Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Arrows => Topic started by: woodsman on June 04, 2011, 09:12:14 pm
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What are your opinions on willow as an arrow material? I have a lot of it in the woods behind my house and I'm wondering if it would make a decent arrow. I'm not sure what type of willow it is. I know It's not weeping willow, but other than that, I'm not sure. It looks good, so I though I'd ask. I live in Central NY, if that helps identify the type of willow it might be. I'm new to arrow making and any opinions would be appreciated.
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I just realised that somebody asked basically the same question a couple pages back. Don't know how I missed it. Thanks.
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Some of the Native Americans in the Southwest made willor arrows, i believe. I have cut willow shoots but never made arrows from it.
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Thanks Pat. Like I said, I'm new to arrow making, but that willow looks awful good to me. I better cut some and
give it a try. Thanks again.
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i have found that they need to be quit a bit thicker than other shaft materials
as they are lighter in weight,and i also find them hard to keep straight as it is a softer wood also
i like them for stumping,that way if i loose one im not a out a great shaft
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Thanks for the info sailordad, much appreciated. I went out this morning and cut a dozen willow shoots. On my way back home, I ran across some dogwood, so I cut some of that too. They're all bundled up to dry.
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When cutting shoots for arrows be sure you cut at least 2nd year growth. Shoots with just leaves on them are first year growth and will be too flimsy for arrows. You want to cut shoots with small branches where last years leaves were.
This time of year isn't the best for cutting arrow shoots. Their yearly growth has just recently started and they are still immature. After the leaves fall in the autumn through winter is the best. Don't let this discourage you. Let the shoots you have collect dry, scrape the bark and make arrows. They might be light(spined) but you can still learn the techniques so when winter comes you'll be able to harvest shoots and make next years arrows.
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That's exactly what I did Pat. I cut the shoots with only leaves on them. ::) I thought they were kinda flimsy, but I figured they might be better after they dried. Shows you how much I know about arrow making. I'll practice on what I've got now and cut some better stuff this winter. Thanks for the pointers Pat, I really appreciate it.