Primitive arrow dimension question

[pastorjosh44]

I would appreciate some info from some of you guys who make primitive arrows.  I've never done it and getting ready to make some up.  I have a 28 in draw and I'll be shooting a 50 lb self bow, can you guys give me some input as to where I should start on arrow diameter.  I'm making them out of hickory. I know I'll have to tune them, but I don't even know where I ought to start on diameter.  I intend to shoot stone points around 90 grains.  Thanks!

[Gordon Jabben]

Josh, I have only made primitive arrows out of dogwood and river cane but I think 11/32" would be a good starting place.  I have made quite a few arrows out of walnut and ash.  They really vary in spine. I think 11/32" will be too stiff but you can always take them down.

[ozy clint]

i make cane shafts and unless your going to sort through many 100's of shafts to match spine and weight you are going to have to tune individual arrows.

i cut them to what ever length i want then put a field point on to get the total weight i want. then because they are too stiff to start off with i just scrape and sand the shaft to weaken it. test shoot, scrape, test shoot, scrape and so on until they are flying really good. then add a stone point the same or similar weight to the field point you tuned with.

don't over complicate things. remember, cave men used to do it.

[Pat B]

With hickory you might be able to use 5/16". Are you making the shafts yourself or buying hickory dowels?
Cane and hardwood shoot arrows(dogwood, sourwood, etc.)have a natural taper and are more draw weight tolerant. With their weight forward characteristic they lend themselves well to stone points which are usually lighter in weight. I leave my arrows long, 30" for my 26" draw. This also helps the arrow get around the bow easier.

[pastorjosh44]

Thanks for the input guys.  I'm ripping hickory into square sided pieces and then shaving and sanding.  I'm interested to get to the tuning part.  Ozy clint, when you scrape arrows, what do you use?  Cabinet scraper, paint scraper?