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Dowel rods

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Pat B:
You can make very good arrows from dowels if you are particular about picking them out. Find ones that don't have severe grain run offs and that feel about the same when you bend them. If they are too stiff you can sand the center of the shaft to reduce the spine.
  Initially, leave the dowels long then reduce the length until you find a length that shoots best or your bow at your draw length.
   Depending on the draw weight of your bow, 5/16" to 3/8" dowels work best for arrows.

billy:
YEah, I've used dowels and they work great.  Like Pat said, make sure the ones you choose don't have any grain run off strongly to one side.  I've made them and they work very well, and fly surprisingly straight.  You might have to do some experimenting with different dowels to find the ones that fly best off your bow.  Once you do, try to get ones with the same stiffness (and of course pick the ones that are the straightest).  And yes, crow feathers will work well for fletching.  Tip them with sharp stone points and they will be absolutely deadly. 

I shot some dowel arrows out of a 30-lb bow that I made for a girl, and they flew surprisingly well....and surprisingly fast.  I wouldn't have hesitated to hunt deer with that set up because it shot so well. 

CodyCoyote:
Thanks thats what i will use, now i need a crow...

Kegan:
I only use dowel rods ;D. I order birch ones form a craft's place down in Texas. I order 100-200 and spine them out- culling ones with severe run offs. However, I've notced that when you use big feathers (like high shield backs) you can get away with unspined arrows for close range practice. I had alot of 90-100+ spined arrows that I turned itno nutters or blunts or Tarantulas for stump shooting. I use 3/8" and they spine out for my bows at 70-85# and my brother's bows, 60-65#, with some lighter and many stiffer. Teh require straightenning and a little snading, but that's it.

I've also used corw, they work well. Not as good as turkey or goose, but definately cheaper ;)

We use a fletching jig. I've done alot by hand, but I prefer a fletching jig now.

CodyCoyote:
I think the best thing to will do is experiment, Im buying two good dowels, making ( or trying) my own arrow and seeing what I like best. For 49 cents a crow and a rock I might like it. Which style would be better to flectch. Like the cherrokee or one on each side glued on?

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