Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Arrows => Topic started by: Red Arrow on March 10, 2017, 11:38:31 am
-
I just got access to a full bamboo growth on the property behind me (approximately 10-15 square ft, pinky - 1" diameter, 12-15 ft tall). The power line people are completely clearing it as I type this. The land owner said I can have all I want of it. It has the alternating flat areas between the nodes where the leaves grow. Can it still be used for arrows with those flat lengths along it?
-
I say grab as much as you can in the 3/8" (large end) to 5/16 (small end) range, or anywhere close. Try to get three foot pieces or longer. You can always use them for tomato stakes, etc. The flatness shouldn't matter unless it is a lot flatter than I am picturing, and you can always post pictures once you have the materials in hand. Go to it!!
-
This inquiry might need to be in the arrow section.If the diameter can get to under 3/8" thick with good thick walls I din't see why it could'nt be used for arrow shafts.Possibly a good score for you.Others on here might know the species of bamboo your dealing with here.
-
Sometimes that flat area is huge and makes it difficult(for me) to straighten them. More seeing that they're straight as opposed to physically straightening them. I've seen it where the flat spot went right to the next node. As long as you can get them straight I think they would work fine. Aesthetically though it leaves a bit to be desired (again, for me :D)
-
Sorry about posting here. I didn't realize there is a separate area for arrows. I'll repost this there. Thanks.
-
I'll move this to arrows
Sounds like river cane. Where do you live? River cane will make good arrows but it usually has very pronounced nodes, thin walls and large diameter center hole. I don't care for it because the arrows are a bit noisy when drawn because of the large nodes but the arrows fly well if made well. Like Timbo said cut them long from the top of the culms(canes). this way you can find the correctly spined shafts for your arrows.
-
you should get a bunch of the plants and then you could grow your own... :)
-
I wish I could but the only place I could plant it is under the power line like my neighbor did. Then the power company would just come cut it down like they're doing at my neighbors.
-
what about in a planter of some type? small trashcan or Tupperware tote...
-
That would probably work but I don't think I could fit many plants in a tub or trash can.
-
I believe that is a type black bamboo ...I have had some of that stuff and it is very hard to make arrows out of... hard to straighten and the spine is all over the place... river canes node is only pronounce a little compared to this boo.
Red Arrow....if we can find a time and place to meet to get you that stave...I've got some dry river cane I'll give you to try.
Just let me know...
DBar
-
That'd be great. I've been wanting to get some Rivercane far awhile. Do you know where I can also get Rivercane with around a 1" diameter?
-
1" diameter is at rivercane's max ...3/4 is fairly common. I had a lot of cane on my place until about three winters ago when it got down to -25 deg for a few nights in a row it killed most all I had. It has made a come back but this is the third winter and is just now getting old enough to harvest..... There may be a few large pieces that made it though that winter, I just haven't looked lately for big stuff.....I'll check next time I'm out there.
DBar
-
Okay. Thanks. I'd appreciate it.
-
My bamboo harvest
-
Looks like you got plenty to keep you busy for a good while!
-
Yeah, I still need to sort through them to pick out the usable shoots though.
-
I read somewhere that you should dry them with the leaves on. That it helps draw the water out. Can anyone confirm/refute that??
-
It would for a day or 2 until the leaves dry out. I've never left the leaves on and they are usually dry enough in a month or 2, depending on the R/H in your area. Like other natural shafting cane makes better arrows if left to season for a year or more but you can make good arrows from 1 to 2 month old cut cane.