Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Arrows => Topic started by: WhistlingBadger on November 02, 2019, 07:07:39 pm

Title: Reducing spine on existing arrows
Post by: WhistlingBadger on November 02, 2019, 07:07:39 pm
Hi, all.  As some of you might remember, I recently figured out that my arrows were way overspined.  My previous bow (a 65# recurve with a shelf) used even heavier arrows, which don't fly worth crud from my selfbow.

This leaves me with a whole bunch of arrows that are too heavy for my current setup.  Sure they'd make great kindling, but I'd prefer to use them for their intended purpose.  Is there any practical way to shave/plane/whittle down the spine on already-fletched arrows?  I'm guessing the product wouldn't be worth the work, but asking doesn't cost anything.   ;)
Title: Re: Reducing spine on existing arrows
Post by: Pat B on November 02, 2019, 09:33:13 pm
You could sand the shafts to reduce the spine.  Chuck a shaft in an electric drill and run sandpaper up and down the shaft while running the drill. Check the spine often so you don't over do it.
Title: Re: Reducing spine on existing arrows
Post by: Hawkdancer on November 02, 2019, 09:59:46 pm
Keep a half dozen for the old bow if you still have it!  You wouldn't want it to feel entirely left out! (SH) >:D (lol) (lol)
Hawkdancer
Title: Re: Reducing spine on existing arrows
Post by: TSA on November 02, 2019, 11:33:05 pm
as Pat says, sanding the middle third will reduce spine, but bear in mind- by leaving the tail fat, and inadvertently heavier, you will stiffen the dynamic spine slightly ;)

reducing weight on the rear will weaken dynamic spine, reducing fletch size, tapering the back 8", using a  smaller nock- no cresting or vinyl cap wraps etc. it makes a small but significant difference, or put more weight up front
Title: Re: Reducing spine on existing arrows
Post by: WhistlingBadger on November 03, 2019, 07:43:26 am
Interesting!  Putting the arrow in a power drill is a brilliant idea--I wouldn't have thought of that.  Wayne, If I do this, I'd probably just use the modified arrows for bunnies and stump shooting, so close enough is close enough.  I really, really need to make myself a spine tester, though.  Thanks for the info, gents!

Keep a half dozen for the old bow if you still have it!  You wouldn't want it to feel entirely left out! (SH) >:D (lol) (lol)
Hawkdancer
Don't worry, Jerry, Thumper is my fishing bow since I got into self-bows.  It's a fiberglass/elm recurve that shoots those fish arrows like a cannon!  (or "Like Captain Ahab" as one of my friends said after he saw me take down a 25 pound carp)

Thomas