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Reducing shoots

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Hawkdancer:
I use the thumb plane like Pat B and swage them through a 3/8" hole in a hard maple "die" - also have larger and smaller holes in the same die board!  Seems to work Dir me, but I'm in no hurry!
Hawkdancer

Sagebrush:
I had never heard of a thumb plane before.  Those are brilliant. I am going to track one down. Thanks guys.  I have been using an A2 steel dye but I would totally try a hardwood version... I am a bit hesitant with ocean spray?  Its density is like 0.8... the stuff sinks in water.  Not sure about its crushing strength on the wood database. 

Hmm...  I might try to reduce these green then coat with poly. OS checks like crazy skin on and ends coated regardless.  We... shall...see

Pat B:
Try just sealing the last 2" of each end on a few and see if they will dry without checking.  I have made arrows with checked shoots. It's about like adding lightning grooves. I sealed the checks with super glue and continued on. They may stiffen up some too with checks.

bownarra:
I made a board I can screw to my bench. It has two straight, full length, 90 deg grooves routed out. One deeper than the other. I use this board and a small plane. I can reduce a fat shoot in about 5 - 10 minutes with the plane.
Your plane blade should be as sharp as it is possible to get it. You should be able to shave hairs off the back of your hand easily.
Get the shoots as straight as possible before any reducing.
Once they are close to diameter I switch to 60 grit and a sanding block with a circular groove, just over shaft diameter like 7/16ths. This enables you to get the shaft perfectly round after planning with very little effort.
Spine and check weights.
Continue until they are matched close enough for you.
Over here hazel is our primo, easy to collect shoot shaft wood. A dozen finished arrows from pre-seasoned shafts is a full days work. They are worth it though, very strong.

Sagebrush:
Thanks.  Not sure why I hadn't thought of a grooved sanding block.  That seems like an improvement. 

I feel like I'm getting the hang of dogwood but the ocean spray bumps and wiggles require patience.  I am hopeful though as it could be used to beat a grizzly to death. Stuff is awesome.  Hazel around me is mostly small and wiggly.  Love the smell of it toasted though.  Thanks again.

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