dowel machines

[danlaw]

Ever try birch?

[kevinnator11]

Ever try birch?

I haven't but mainly because poplar is easily available at Lowes/Home Depot fairly cheap.  I just pick through to find good straight grains.  I like the bamboo shafts for costs but prefer the hardwoods.  Lots of birch here growing so I may have to try that.  We use that a lot for firewood so just have to cut some longer pieces.

[danlaw]

I had about two thousand feet of 1x5/8" hickory given to me (made 150 bows and arrows for summer camp out of it). The guy was throwing away about the same amount of birch but I couldn't take it at the time. If it is good for arrows I was thinking of going back to see if it is still there...

[danlaw]

Not sure if anyone is still interested, but this is the set up I am going for next: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vtLKQZ_CtU
Looks cheap and fast and smooth (Not primitive though).

[Badger]

  I posted that router/dowel making jig on line about 10 years ago or so and have always wondered if I was the first one to come out with it. They got really poplular a couple of years later.

[danlaw]

Alright! Any improvements?

[Weylin]

John Strunk makes and sells a really nice arrow shaft jig. I've seen him use it, it's really slick. I recommend picking one of those up. I intend to get one at some point. I think he sold them for around $70.