Aluminum for points?

[upstatenybowyer]

One other thing... I know steel is the preferred metal for homemade broadhead points, but could I use aluminum? I have a long bar of it that's thick enough not to bend or anything, but do points need to be a certain weight? I figured that might make aluminum a poor choice.

Thanks again!

[DC]

I wouldn't use it for day to day arrows. I'm using mild steel and they round over pretty quick. I'm gradually changing to carbon steel. Oh, wait, you said broadhead. I'd still say no.

[Pat B]

Aluminum is too soft for a broadhead. Might work for target but not for hunting. 

[Peacebow_Coos]

Only if you don't miss 

[loon]

Maybe for blunts. Well, copper, bone and wood have been used for broadheads, so... but is it really worth the effort over steel? seems like hardness is similar to copper but it's way lighter (~2.7 g/cm^3 vs ~9 g/cm^3) - still depends on the alloy and stuff

[sleek]

There are ways to harden aluminum. We do it all the time in aviation. Most common js a method called flap peening. It just beats the metal until its hard.  Apparantly aluminum likes it. Its just a method of work hardening.  Also look into aging process for al hardening.

[loon]

The density of aluminum seems very close to that of glass and stone.