Trad Gang

Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Jon Stewart on April 04, 2014, 07:48:00 AM

Title: butternut arrows?
Post by: Jon Stewart on April 04, 2014, 07:48:00 AM
Anyone else ever make and use them.  We knocked out 5 dozen of them last night. They spined out real nice all between 40# and 55#.

Your thoughts??
Title: Re: butternut arrows?
Post by: Bluegoose on April 04, 2014, 08:33:00 AM
I'm thinking I'd like to test some for you...

I'd be interested to hear how they do. I'd guess the butternuts would be more like softwoods in terms of weight and strength.

I had a chance to buy some walnut shafts at the Great Lakes Longbow Invitational years ago and have kicked myself ever since for passing on them. I've got some tough old hickories from Ohio that are a little too heavy but darn near unbreakable -- still around after 20 years.
Title: Re: butternut arrows?
Post by: wooddamon1 on April 04, 2014, 05:09:00 PM
Never even heard of them, anyone have a pic maybe? Always interested in learning about new stuff.
Title: Re: butternut arrows?
Post by: Jon Stewart on April 04, 2014, 06:13:00 PM
Butternut is referred to light walnut among other things.  I straightened one, sanded and got one coat on it.  It spined out at 38# and weighs 375 grns.  I will put 125 on the end and see what she does.
Title: Re: butternut arrows?
Post by: shag08 on April 04, 2014, 06:59:00 PM
We call it white walnut here. I'd say it is a bear to make an arrow shaft out of. I've worked with some of it. When it goes through the plainer it fuzzes up really bad.

It is a beautiful colored and grained wood. I'd say it works and shoots like a soft wood.  I'd like to see a pic as well. I am clueless when it comes to arrows but it is kinda hard to work for basic woodworking projects.