Think I have decided to try my hand at crafting some footed shafts this spring.  Have searched the archives but still have questions.    :confused:    :confused:    :confused:  

If an arrow is footed with purpleheart or osage what does that do to the spine.  I understand that it could stiffen the spine but it seems more likely that it will actually act to weaken arrow spine due to increased point weight. Is this true?  If so, then how much should I increase the spine of my shafts in order to get good arrow flight.  Would really hate to do all the work and come out with beautiful shafts that I cant use.

Any other tips or experiences are appreciated.

Caleb

Here is another thought.  I currently shoot hickory shafts.  Is a purpleheart footing going to really increase my FOC.  Hickory is pretty heavy to begin with.

the foot does affect dynamic spine, it will lower the spine of your arrows.  You have to shaft tune to find the correct point weight and length of the hardwood shaft, foot them and then look for the correct point weight again, it might go down, especially if you are footing cedar.  If your footing hickory, use IPE, it will increase the FOC a little.

Probably won't make much difference.  Total foot length is about 8 inches, but about half of that is routed out in tapers for the foot and point taper.  You're left with the weight equivalent of about 4 inches of hardwood, which you are using to replace the equivalent of 4 inches of cedar.  I presented these figures in another thread, but I'll repeat them here.  A modestly heavy cedar will weigh about 12-14 grains per inch, a hardwood, about 20 grains per inch.  Thus, you're only adding about 25-30 grains to the front of the shaft by footing it, maybe a little more if you have lighter cedar and/or heavier footings.   That's not enough to require a change in spine.  And, in my experience, footing the shafts doesn't change their static spine either,mayube a pound or two.  So foot away, and when done build the arrows just like you've always done.

wouldnt that hardwood footing have a heavyer spine than the rest,  considering the modest jump in wieght,replacing 8 inches, wouldnt it be like shortening your shaft thus making it stiffer?

Most of the bending takes place in the middle. The extra stiffness of the hardwood won't make a noticeable difference. What Orion said has been my experience too..........

Why foot hardwood shafts, they are allready all hardwood, I can see footing cedar but not ash or hickory.

Maybe  he wants a  contrasting  color???

The truth is that I had wanted to increase FOC, then realized that bc I shoot hardwood shafts, that it probably wouldnt make a lot of difference.  I this point if I carry on it is because I like the look and like to tinker with my gear.  

You know how it is, not enought money for a new bow but can afford a dozen shafts. LOL

Caleb