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Arrow Made with Stone Tools

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JackCrafty:
Thanks Joe.  I should have taken more pictures of the process of applying the pine pitch (brewer's pitch)....but I didn't want to get the camera sticky by accident (it's a real hassle to remove).

If you set the pitch close to the fire, it melts and gets runny.  I just grab some with a stick and dab it over the paint.  It's not pretty...the pitch cools fast and gets stringy....it's kinda like working with a combination of spider webs and maple syrup.  Anyway, once I get some on the shaft, I just hold it close to the heat and when it gets runny again, I roll the shaft until the pitch covers the paint completely.  I use the stick to spread the pitch around or blow on the pitch to spread it, if needed.

The only thing I don't like about pitch is that it picks up dirt really quick (not to mention hairs, dust, and small insects).  This one is a wall hanger, so it doesn't matter....but if I were to make an arrow for hunting I would probably put beeswax over the paint.  It doesn't look as nice as the pitch, though.

I need to try using animal fat.   I've been hesitating because I'm afraid the fat might work its way into the sinew wrappings and loosen them.  ???

Staver:
Thanks jackcrafty! ;D ;D ;D 8)

JackCrafty:
Fletching.
I soaked the feathers while I was painting the shaft.
After applying the pitch, and letting it cool, the arrow is ready for the fletching.
Without the pitch, water from the feathers would make the paint run.



The rear ends of the feathers are trimmed back about 1/2".


Then fastened with a wrapping of deer sinew & fish glue.


Then folded forward.


The front of the feathers are wrapped, fletching pulled tight, and finished off with a little more sinew.






Then the feathers are smoothed back into shape using a little heat from the fire and more water.
The stiffer the feather, the longer this takes.  Soft feathers are shaped easily....that's why I usually use tail feathers.




Then I burn the feathers to shape with a hot stick.
I keep the end glowing hot by blowing on it....if there is no wind.












The End. :)

DanaM:
Awesome build along Patrick, so do you need my address ;D

One question why soak the feathers? I asume its to soften the quaill?

Thanks for taking the time to do this but next time take a few more pictures eh ;) :D

JackCrafty:
 :D

Thanks Dana.

I soak the feathers for two reasons: to soften the quill so it becomes more flexible, and to expand the feather to its greatest size.  As the feather dries it shrinks....and pulls itself tight against the shaft.  Of course, if you glue the feathers down you don't need to worry about any of this.

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