I am looking to make a set of self nock arrows. My question is, is there a poundage of bow where self nock arrows become impractical? Also, is there a tool recommended for this process? I have seen the "Nifty Nocker", and was wondering if anyone had any experience with it.
I have used a hacksaw to start the cut, then a tile blade and a chainsaw file to finish the nock. As long as you wrap the shaft below the nock you should be OK. (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v103/scattershot/IMGP0180.jpg)
One thing to to watch, though, is that the nock is big enough for the strinng. The only self nocks I have split were too tight on the string.
Good luck!
P.s. you can also use a spline, but it's more trouble. (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v103/scattershot/IMGP0181.jpg)
The old 150# English War Bows used self nocked arrows.
I make a single bandsaw cut then fit it to the string with a thin bladed knife, small file and sandpaper folded over and over to increase the nock opening. A wrap is very important with self nocks unless you reinforce it with a spline like Scattershot posted.
For wrapping I use either sinew or silk thread set in super glue. I chew the sinew so no glue is needed.
A five dollar tile cutting blade in a hacksaw frame does a perfect job of making self nocks in a single pass. Make sure you get them centered!