Inserts are not necessary, for bamboo shafts, just try to cut the knock, and arrow head notch with a node close to it. But even that is not really needed, it just helps, but you can't always get the node where you want it. But yes, like they said, do wrap in front of the nock, and behind the arrowhead, and tightly! And for the head, you want at least an inch of wrap, even with a node. Like they said, try making a nice boo arrow, and you will see why so many go the extra step. Boo also stays straight longer than, dowels, shoots, and store bought shafts, plus they have the fibers running straight the length of the shaft, you don't have to worry about grain run out.
I don't think they are any more work, than lumber shafts, or dowels, as again you have to look for grain run out, and still need to be straightened and then finished, so I don't see a whole lot more time in making a boo shaft, versus a shoot, or dowel, or board shaft. I hate to run a saying in the ground, but it is true, boo is nature's carbon arrow material. There are many types of boo shafts to choose from, and each has it's own list of pros, and cons. Tonkin seems to be king, as toughness, and flexibility. Sort of like the ugly stick fishing rod, in the abuse it can take. But if you don't have access to it, use whatever you have at hand, or whatever, you can make the best arrow with. After all, it will be you who will be praising, or cussing, after making the arrow, out of whatever choice of material. ;
David and Cora Knight are the resident experts on cane shafts on this forum. They make some extremely fine shafts, and if you did not know anything about boo, you would think it was a carbon shaft. Which comes back around to nature's...... well anyway, just my opinion, each material has it's own pluses and minuses, but like Osage being the majority preferred bow wood, I think that boo is the preferred shaft material. There are excellent shoot, and wood shafts out there, Spruce, birch, dogwoods, etc., and those that swear by those materials. But for me, I think the boo is king. If you can get it. Which is really not a problem.
Wayne
