I was wondering what types of wood can be used to make wood arrows? I am talking about hardwoods. I have seen poplar, but I wanted to know about others. I have some black cherry, walnut, osage, oak, red elm, hard maple boards laying around. Has anyone used any of these varities before. I wasn't sure how they would be as far as strength etc. I was going to cut some 3/8 squares and round them over but didn't want to waste my time if certain woods are not worth useing. Any advice appreciated. Steve
I haven't tried any Black Walnut or Osage yet but they are on my list since I have the lumber on hand. I have shafts of Maple, Ash, Hickory, Pecan, Birch, and Ipe.
Maple makes a very strong shaft with a speckled grain pattern and you get good spine weights from it.
I have split a lot of Red Elm and If you can get some straight grain I think it would be plenty tough but don't know what to expect in spine though.
With Oak I think I would try a white variety over the red. White Oak is harder than red varieties and is a non-porous wood.
Dennis
ttt
Be carefull making arrow shafts from "boards" or "lumber". Not a safe practice.
stump