Does this weaken the shaft at all, as long as you just barely scorch it?

Not that I've seen, Russ.

No. Not perceivable to me and my shafts anyway. Also as I torch I also straighten when complete most of the time the heat helps shafts stay straight, better than just the thumb technique anyway.

It's a very nice look, as was mentioned it sort of resembles the Easton camo look.
I may experiment with this.
One question; I primarily use cedar shafts. Does this technique primarily work better on hardwoods like ash or fir than softer woods like cedar, or is there no difference?

I'm assuming you scorch before you apply any kind of finish or stain...?

Captain I have used it with all types of shafts it actually works a little better on the softer woods like cedar and poplar than on say ash but works on both .

Russ I like to burn then stain if I going to and yes then finsih last.

QuoteOriginally posted by Jack Skinner: Captain I have used it with all types of shafts it actually works a little better on the softer woods like cedar and poplar than on say ash but works on both .

Excellent! I have a dozen cedars ready to build...think I will give it a try. I find the look very appealing.

Gonna try it....thanks!

This right here is what's awesome about this site....

Here are some ash arrows that I litely burned to bring out the grain a little. These when I turned them had a really rough finish (tear out). They will be perfect for the CTAS High Country shoot and the 3 arrow and Fred Bear ranges which if I remember correctly is really tough on arrows.