Has anyone ever used or torch or flame of some kind to create a camo pattern on wood arrows... like the guy is this video?
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFA1Fc0QqFw)

I would like to try it... I think it creates a really cool look.   I'm wondering if hitting it with a torch would affect the spine or straightness at all?  I supposed you just have to be careful to move it quickly through the heat.  

Thanks for the info.

Tim

Yep I have done that before, it definitely improves them aesthetically. As long as you don't severely burn them, as in the wood itself retains a flame, you should see no affect on arrow flight or spine.

I've done it on cane, sourwood shoots, ash and poplar with good results. If you don't go overboard you can probably do it on any wood shafting. Be sure to let the shafts rehydrate a few days before shooting them.

Guys used to do the flaming thing years ago. When they made their woods up for hunting especially for the Islands they did not spend any time being fancy. Flaming was cheaper than paint and faster. Some years back there was a tube device that fit over the arrow that was sold. It had a design cut into it. When you put the torch to it you got that design on the shaft. That was back in the 90's I believe.
I never heard anyone say flaming caused a problem with spine or arrow flight.

Yep!  I just hit a dozen of #95 douglas fir this weekend with the torch.  I really like the look.  I use no particular design...just move the torch from one end to the other till it looks good.  When you put the sealer on it really makes the wood grain "pop".

Bill-

yep but you can also just use the black smoke from maybe a candle,I've use acetalyne torch with no oxygen to get the heavy black smoke look,it will rub off if not careful but if you dip it with out touching it,it's there forever..

I do it with flame crester templates.

 
 
 

Darren

I have done wod shafts as well works great, agree don't let the shaft char from starting on fire

Thanks for all the good info guys!

Pat B - when you say to allow the wood to rehydrate... Should I also wait a few days before sealing with polyurethane?

Dhaverstick,
Those flame crester templates are Sweet

If you are doing a simple cresting it probably isn't necessary but if you do more I'd wait at least a few days. It dries out the wood and can make it brittle. Even with sealing the wood breaths and the moisture content will change with the relative humidity but the sealing will slow down that hygroscopic rate. They will eventually hit equilibrium but waiting a few days before sealing should get the shafting back where it should be.

I have been told with some hardwoods this scorching technique actually helps them stay straight...anyone else heard this?

Using heat to straighten arrow shafts is an excellant way to get them straight and stay that way. You dont have to heat to scorching but it sure does look good.

Just found the flame crester templates at Kustom King archery supply.

By heating wood shafting you are tempering them which helps them stay straight. Also, I like to let new wood shafts sit around for a week or so to acclimatize to local R/H before working them. This also helps top stabilize them.

QuoteOriginally posted by Russ Clagett:
I have been told with some hardwoods this scorching technique actually helps them stay straight...anyone else heard this?

I don't know if that is true or not, but all the shafts that I have done the flaming with have never had to be straightened.

Sounds like the flaming might have multiple benefits!  Can't wait to try it.  Thanks again for all the info fellas!

*** "Anyone ever use a torch/flame to discolor wood arrows?" ***

Yes....many times.

I usually use our gas kitchen stove for arrow work; straightening, tempering and adding scorch decoration.

Stack
Thanks for the heades up on Kustom King, another little cool tool to addd to my collection soon.