Hello All,

Since I jumped into traditional archery 3-4 years ago I have shot nothing but aluminum and carbon shafts. I thought I would give wood a try, but have no idea where to start. I checked around the "how to" forum and found some info, but couldn't locate anything showing the process step by step (including any equipment involved).

Does anyone have any pointers that could help me get started?

I shoot a 56" Bob Lee Recurve, 57 lbs at my 27.5 inch draw length.

Thanks!
MH

65-70 Spine cut to 28"BOP w/125grn... But start them out full length and cut 1/4" at a time till You get good flight..

If You want longer shafts go up in spine 5# same with point weight..

My Arrows are 10-15# heavier then draw weight.. 50@28" is My bow and I shoot 60-65# arrows. With 160grn points 30"BOP arrow length.

Do some Google searches, and visit Raptor Archery too; and you will be all set.

You will get lots of great advice on here on wood arrows. My advice is have fun with them and try some different types of wood. I have had good luck with sitka spruce and surewood shafts that I made into very plain arrows. Some of the other guys on here have made arrows that are works of art. Have fun learn as you go.  

Go to build alongs on this site and there is  one for making arrows.

Contact Rick- Fletcher  he is a sponsor and a great guy with unbelievable talent when it comes to arrows. He will give you good advise and can set you up with some great tackle.

There's a good chapter on building wooden arrows in "The Traditional Bowhunter's Handbook," by T.J. Conrads.  Lots of other good information on trad stuff as well.  Will answer 95% of your questions and save you about 100 posts on here.  T J is the editor/publisher of Traditional Bowhunter.  Can buy the book from the web site.  Good luck.

Have fun doing it. Never thought woods would be as good as they are. Straight, true, beauties, & fast enough. Now I make my own.

Do a search and you'll find all kinds of posts. Bowyers bench is a good forum to check on arrows. Just go through the pages. A search is quicker though.

Keeping the Faith!
Magnus

Look down in the "How to - Resources" section of this website.

 http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=40;t=000104

 http://www.tradgang.com/woodies/  

 http://www.tradgang.com/taper/  

 http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000116

Hey MH, feel free to give me a call and I can talk you thru what you will need and want.  T.J. Conrads' book is very good, not just for arrows but for all things traditional archery.  217 415 7716

Fletcher......    You are one of the unsung heroes on the gang here. One of the finest arrowsmiths around taking time to help out someone new to woodies. Time is the greatest gift we can give !

Wow...I can not believe you guys. I never expected to have this many replies that were so helpful! I have read it many times before on this site, but this is truly a special community.

Thank You!

MH

good people - great advise -it dont get no better

Fletcher, thank you for being willing to help me get started. I'm planning on giving you a call after Christmas when things settle down a little bit.

Works great for me.  Looking forward to it.  Guess I need to work on that video.  :D

My best advice would be to get a spine tester, learn how to use it, and use it often. You will need one if you want those woodies to be as good as they can be.
There are some really good threads on here where guys show how to build the cadillac versions with a dial indicator, or you can go the cheap...scrap lumber route like I did and build a spine O matic like mine with a needle pointer and the photo copy of the dial. Either way.......your gonna need one and lots of sandpaper.