I'm starting into making my bamboo arrows and I got a couple of questions. What is thw material that you make the wraps at the end of the feathers with? I've also seen them down close to the points. Do you buy your sinew for the stone heads somewhere like 3rivers? Any info appreciated.
You can use real sinew or something like artificial sinew (much cheaper).
3 Rivers has artificial sinew but I'm not sure if they have the real stuff. I know you can get it at Moscow Hide and Fur.
If you go artificial, split it so you're using thin threads and it will look a lot better than a big 'ol hunk of string wrapped around the arrow.
Guy
Thanks,Guy. Knew I could count on tradgangers.
I saw spools of artificial sinew at the local Hobby Lobby. It was in with the leather tools and scraps.
Jeremy
You can use artificial sinew, dental floss, silk thread, or real sinew, and as mentioned above the thinner the better.
Any leather supply place will normally have artificial sinew and often real sinew as well.
i made three bamboo arrows recently.i am no expert.if you are on a budget like i am,i have another material you can use.i used and old dacron endless loop bowstring.cut the string so you have individual strands.lash the heads with this,then coat the string with superglue.works like a charm and is hard as nails.if you don't have an old bow string,send me a pm with your info and i will send you one for free.good luck,steve
Thanks a lot Steve but I do have some old bowstrings.
i mostly use silk thread, size EE i think. 3 rivers has a decent price on spools of silk. i also use quilters heavy cotton thread. i like to use something that will soak up super glue when i seal. anything that is waxed doesn't soak the super glue deep into the fibers. shoot me a pm if you have any questions about boo arrows.
Fly tying thread. Nearly any colour you may choose to use is available.
I use coloured finger nail polishes to finish my wraps. This works very well, and leaves a hard finish.