Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Arrows => Topic started by: Mounter on May 24, 2016, 12:04:13 am
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Was clearing out some brush by the shop the other day. Saved some maple saplings, anyone messed with them before?
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What kind of maple? Some is good bow wood, others are not.
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sugar maple makes a decent shaft. Soft maples ..... don't know.
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I'm pretty sure it's silver maple.. Guess I let them dry a couple months and see how they workout?
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Guess I let them dry a couple months and see how they workout?
a plan is always good. Good luck!
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I think you can make an arrow out of anything depending on what you are shooting at. For example I made some arrows out of old growth Western Hemlock. They were beautiful. The wood was straight,very stable and they spined out very consistently. I only shoot at the range and the targets have a steel framework. My bamboo arrows have lasted for at least a year but the hemlocks would only make it a month and the tip would break. The wood is too brittle for that use. If you were shooting at a hay butt or possibly for hunting arrow the hemlock would probably be fine.
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Well,if nothing else. I used some of the bigger saplings to make hoops for a couple mountain man type beaver hoops. It's surprising how dry and stiff they got after only a couple days with the bark removed. Add some feathers for decoration tomorrow and they'll be ready by this weekend.
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So, I couldn't resist messing around with a few of these shoots... They seem ok, I hand straighten them, check the next day.. Still straight, tweek them a little here and there. ???? I really hope they work out cause I'll have an endless supply, but I have lilac and some others I'll need help Identifying as options. If nothing else I have a new supply of beaver hoops.. :)
(http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt61/kevin12306/005_zpswbov9uic.jpg) (http://s598.photobucket.com/user/kevin12306/media/005_zpswbov9uic.jpg.html)
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I keep messing with the few experiemntal shafts I have left from Silky Dogwood and Hazel. The Hazel is a softwood and both warp on me. I have always read on groving, but have never done it. Might have to give it a try and see if it helps any.
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Ya, I'm not sure Rob, may be a waste of time.. But I'll see what these do in a couple weeks after they've dried more. I have about 15 more that still have bark on, I don't plan on messing with them unless these 1st four show promise...