Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Arrows => Topic started by: THoward on June 16, 2010, 06:01:03 pm
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Hello,
A few weeks ago I cut several shoots of bamboo or cane out of a firends backyard in Seattle. He wants me to cut it all. I have no idea what species it is. None the less I am forging on. I want to make arrow shaft and need a little help. How do I dry the shafts? Should I heat treat or not? Any other tips as I build the arrows is also appreciated and will benefit anyone else finding uses from someone else's weeds.
Thanks,
Todd
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Todd, when I cut cane I take the culms(canes) and bundle them in groups of 15 to 20 of about the same size and place them in my utility room for a month or more. You will have to use heat to straighten the shafts and I like to temper them afterward. To do this I start at one end and hold over the open flame of our gas kitchen stove. I rotate the shaft and slowly move down to the other end. Watch out for steam coming from the ends. It WILL burn you! ::) You want some color change but very light and even as you can.
Can you show pics of the canes you have and also the plants in the ground?
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When you cut bamboo, cut them about 4' long. This will give you room to adjust for spline, real crooked sections, or node placement. I always start by cutting the top at the smallest section I think will make a self nock. If I can do this behind a node, the better. Then I cut it about 4' towards the ground, give or take, depending on the diameter.
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if you have a car sitting around, or if you know someone that has a car, put it in there. dry it out real quick. course, i live in texas, so i couldve left it outside and it would dry quickly.
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well the first thing that i think you should d
is send me about 3 doz in the 45-55 lbs range ;)
im out of shaft material >:( :-[ :'(
i know nothing of cane cutting/curing.
here in minnesota the only cane we have old people are walking around with ;D
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I'm liking this cane shaft making. Have 2 dozen straighted and a few more drying. (River Cane) We have it all over here. I use a little camp stove like a Coleman. I rub some plumbers heat proof grease and heat that area till it has little bubbles. Then bend and straighten that spot. I lay that one down and do the next, till I get through the ones I'm working then start back through all over again. have put some knapped points I made on a few and shot them. They fly real good. Can't wait till deer season and take my first deer with one. Good luck. I think they are as addictive as the bow building ;D