I have used poplar dowels from Lowes,  Home Depot, etc.  for a long time now.    They make great arrows  I Taper them down to 11/32 at the nock end and they shoot great  I have a spine tester so that is not a problem but spines do vary greatly    I try to pick 8 to 12 at a shot and then spine them out later.  Pick by grain and straightness.  If what I buy is too heavy or too light, They go into the various category bins for future use .     Slightly heavier than POC   and slightly stronger also

QuoteOriginally posted by NTD:
 

QuoteOriginally posted by BadgerArrow:
FYI, Arrow shafts are spined, Lowes dowels are NOT.  Be VERY Careful using dowels.

The good thing about arrows from cheap dowels is you use the ultimate spine tester, your bow...If it flys well then it's spined right      If it doesn't you can ditch it or use it for another bow and it didn't cost you much.  Nothing to be careful about, just use what shoots well.  JMHO [/b]

And if it breaks when you release you can use the other arrows to splint your arm so the shaft thats stuck in it doesn't move on the way to the hospital.Always think safety first and spine test them somehow.JMHO

Thanks Gents, lots of great points for and against. I will inspect them and only use what is as it should. For the shooting session I did, I was very impressed on the arrow flight and deep penetration into my foam target. Up to the fletching every time.

Well done ls64. 2Trx, nice arrows for sure, bow too. Dig my woods too. Now, find your own feathers! Way too cool.

QuoteOriginally posted by lpcjon2:
 

QuoteOriginally posted by NTD:
 

QuoteOriginally posted by BadgerArrow:
FYI, Arrow shafts are spined, Lowes dowels are NOT.  Be VERY Careful using dowels.

The good thing about arrows from cheap dowels is you use the ultimate spine tester, your bow...If it flys well then it's spined right         If it doesn't you can ditch it or use it for another bow and it didn't cost you much.  Nothing to be careful about, just use what shoots well.  JMHO [/b]

And if it breaks when you release you can use the other arrows to splint your arm so the shaft thats stuck in it doesn't move on the way to the hospital.Always think safety first and spine test them somehow.JMHO [/b]

Maybe I gave too much credit to individuals aiming to make arrows from dowels in that they would already know about the issues with grain runouts etc.  I was only replying to BadgerArrow's direct comment which was about spine  :rolleyes:

QuoteOriginally posted by NTD:
 

QuoteOriginally posted by BadgerArrow:
FYI, Arrow shafts are spined, Lowes dowels are NOT.  Be VERY Careful using dowels.

The good thing about arrows from cheap dowels is you use the ultimate spine tester, your bow...If it flys well then it's spined right      If it doesn't you can ditch it or use it for another bow and it didn't cost you much.  Nothing to be careful about, just use what shoots well.  JMHO [/b]

Until one breaks because it is to weak, and sticks a shard through your hand or arm.

What BadgerArrow said.

Nothing to be careful about, just use what shoots well.  JMHO [/qb][/QUOTE]And if it breaks when you release you can use the other arrows to splint your arm so the shaft thats stuck in it doesn't move on the way to the hospital.
  :rolleyes:    :rolleyes:    :rolleyes:

QuoteOriginally posted by Two Tracks:
Rattus58, My friend Jerry put a self nock on the arrows and then used some of the red thread to wrap the shaft just below the string groove to help protect from spliting.

That's a good idea. I've never had problems but I've heard of some who have, hence the reason for the plastic I use crosswise the shaft. I'll try some with the thread... does he glue the thread?

Aloha...  :cool:

Yes you need to be sure the dowels have very good grain and no runouts that could make them weak....they could be dangerous.  But I have made a few from dowels and they work fine.

This was a great post. I always wondered about the big box store's dowels, and now I know what to look for and what I don't want to see.

I do agree with fully testing arrows before shooting them. Just cause I'm an amateur doesn't mean I want to look like one!

Great looking arras.

In my experience, hand splitting produces the best arrow, assuming it is done right, and that is why I buy shafts from Raptor Archery. Ted knows what it takes to make a good arrow.

Almost any bow will shoot good arrows better than poorly crafted ones.