Self nocks

[Sharpend60]

I like to cut self nocks into my wood shafts.
I have been just eye balling center(ish) and using a file to to cut em in.
This method is slow and sometimes I dont cut so straight.
Do ya guys have any tips or tricks?
Or perhaps some idea how to build a simple jig to help out?
Photos would be nice...
I have little interest in power tools, I like to do things by hand.

[Grey Taylor]

If you want to do it by hand get a Nifty Nocker from Raptor Archery. I don't use one (I use power) but it's perfect for your application.  

Guy

[Cottonwood]

A buddy of mine does self nocks:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KutvmgReLyo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KC4D09_Xu8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEOP0nwYIc4

[Jack Skinner]

A nifty nocker is a great way to go if you dont like power tools. But there is nothing wrong with your eyes as a great tool. Put my shafts in a vice nock end up. Line up your grain to riser make a pencil mark on the end of the shaft if needed. Use a single hacksaw blade to make your first cut go as deep as you like, I stop at the depth of the blade. Then switch out to three hacksaw blades taped together. If using a skinny string go with two blades taped together. I shape using sandpaper of small file. Then adjust the throat of the nock to my bow string using sandpaper. If my cut is not centered, when adjusting the nock for my string size is the time I correct. I use this method to add an additional insert to strengthen the selfnock as well. Just line up the insert with the grain properly. Sometimes I will use a bandsaw to make my first cut but mostly do selfnocks by hand. Also an abrasive blade in a hacksaw works great to widen the first cut with but can wonder. Add a wrap in front of the selfnock for decoration or added strength if you want.

Couple of photos of the process

 
 
 
 

[SCATTERSHOT]

I have seen some elaborate jigs for use with power tools, and they turn out some nice looking nocks, but IMO self nocks don't lend themselves to mass production.

I do mine by hand, and start with a hacksaw. Then I use a tile blade in a hacksaw frame to widen that cut, and finish with a chainsaw file and sandpaper.

The chainsaw file is just right for the finished nock.

 

[getstonedprimitivebowhunt]

Scattershot ..nice nock

[SCATTERSHOT]

Thank you. I really like self nocks, and as you can see that one is wrapped,for reinforcement. The only self nock I have broken was one that was too tight for the string. Wrapping may or may not be necessary, but it's added insurance.

Inserts arre a lot of work, however.
 

[Ted Fry]

Thanks for the plug Guy! Check out the You tube video for using the Nifty Nocker Scott. You can find it in the new video section listed on the front of our web page.