to go as I'm on my 3rd cup of coffee. :jumper:
My thoughts for your first build. Surewood's Douglas Fir shafts are top quality. You can get Carson to cut your order to length as well as putting on the point and nock taper and tail tapering 11/32" to 5/16" as well.
Four coats of oil-based Minwax wipe-on poly with a light scuffing between coats with 220 grit sand paper between coats gives a very durable finish with the advantage that when the point end gets worn from targets, you can simply scuff it up again and re-apply the Minwax. Finally and again just personal preference, Bohning's fletch tape is easy to use and provides easy removal and re-fletching when you have damaged or well worn fletching.
Lots of differing methods, these are just where I've settled, you'll find it rewarding making your own.
This. ^^^
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
This idea will probably get me banned from the trad bow club but I don't paint the cap anymore. Paint is expensive and I usually end up throwing away the leftovers because of our climate. I use wraps, a sheet to do a dozen shafts costs a few bucks. The rest of the shaft I use Tung oil as a finish. A few coats and if I need to touch up the point end just wipe some on. Oh, I also crest my wraps using Tamiya model paints. Then wipe on a coat of water based acrylic finish.
Those look sharp.
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Gunner, nah, you won't get banned for that. Heck Onestringer is a Sponsor.
All of these kill arrows are wrapped with One stringer arrow wraps...
After I moved out of my office and brought it to the house in 2017 I have added quite a few more that are in a big tube. They all are also all wrapped with Onestringer arrow wraps. Most of them are reflective wraps...
I have been a One Stringer customer for at least 15 years. Good grief I still have those arrows. GT's I made for my Wes Wallace LB. Wraps I had custom made including my address. My wife likes their wraps as well. Good people in my opinion.
Here's some more Onestrigers....