BamBoo or River cane?

[BowJunkie]

Just found a truck load of this in the street.
not sure which one it is.

[Cacatch]

Looks to me like common garden variety bamboon. I didn't like it the time I got ahold of some because of it's great big nodes. But if you can compress them it should work. It's strong but if I recall correctly the walls are quite thin and it would be very light.

[BowJunkie]

Bumber. maybe I will make some cane fishing pole then

[rover brewer]

if they're about the size of arrow shafts I would try makeing arrows.I don't know why it would'nt work ir they seem to be thick walled. Maybe one of our experts will see this and tell us.

[BowJunkie]

Ok  here are some better pictures. I cut one shaft where it measured 3/8'' O.D.
Them measured 28'' and then cut again.
If you notice at each growth section, the nodes alternate on opposite side.
I did however trim down each node.

[Pat B]

That could possibly be river cane if you live in an area where it grows. If not probably an Asian import. Give it a try. I leave cane and hardwood shoots long while straightening and testing for spine. Even when I cut to shafting I cut it 29" to 30" for my 26" draw.
  Once cured out and after straightening reheat the nodes one at a time and compress them by rolling on a hard surfave while compreeeing with a block of hardwood. That will reduce them some.

[BowJunkie]

Great information Pat. Thank you.
Also I just cut one out as a test to see what kind of diameter for the arrow head I would be looking at.
I still have mmmmm around 20 shoots that I cut pretty long.
So how long does one need to let them cure before processing?
Also,,, I do not have any way to my knowledge to test spines, do you have any suggestion ?
The one shaft in the picture seems to be pretty stiff, seems about as stiff as my POC shafts 28'' @50-55
I have never made my own arrows, so I guess now is the time to give it a try?
A side note I set two aside about 8 feet long to make cane fishing poles.
Thank you
Johnny
Texas

[Pat B]

Johnny, I usually only spine test to find the stiff side. That side goes against the bow. You can do this by feel by placing the big end on a table and flexing the cane like you floor tiller a bow. Bend it rotate 1/4 turn and try again and so on. Generally the nodes will be up and down.
  Cane arrows are very tollerent of different draw weights. I can shoot some of my cane arrows from bows ranging from 45# to over 60#.   A month or two will get them so you can work them. Heat straightening and tempering will help quicken the dry time.

[agd68]

I have make arrows out of bamboo garden stakes and they work pretty good. They are tough as pig iron. I still find wood are more accurate ,for me anyway, than cane shafts, but not as fun to make.

[BowJunkie]

You Guys are full of information, I am glad I joined P.A.
Thank you so much for the guidance.
I will start working on these shafts and see how many I end up with.

Johnny

[SEMO_HUNTER]

The nodes on that stuff don't look any bigger than my river cane and it doesn't effect the launch off the riser or while in flight at all that I've noticed. As a matter of fact they are quite forgiving and fly really well.
I would dang sure make a few arrows out of them and give em a chance before scrapping them for something else.

[BowJunkie]

Well after a little bit of work here they are.
20 stalks trimmed and tied to cure.
I kept 2 aside to make cane fishing poles. 
and kept a few aside also to make a River Cane arrow quiver. 
Thanks for the input guys.
Johnny
 I will post them when they are cure and finished

[rover brewer]

see I knew some of the experts would let you know, I think cane arrows are great I'm just starting to make them but had bought some before and I can't tell the differents between them and the carbon arrows I own. Good look with yours.

[SEMO_HUNTER]

No matter what it is...cane or bamboo, or even some kind of ornamental variety......I bet you'll be happy later on that you saved that stuff! Sandpaper does wonders on nodes as long as you don't go over board.

[BowJunkie]

Ok I have a question.
I have been doing some research on cane arrows.
I have seen where people use the narrow end and seen where people use the fatter end to place the arrow head.
Which way is best. The reason I ask is because I have never made a cane arrow.
Still kind of on the fence, may trade the off or may make some arrows.
I figure I can make up my mind once they cure.
Johnny