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Arrows: The essentials

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billmac:
So I've changed my mind about purchasing glue on nocks and points.  I'll make trade points out of bandsaw material and self nocks.  What else do I need?  I'm looking for stuff that is easy to obtain and use, and not too worried about primitive-ness right now.  We've finally got bows to shoot and no matching arrows.  So I guess I need recommendations on:

Glue for points.
Thread and glue for thread.  Any old thread?
Easy finishes for the shafts.
Fletching glue (I'll probably start with synthetic vanes)

DanaM:
Stay away from the plastic vanes. I don't think they will shoot very well. They don't lay down flat when they hit the riser. For
Glue on target metal points I like ferrul-tite make sure to clean the inside with acetone, trade points most likely 2 part epoxy and silk thread to wrap the points and the self nocks, I've used spar varnish for a finish and fletch tite to glue the feathers on.

DanaM

Justin Snyder:
Hot melt for points. You can use super glue for thread and fletchings. I prefer silk thread, it is stronger.  Or use sinew and hide glue. Spray urethane is a cheap and easy finish.  Plastic vanes are not as durable as feathers. Hit the plastic once while practicing, and you are replacing it.  The feathers can be purchased pre-cut so they are as convenient to use.  I'm doing some horn reinforced nocks right now, Ill post some pictures if you are interested. All this stuff can be purchased at 3-Rivers. Justin

Justin Snyder:
Dana, it looks like you were posting while I was typing.  I see you agree about the stinking plastic vanes.  Justin

Hillbilly:
I third the no plastic vanes motion. They don't shoot well from selfbows, they tear up way too easily; plus, Ishi, Saxton Pope, Maurice Thompson, Spotted Tail, and Gall will rise from their graves on moonlit nights and stalk you if you shoot them from a wooden bow ;D
They won't bother you about glue-on field points, though. Trades are good for hunting, but they definitely don't like to come back out of targets easily. Glue-on target points are the way to go for target and 3D shooting, you can get a pencil-sharpener-type taper tool from 3 Rivers for just a few bucks. Blunts made from cartridge cases work great for stump shooting and such-.38 or.357s fit perfectly on 11/32 shafts. Sparay-on or wipe-on polyurathane, or tru-oil works for an easy finish. I like sinew for wrapping feathers and reinforcing self nocks (shrinks as it dries) but silk thread and superglue works fine. For gluing fletching on, I usually use contact cement or superglue if I'm not trying to make replica primitive arrows. there are lots of things that work, everybody has their own favorite means and materials, just experiment and find what works best for you.

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