Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Arrows => Topic started by: PAHunter on March 27, 2012, 03:23:32 am
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This is my 2nd arrow ever. Made from bamboo from K-mart. The turkey feathers are from a road kill. ;) The sinew is from deer we harvested and I chewed it up before applying. I used a duplex nail filed down for the point and a few drops of super glue for good measure. Suggestions welcome! Thanks!
(http://leatherwall.bowsite.com/tf/pics/00small19313996.JPG)
(http://leatherwall.bowsite.com/tf/pics/00small27178195.JPG)
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Looks great! My only suggestion is to wrap sinew behind point. This keeps bamboo shaft from splitting on impact. This is a must if you actually plan on shooting this arrow and its not just for decoration!
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I agree w/ CKC about the wrapping behind the point, go about and inch and a half up the shaft. Did you seal the sinew? Superglue will work for that too. My biggest suggestion to you is not to shoot this one up into the air. ;) ;D dpgratz
Good looking arrow by the way.
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Thanks guys, it was great fun! I'm doing a bunch more now.
@ cherokeeKC Ok I will do the sinew wrap. It will be nice to add tip weight also. I was just worried about it hindering penetration. Yes, all my arrows are for shooting. :)
@bowtarist most of it is not sealed but the top is becuase I put some superglue on the nock to reinforce it. Eventually I'd like to move to all natural material if they hold up (no super glue). First I just need some to shoot and building experience. I could put some hide glue over if needed. Im also looking into natural target points. As for shooting it into the air, I can't make any promises. I'll at least do it where there aren't trees. ;)
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how long did it take ya? I'm thinking bout heading to the local hardware and buying some bamboo garden stakes.
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Very nice job. makes me regret having my turkey feathers cut. really like the looks of the more primitive fletch.
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I would have added a bit more sinew in front of the feathers. The quill looks a bit exposed which can damage cut you if shooting off your hand. ALOT better looking than my second arrow.
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They don't take too long. The build along on this site is good and I found a nice YT video on cutting the turkey feathers. I'm guessing an hour an arrow when you get good. I've already straightened 9 more that I need to feather up! BTW it penetrates as much as my alunimum arrows! wow!
(http://leatherwall.bowsite.com/tf/pics/00small44756747.JPG)
(http://leatherwall.bowsite.com/tf/pics/00small70962724.JPG)
(http://leatherwall.bowsite.com/tf/pics/00small12986613.JPG)
I trimmed the feathers down and in some to clear my fingers while shooting. I'd like to wrap more sinew but I'm rationing. I only have 3/4 of a buck worth. It saddens that I didn't even take it from my other 4 deer last year before I started this stuff. :(
(http://leatherwall.bowsite.com/tf/pics/00small71913568.JPG)
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BTW I heated over fire but I'm sure a heat gun works great as well. It helps a lot to have a flat surface to roll it on while your bending! The technique that's working for me is to straighten the shafts (between the nodes) first ignoring the nodes and them move on to the nodes. If I try to do both at once it screws me all up. :o :P
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I see I lit the bamboo arrow flame under your...... Good looking arrow.
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My only suggestion is that yo point that thing the other way, it looks dangerous.
Does your mother know you are doing this???
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Nice arrow! I like the woodies/shoot arrows :)
Quick question though, how hard is it to change the point for hunting. Surely you don't hunt with basically a field point.
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@Bill that you did my friend. Makin arrows is almost as fun as bows! ;)
@JW haha She is wondering why I have not killed anything with it yet!
@rmcpb thanks man! that nail is glued in, I'll have seperate arrows for hunting. I think can put in inserts to allow screw ins but that not too primitive. :) Unless I make some decent points before season I'll be doing that this year.
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You would need to somehow yank out the 16d duplex, gluewood inside the boo and put a glue on head on, it is better to just make one arrow for broadheads and one for nails.
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PA,
Brittle pine pitch and alcohol makes a great sealer. Not authentic, but fairly primitive. ;) dpg
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I love these boo arrows but wish I could make em faster, I am going for a solid dozen, I can't seem to get enough of the right spine. I have 5 perfect and 2 that I need to fix up. They are my first batch and so far they are great beginner arrows, keep on posting
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Ya the spine is pot luck to some degree. I found 6 for $1 at trader horn! If you get one out of a batch it's worth it! There is a site you can order 500 at once from for less than $100 I believe. I'm learning to be picky in those I treat. I shot my 2nd a bunch today with my aluminum and it held up great. The sinew that was only put on with saliva frayed a bit but not much. Super glue would help but is definitely not required if you want to stay natural. A little hide glue would do the trick I'm sure.
My 2nd arrow at 10 yards gets great penetration, maybe more than alumimum, but flops around too much. I'm guessing the spine is too soft. I was less consistent with it. I have a harder one drying with feathers now and I'll see if it holds better. I have 8 more without feathers that are ready to go. Feathers take the longest of the entire process.
I'll try to do a short video on the process soon when I iron it out a bit more.