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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: JStark on January 07, 2007, 12:04:00 PM

Title: Dowels for shafts
Post by: JStark on January 07, 2007, 12:04:00 PM

What size dowels should I get for shafts?  I cannot afford a spine tester, and until I get the time to make a homemade one, I'll probably shoot flu-flus at rabbits (no big-game for eight months).  I shoot a 55# 58" recurve.  My 'supplier' (Orchard Supply) sells poplar dowels.

Title: Re: Dowels for shafts
Post by: poekoelan on January 07, 2007, 01:14:00 PM

My experience with most dowels is that they come in either 5/16 or 3/8. I would try a few of each and see what happens. I'm betting that 5/16 will be to weak and most 3/8 will be too stiff. You'll probably have to go with 3/8 and sand them down some.

The biggest thing when making arrows from dowels: chose the ones with the least amount of grain run off.

I have a spine tester that only took about an hour to make and only cost about 10 dollars ( less than that if you have some of the materials already )and it's just as accurate as a commercial one, I tested it on aluminum shafts. PM if you are interested and I could tell you how to make it. It's very easy.

Title: Re: Dowels for shafts
Post by: SCATTERSHOT on January 07, 2007, 04:52:00 PM

Poplar makes a good arrow. I'd go with the 3/8" dowels and leave them long with a heavy point. You can also sand down the middle of the shaft to reduce spine. In my experience, the 5/16 dowels average about 45#, give or take.

Title: Re: Dowels for shafts
Post by: sir_h_c on January 08, 2007, 01:11:00 AM

sent you a PM poekooelan.

Title: Re: Dowels for shafts
Post by: Sal on January 08, 2007, 01:53:00 AM

3/8" is the better size, they usually spine in the low 60's.  Be selective of your dowels and you can get perfect grain in all of your arrows.  I did that once with a dozen.  You don't get perfect grain on most commercian shafts anymore.

Title: Re: Dowels for shafts
Post by: thp on January 08, 2007, 07:16:00 AM

Poekooelan,

sent you a PM as well. Thanks.

Title: Re: Dowels for shafts
Post by: Gerry on January 08, 2007, 07:25:00 AM

Poekooelan,

Sent you a PM as well, thanks.

Title: Re: Dowels for shafts
Post by: poekoelan on January 08, 2007, 01:35:00 PM

I responded to all. If you didn't get it, let me know.

Title: Re: Dowels for shafts
Post by: The Ursus on January 08, 2007, 03:17:00 PM

I reccomend 3/8" shafts and making a taper jig. There's a design or two in the How-To section on this site.  That will help you bring down the spine on your really stiff shafts and promote better flight in the end.  Most of my 3/8 ramin dowels spine in the 80-100lb range so some material removal is eminent.

Title: Re: Dowels for shafts
Post by: poekoelan on January 08, 2007, 04:59:00 PM

to all who wanted to know about the spine tester....I started a new thread with pics. Hope it helps.

Title: Re: Dowels for shafts
Post by: JStark on January 08, 2007, 10:18:00 PM

Thanks, guys, for pushing poekoelan into setting up a new thread!  Thanks, poekoelan, too.

And Ursus, I found a great taper jig idea that I think is Erik Krewsons.  I think it's on the cheapskate thread.  Thanks for the suggestion.

Title: Re: Dowels for shafts
Post by: BamBooBender on January 09, 2007, 12:29:00 AM

I'll second the 3/8 poplar dowels barrell tapered. Sanding the middle can get them right on as well, as leaving them long.