Trad Gang

Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Stump_pounder on December 05, 2011, 09:13:00 PM

Title: Making wood arrows
Post by: Stump_pounder on December 05, 2011, 09:13:00 PM
Ive been toying with making some woods. I have never done it and have no tools or knowledge of how to do it. I could buy some but I think it would be a fun winter project since my son and I both hunt Trad gear It may be cheaper in the long run as well so I have some questions for you guys
1> what tools do i need to buy?
2> where do I buy shafting and feathers?
3> Can any of you recomend a DVD on making them?
Any help would be great Thanks Rich
Title: Re: Making wood arrows
Post by: Ray_G on December 05, 2011, 09:29:00 PM
Rich,

Here is a good place to start for a tutorial from the "How to Resources" forum further down the main forum page:

http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000119

There are other examples in the same forum.  Peruse them for ideas.  There are tons of sponsors in the sponsors list that carry supplies and tools.  Braveheart Archery will have the Surewood Shafts, feathers, points, etc.

You can build arrows - I did it.
Title: Re: Making wood arrows
Post by: centaur on December 05, 2011, 09:45:00 PM
Check with another Oregonian, Ted Fry, at Raptor Archery. He's a sponsor here, and could get you set up.
Title: Re: Making wood arrows
Post by: Al Kidner on December 05, 2011, 09:46:00 PM
Ted over at Raptor Archery... 2nd to none!


al.
Title: Re: Making wood arrows
Post by: Brently on December 05, 2011, 09:58:00 PM
Raptor
Title: Re: Making wood arrows
Post by: Bjorn on December 05, 2011, 10:02:00 PM
Yeah Raptor is the place!
Title: Re: Making wood arrows
Post by: KellyG on December 05, 2011, 10:17:00 PM
Here you go why buy shafts.

I really don't think I will ever again.

http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=125;t=007081;p=1

Remember this was my first attempt at it.
Title: Re: Making wood arrows
Post by: Rob DiStefano on December 06, 2011, 07:27:00 AM
CHECK THE TRAD GANG "HOW TO - RESOURCES" FORUM! - before asking!!!
Title: Re: Making wood arrows
Post by: Plumber on December 06, 2011, 08:23:00 AM
makeing wood arrows is great it is a great way to stay in touch with archery in the off season . there is a lot of info here you should have a great time.good luck
Title: Re: Making wood arrows
Post by: Roadkill on December 06, 2011, 11:29:00 AM
Dave Doran , Archery Past is also in your neighborhood if Ted is too far

Arrow building is soooo much fun
Title: Re: Making wood arrows
Post by: Kenkel on December 06, 2011, 01:41:00 PM
I made some a year or so back with a Veritas 3/8" dowel maker mounted on a jig I built.  I then made a jig for the nock and point tapers on my belt sander.
Here is the Veritas jig
 (http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/sowbelly/1.jpg)
BeltSanderTaperJig
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/sowbelly/2.jpg)
Cut whatever board you want to make arrows out of into 5/8" square blanks on the tablesaw.  Cut them couple inches longer than finished shaft.
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/sowbelly/3.jpg)
Put end of blank in adapter chucked to a drill and spin thru the Jig
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/sowbelly/4.jpg)
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab196/sowbelly/5.jpg)
You can then take some 150grit sandpaper and sand it while it is spinning.  Simply cut it to length and sand tapers on the ends with the belt sander jig.  I then take some 200grit paper and sand with the grain.  I use a wipe on finish then fletch.  

They shoot really good and the type of wood you use will dictate weight.  The Walnut ones are heavy while the Cedar is light.  Make sure you start with a board with as few of knots as possible. Knots and shafts dont work real well!

I still have all of these tools put up somewhere as I quit making them (use carbon now) but hopefully you will see an easy, cheap way to make arrows if you have some basic woodworking skills.

If you have the tools, the jig was less than $50.00.  Just make the jigs and get after it!!  I was making finished shafts from start to finish quicker than I could believe!!  That Veritas jig zips the fire out of them.
Title: Re: Making wood arrows
Post by: Stump_pounder on December 06, 2011, 04:45:00 PM
Thanks Guys Robs post on the tech tips is awesome ! Gotta remember the search funtion.