Footing Wooden Arrows

Dozer · January 12, 2009, 11:18:00 AM

I just recently switched from POC to carbons. I've now decided to go back to wooden arrows because I realized half the fun of shooting for me, was crafting the wooden arrow.
Here's the problem. I break points when I stump shoot all to often. I would like to foot my own arrows but don't know how. Could someone recommend a good four-footed jig and a how-too book?

Falk · January 12, 2009, 12:15:00 PM

... if it helps, try and have a look at my my four prong tut , which I edited the other year for fellow TradGang member Cody. Literature advice is also in there.

I doubt though that it will prevent breaking points - but it certainly looks nice and if you break one you have lots of labor to replace it - just as you asked for

Bjorn · January 12, 2009, 02:21:00 PM

Jurt to fix arrows that break at the head I use reparrow-it is way easy and holds up extremely well.
To me, the four point footing is great for looks like Falk said, and good for adding weight.

fireball31 · January 12, 2009, 02:41:00 PM

Personally I learned my lesson stumping with wood arrow. i don't have the money or the time to be busting them up. For that reason I shoot a carbon flu flu when I'm stumping now, and I save the cedars for 3d and target behind the house. Footing isn't gonna stop that many breaks, it just looks pretty and adds some weight up front. JMHO

Al Kidner · January 12, 2009, 04:16:00 PM

I bought a jig from 3Rivers some time back and only now have I just started footing my own. It takes some time but is very rewarding thing to do. It's all trial and error with the jig but give it a go mate.

ak.

Adirondack Bowman · January 12, 2009, 04:27:00 PM

Footed arrows aren't any stronger , proably weaker but they do look nice.

Dozer · January 13, 2009, 10:32:00 AM

I had been led to believe that footed arrows were good for beefing up the tips not with just weight but strenght also. With all of you saying other wise I guess I was misinformed. I still wouldn't mind trying to do one on my own though. They do look good.

aromakr · January 13, 2009, 11:47:00 AM

Dozer:
Keep in mind wood is still wood. Wood breaks, however I disagree with Adirondack, footed are stronger, how much stronger depends on how they are made!!! There's footed arrows and then there's FOOTED arrows.
Bob

Jeremy · January 13, 2009, 12:28:00 PM

I went through a dozen POC arrows stumping just before the season "a few years" back... then switched the ash arrows. That first dozen lasted a few years and I was losing them, not breaking them.

Footing the arrow reinforces the area that breaks the most often: right behind the point.

I've used a single-point foot for a few years now to extend the length of some shafts or repair broken arrows. MUCH easier to do than a 4-pt foot or even a 2-pt foot. I've never had a footing fail. Doesn't look nearly as cool as a 4-pt though

CEW · January 13, 2009, 01:23:00 PM

Has anyone tried using a aluminum arrow to slide over and reinforce the first 6 inches on the arrow? A guy I shot with this weekend was thinking of trying this.

BobW · January 13, 2009, 01:31:00 PM

CEW:

All you are doing is moving the weak point, and actually increasing the leverage arm to the place of fracture (now behind the foot. Footing sleeves like those used on carbons are 90% to prevent mushrooming. as a direct impact drives the internal components backward and splits the hollow shaft. By ringing the area, it can't expand. I have broken as many of my footed arrows as unfooted, just in a different place. Ironically, if the interface is square and the insert set properly, there is a lot less need (and for the record, I do foot my arrows - but for length).

It also helps to hit your target, and not the post it is attached to or the rocks behind it.....

]

BobW

Longbow rookie · January 13, 2009, 02:21:00 PM

You may want to check out a good thread going on recently - I believe started by Ben K. from Aus...I'm by no means an authority but I'm interested in shooting strong, well-built woodies - so I've been reading what more experienced shooters have shared.

Ol..talks about a four pt footing but explains that 2 pts need to be staggered. My understanding was to spread/increase the strength over a larger area and preventing the weak point from being isolated - similar to the spot behind the insert in carbons.

I'll search the post and try to link you up. There's definitely some good stuff in there.

Hope this helps.

CJ

Longbow rookie · January 13, 2009, 02:28:00 PM

http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=069122#000000

If not, search this exact title....this is how it appears - I copied it.

??? Interesting Perspective on Wooden Arrows for Heavy Bows ???

CJ

Jeremy · January 13, 2009, 02:48:00 PM

I have a hard time believing you need to stagger the points on a 4-pt foot. They taper off into nothing when done right, there is no sudden change. Same with any of the 3 methods really.

Dozer · January 13, 2009, 04:26:00 PM

I would still like to pose my original question and that is. Can anyone tell me of a GOOD four point footing jig and an acurate how to book on footing wooden arrows. I don't even know where to begin.

Art B · January 13, 2009, 04:42:00 PM

Three Rivers Archery sells the four pointed footing jig that you're looking for. Instructions are included.-ART B

csdqm2 · January 13, 2009, 05:32:00 PM

I second the ash shafts. These things are tough as nails.

donw · January 13, 2009, 07:19:00 PM

i'll 3d the ash arrows...

where can a person get info on the "reparrow"?

Mohawkbows · January 13, 2009, 07:32:00 PM

AK......do you find the Three rivers jig to be worthwile? I would like to try footing some as well.

Van/TX · January 13, 2009, 08:41:00 PM

I do what Jeremy does. It's cheap, easy to do and strong

...Van