How to stiffen natural shafts?

[eastcreekarchery]

I have some rose and viburnum shafts that aren’t as stiff as i like and they stay somewhat bent after a few shots. Is there a way to treat them to make them stiffer and not stay bent? Im a beginner when it comes to making natural shaft arrows. Thanks!

[Pat B]

Were your rose canes seasoned? Were they at least 2nd year growth? You might raise the spine a little by heat treating them but if not seasoned or mature enough that probably won't help.

[eastcreekarchery]

The shafts have been drying for four years so i think theyre seasoned enough. They were about 11/32 when i cut them so i think they were mature enough. I will try heat treating. Thanks!

[Pat B]

The diameter has nothing to do with maturity. I have seen first year wild rose shoots(canes) that were at least 1/2" in diameter. If the shoot had only leaves on them they are first year shoots and generally too flimsy for arrows or only make light arrows. The second year of growth small branches will grow from where last years leaves were. After that second years growing season is the proper time to harvest them for arrow shafting.

[TimBo]

Second year growth has thicker walls and less of the pithy center.

[aznboi3644]

I use viburnum a lot.  I use heat to straighten them and they stay straight pretty well.  It also heat treats well.