I'm considering footing some 32" shafts with Reparrow footings to make myself some 36" shafts. Anyone used them, and do they make them in heavier woods? I was fine with the guy's price, but I was looking at pairing them with laminated maple shafts. Should I be looking at a different shaft, or moving to something like a single footing, or practicing with my bandsaw until I can do regular footing?
I'm not used to making wooden arrows, and I'm looking at options. I'm completely stable and secure at a 36" arrow length, but I'm looking for a better shafting option than lightweight birch dowels to up my penetration. I get the speed I need from that draw length, but it can hurl a heavy arrow pretty well too.
Am I chasing an impossibility, or have I got a decent idea this time? I've used birch dowels in the past, but felt like they were flimsy and too lightweight. I used 3/8" dowels and was fine with the diameter, just thought they were way too easily broken, even when I got the grain right.
Do I just need to practice with the bandsaw?
I've used them for repairs and have generally been satisfied. Getting the joint right requires some practice, at least in my experience.
I think you might be better off dropping some (initially serious) coin on the Arrow-Fix Tool (http://www.arrow-fix.com) in one of its iterations. Then you could use any shaft/footing material that you wish.
I've used them, amd they work well. He uses some hardwoods, walnut, I think, amd some others, so maybe it,will work for you. Get in rouch with Jim and he can probably run some custom ones for you out of heavier material.
Been using them since Jim started making them they work great for repairs and making your shaft a bit longer. I would look at doug fir as well. You are not chasing a dream IMO.
Another yes vote for me. Before my shoulder injury I used them for the same reason to make longer arrows. I don't need a arrow longer than standard now so I use them for repairs. They are great and easy use.
Reparrows work well for me. I don't know all the sizes available, but I'm pretty sure they don't come in 3/8 inches. You think Birch is flimsy? Wow! Maybe so in dowels. There's a big difference in dowels and arrow stock made for the purpose. Then again, I'm not aware of any commercial suppliers making 3/8-inch birch arrow shafts, or any other wood for that matter.
Seems like you might be looking for English War bow shafts. Might not hurt to surf the net to find if there any suppliers of such shafts in England or elsewhere.
The Longbow Shop has 3/8. 1/2. 14mm 15 mm. Ash and birch shafts at 34 inchs
In my experience the Reparrows work very well. As mentioned above, it takes some practice and technique to get them on straight. I think it will take two of them to get you to 36", tho.
I tried to find these. Where can you get them?
They work well.
Just take your time and put em on straight.
I think the two things to worry about most is making sure your shaft is tapered very well.
The other is to nut use too much glue..
I used TB3. It's pretty thin and squished out of the joint nicely.
I think if I used thicker glues it wouldn't have seated very easily.
The reparrows are tapered front and back with much precision.
QuoteOriginally posted by Hermon:
I tried to find these. Where can you get them?
Reparrows.com
Jim
I've used them to salvage broken arrows. They work great. No complaints
Jim's shafts are high quality for sure! Give 'em a try.
Also, give a simple 2-foot splice a try. Not hard to do, with the right tools. A lot of info here, and at the Bowyers Bench section!
Pulled the trigger on a dozen Surewoods and walnut Reparrows. However long they are is what I'll be shooting. Add in a dozen Bodkins and I should be set. Jim, I plan to spend a lot more with you in the future. Might have to make a custom order.