Bamboo stakes...

[PaulN/KS]

I was at the garden store and found some of those 4' bamboo garden stakes that I have heard some folks have used for arrows. Picked out some straight(ish) ones and now could use some info on the best ways of making them into arrows....?
 

Look forward to any and all info. Thanks in advance...

[sadiejane]

hers a cupla tutorials
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,11486.0.html
http://paleoplanet69529.yuku.com/topic/23526/Bamboo-arrow-tutorial

[aero86]

next time you go, if you can, get longer ones.  youll have a better chance of finding a good arrow and getting a decent spine match.

when i make mine, i use a heat gun with two settings and use the low heat setting.  the bamboo will appear to get waxy, then it will be easy to bend.  start between the nodes first, i find most bends are actually right before the nodes.  turn the bamboo between your fingers horizontally in front of your eyes to help you see the wobble. then when you have the between the node sections straight, then straighten the nodes.  these will require a bit more heat, just be careful not to burn them.  i suggest practicing finding the right temperature on a scrap piece first to see how it will work.

[Diligence]

wanted to mention that I used to use the heat gun too....but now I sit on the couch and use a candle....very relaxing.

[criveraville]

I think Osageoutlaw had an excellent example of bamboo arrows from Lowes/Walmart/Homedepot bamboo stakes..

[osage outlaw]

I love the bamboo stake arrows.  I used the same arrow the entire time at the Classic.  I missed my fare share of targets too.  I even hit a tree dead center.  I wiggled the arrow around, yanked on it, and it popped right out.  The nail didn't even pull out of the end.  I kept thinking, these things are just like carbons.