Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Primitive Skills => Topic started by: Tristen on April 12, 2009, 11:08:29 pm
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what are forshafts and how do you make them
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A fore shaft is a short shaft that is used as an extension for an arrow. They were originally used so when an animal was shot the foreshaft and head remained in the animal while the arrow fell out. Another foreshaft and head could be put back into the arrow shaft and be hunted with again.
I have made fore shafts with hardwood dowels and also hardwood shoot end cuts.
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Pat, I considered the foreshaft everything in front of the fletching that breaks off in a big bull elk ;D ;) Hawk
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My definition of a foreshaft is an unneccessary contrivance designed to make arrows weaker and more complicated. :)
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Yep
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My definition of a foreshaft is an unnecessary contrivance designed to make arrows weaker and more complicated.
The same can be said of cut-in arrow shelves (on bows) and notches in arrowheads.
There is only one thing to say in response:
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg112/jackcrafty/KMG.jpg)
Here's a series of pics that briefly shows the process for making and installing a foreshaft.
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg112/jackcrafty/03-14-09/381.jpg)
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg112/jackcrafty/03-14-09/382.jpg)
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg112/jackcrafty/03-14-09/295.jpg)
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg112/jackcrafty/03-14-09/303.jpg)
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg112/jackcrafty/03-14-09/383.jpg)
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg112/jackcrafty/03-14-09/384.jpg)
An arrowhead of stone (or some other material besides wood) can be installed on the tip of the foreshaft....or the foreshaft can double as the arrowhead if left as-is. Foreshafts are usually installed on a lightweight arrow material (like cane, reed, or softwood) to give weight and strength to the tip without adding excess thickness. Most foreshafts that I have seen (on very old arrows) are permanent and do not come off the arrow after shooting. It is very similar to a "footing" on an arrow.
Hope that helps. I'm sure other will chime in.
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Mike, hopefully I will feel the same as you one day! ;D
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Patrick, I don't like cut-in shelves much, either. I like me some arrowhead notches, though. And I don't like grits. ;D ;D
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:D
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Patrick, that is a cool method of tapering the inside of the cane and I like the way you made the internal portions of the foreshaft. That would make it easier to center the foreshaft in the main shaft. For cane arrows, it is definitely not the only way to go but I find the method interesting...and I love grits. Had them, fried eggs, bacon and toast for supper last night! ;D
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Thanks for noticing, Pat. :)
After reaming a few shafts the hard way, I placed the sharp stone into a crack in a mulberry log and spun the shaft over the stone as if I were making a fire....works good.
Man, that supper sounds good. I gave up grits a while ago.....when I gave up high sugar and high carb stuff. Still eat plenty of eggs and bacon, though.
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The grits were a treat. Haven't had them for a year...same reason, carbs. Not much taters or rice either. It hurts but it has helped a bunch! ;)
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I like that method, looks easier than I had imagined...and you can send all your unwanted grits my way ;)....Brian
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I like grits and I'm from NH. :) Jawge
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Grits....corn soaked in lye......just a waste of good corn that could be used to make more likker. ;D
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George, You don't put sugar on grits do you? :o ...or is that a MidWest thing?
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::)