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how light is too light?

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stuckinthemud:
My cane arrows have come out very light in weight, so, how light is too light before I risk damage to the bow?

Pat B:
What kind of cane? Was it mature when harvested? I ask because every cane arrow I've made have been no less that 450gr and generally between 500 and 600grs.

stuckinthemud:
Not very mature, I think 3 years old.  It comes in at about 400 grains but my kitchen scales are not accurate enough to give you a proper figure.  Anyway, it did trigger the thought when is an arrow too light?

Pat B:
The native canes like hill cane, switch cane and river cane all have a 3 year life cycle. The first year the shoot grows to it's ultimate height and has a papery wrap at each node for protection. The second year it matures and the paper sheath begins to deteriorate. The third year the paper sheath is almost gone and after that growing season that cane(culm) dies. The best time to harvest these is after the second growing season but early in the 3rd season before it dies is OK too.Once dead(tan standing) it's too late. I think Tonkin cane is the same.
Is the 400gr for the bare cane or finished arrow?

stuckinthemud:
I think this is 2nd year then, the paper sheath was present but deteriorating, late Summer harvest.  The weight is for the finished arrow but I am using a horn washer with a small screw as a tip, which allows me to use very small feathers  - 2.5" goose flights.  Take the weight with a pinch of salt, the only way I will get an accurate weight is to make a few, weigh them together and find an average.

Just re-weighed it, it comes in at 440 grain, but remember I draw 24", so the arrow is only 25" long

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