Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Arrows => Topic started by: Granite Mtn on April 20, 2010, 06:42:46 pm

Title: bulk tonkin shafts how many culls?
Post by: Granite Mtn on April 20, 2010, 06:42:46 pm
I ordered 500 4ft 3/8 dia. tonkin shafts got right around 100 that will make an arrow the other 400 were either too small, damaged, or weak.
Is that about average or should I be looking for another supplier. This is prior to straightening and spine testing so I will lose some more.  The shafts I have made into arrows, about a dozen or so have made the nicest toughest arrows I have ever had.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Chris
Title: Re: bulk tonkin shafts how many culls?
Post by: DanaM on April 20, 2010, 08:22:26 pm
They won't all spine out as you need but I would say from my bundle I'm looking at 350 minimum that will make an arrow
anywhere from a spine of 20 to 70lbs, lots of them may not be perfect but will make a perfect stump shooter :)
Title: Re: bulk tonkin shafts how many culls?
Post by: Granite Mtn on April 20, 2010, 09:31:06 pm
when I say weak I mean the shaft just snaps when you flex it.  I flex each shaft to see if it will stand up to flexing, it seems some have very thin walls and or brittle.  I am currently shooting a light weight bow left handed but will soon will need shafts spined up in the 80s are they not common in tonkin bamboo?
Title: Re: bulk tonkin shafts how many culls?
Post by: knightd on April 20, 2010, 09:44:26 pm
If they are very light and thin walled, they are not tonkin cane.  For a good supplier get with Eddie, he goes by mullet, on here.  He can hook you up.   ;)
Title: Re: bulk tonkin shafts how many culls?
Post by: aero86 on April 20, 2010, 09:54:23 pm
i personally think its the gamble you take.  they are not in business to sell to use arrow makers, they are to sell bulk bamboo.  but personally, one order about half were good.
Title: Re: bulk tonkin shafts how many culls?
Post by: Bushbow on April 20, 2010, 10:10:52 pm
I would say about 50% will make an arrow, spine ranging from 40 to 80lbs. I flex them first also. Saves alot of time to find out it is weak before all the work. I will not go back to wood, love the bamboo.
Title: Re: bulk tonkin shafts how many culls?
Post by: mullet on April 20, 2010, 10:41:11 pm
 I get them from Bamboo Supply and if you tell them you are making arrows they will pick through them and get you what they think is the best. One hundred arrows out of five hundred sounds like a crappy deal.
Title: Re: bulk tonkin shafts how many culls?
Post by: Granite Mtn on April 21, 2010, 01:42:08 am
Thats kinda how i felt, crappy deal. I will order from bamboo works next
Thanks Chris
Title: Re: bulk tonkin shafts how many culls?
Post by: riarcher on April 21, 2010, 04:18:44 am
After shipping and all, 100 shafts for me would be like $8.00 per dozen.
Looking like I'll get about 200 - 300 from the 500 bale though.
However, many will be for other's use. Like the son-inlaw.
He goes through arrows like I go through Budweiser!  :o
Title: Re: bulk tonkin shafts how many culls?
Post by: aero86 on April 21, 2010, 09:40:49 am
i found a use for the ones i didnt use.  i used them in my garden!
Title: Re: bulk tonkin shafts how many culls?
Post by: DanaM on April 21, 2010, 10:38:12 am
i found a use for the ones i didnt use.  i used them in my garden!


Thats Brilliant ::) :P ;) :D
Title: Re: bulk tonkin shafts how many culls?
Post by: bhenders on April 26, 2010, 04:14:09 pm
Anybody ever use BenMedaows out of Wisconsin?
Title: Re: bulk tonkin shafts how many culls?
Post by: HatchA on April 26, 2010, 05:32:01 pm
Thats kinda how i felt, crappy deal. I will order from bamboo works next
Thanks Chris

Is that bambooandrattan.com?  I was in touch with Suzanne from there.  A bundle of 200 6' long canes (10-12mm) would cost about $35-ish.

UPS fees to Ireland would be approximately $310..... >:(

Needless to say, an order like that is on the back burner for a while.  I've got a dozen coming soon from Mr. Knight though.  Looking forward to them :)
Title: Re: bulk tonkin shafts how many culls?
Post by: mullet on April 27, 2010, 02:12:22 pm
 Bamboo Supply,  Bundle of 500 x 4',, 8 to 10 MM thick.
Title: Re: bulk tonkin shafts how many culls?
Post by: HatchA on April 27, 2010, 06:50:15 pm
Bamboo Supply,  Bundle of 500 x 4',, 8 to 10 MM thick.

Quick!!  to the Googlemobile!!   ;D

Thanks man, though you did mention them earlier in the thread ;)