Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Arrows => Topic started by: Gus on January 08, 2013, 06:37:03 pm
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Hello Y'all,
Is there a verdict on using Mulberry Shoots for Arrow Shafts?
I've done some searches on the Forum but haven't found anything conclusive...
Thank Y'all,
-gus
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i dont see why not
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If you can find them the proper size and age there is no reason I know of why you can't make shoot arrows with mulberry.
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Thank You Sirs!
I topped a Mulberry year before last. Now the shoots coming off the Primary Scaffolds this year are long and straight.
They sure do look like Arrahs and Darts to me... :)
Regards,
-gus
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Gus, generally first year shoots will produce shafts that are weak in spine. I prefer second year shoots. I have never tried mulberry so I can't say it is true for mulberry. Give it a try and let us know how it works.
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Thank You Sir,
I think I understand...
The shoots/limbs I cut started growing in 2011, but they really put on their length last year...
I'm completely in experimental mode here, as I skinned them and straightened them just after cutting
them. They haven't checked or split out yet but they still might.
I was just curious to see if I could get away without sealing this batch as well.
I'm also making a pair of Kid's Bows from a pair of larger shoots treated the same way.
The Bows are already starting to shape up.
I'll post back when I have more to report... :)
Regards,
-gus
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Gus, generally shoot material grows to its untimate height in one growing season then matures the next and on after that. If you check your shoots closely you will probably find where each years growth begins and ends. Also only leaves grow on most first year growth. The next year small branches come from the buds that develop at the leaf scar from the previous years leaves. Small branches are a good indicator of shoots that are mature enough for arrow shafting.
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Pat has given you some expert advice there. I agree completely. The mulberry shoots I've tried all seem to be weak in spine, though, no matter how old they are. The first year shoots are definitely the weakest. I've had better luck splitting the heartwood of the truck for arrows.
One good thing about the shoots is that their inner bark is easy to peel after a rainfall and makes excellent cordage!
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I have tried mulberry and the only problem is because they have lots of leaves its kinda difficult to bring em down to size, plus the center pith weakens them some what. Your plane will dig in because of the leaves and they will break on hard impact. If I were to rate them id give mulberry for arrow shafts a 5 out of 10. Id use something else. I would say that if you grab a thick piece and split it it maybe alot better but I havent tried this method.