Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Arrows => Topic started by: Matt S. on February 03, 2011, 09:15:13 pm
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I worked in a blacksmith shop during college but haven't been around the craft in over 6 years, so when I had a chance to spend a few hours Wednesday night back in the shop, I worked on forging some socketed arrow heads. The forging went better than I expected considering how long it has been, plus this was my first attempt at making sockets.
I made a couple of short bodkin style arrowheads and one that is more broadhead shaped. These were all out of mild steel since they were "practice".
I mounted the broadhead style head to an arrow I had never finished and am pleased with its outcome (considering my level of proficiency).
Here's the arrow: (5/16" poplar dowel with oak nock insert and duck feather fletching).
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_LSxukV3vd58/TUtB2K5q5mI/AAAAAAAAA7U/oHI30bwRZmw/s1024/arrow-socketed01.jpg)
And a close up:
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_LSxukV3vd58/TUtB2Z3vd_I/AAAAAAAAA7Y/6xenV7zHT7Y/s1024/arrowhead-socketed01.jpg)
I know it's far from perfect, but with additional practice I hope to make some nice arrowheads in the future.
Questions, comments and constructive criticism welcome.
**UPDATED**
Here's another arrow showcasing a point I forged the same night as the above arrowhead. This arrow is 32" long from nock to base of point. 3/8" at point end straight tapered to 5/16" at nock. Nock has oak insert. ~6" turkey feathers with medieval thread wrap. Arrow weights 781 grains.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_LSxukV3vd58/TVf3nkAsNrI/AAAAAAAAA8g/gvf1wQffI6U/s1024/war-arrow01.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_LSxukV3vd58/TVf3na7KnhI/AAAAAAAAA8c/YLj4RBv_M44/s1024/bodkin01.jpg)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_LSxukV3vd58/TVf3m9nNg8I/AAAAAAAAA8Y/iR1UqOXXf3I/s1024/bodkin02.jpg)
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i think it is very good.
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hey Matt that looks like a good try. im no blacksmith so I cannot really offer much advice. I can however offer this link, you may get ideas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SmEAqaFIwI
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well, personally, i wouldnt want to get in that things way! lol looks pretty good!
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Pretty cool.
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nice socket, it's still the biggest problem of arrowhead forging to me ;D
what's the weight of that thing?
cheers!
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nice socket, it's still the biggest problem of arrowhead forging to me ;D
what's the weight of that thing?
cheers!
The socket is the hardest part, the point is elementary compared to the socket!
These things came in kind of heavy. I don't remember exactly, but I think this particular point was in the neighborhood of 300 grains.
Next time I forge some arrowheads I need to remember to take my grain scale with me. The extra weight does make the arrow hit pretty hard though!
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It has a rustically lethal look to it, that I like.
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Looks like it will do the job it was intended to do. good work.
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id say youll be turning out some nice heads in short order. great first.
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I updated my original post with another arrow featuring another point from my first batch of forged points.
Thanks for looking.
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That's pretty darn good. It's awesome that you made it with your own hands.
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Here are some more from the other night (my second batch).
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_LSxukV3vd58/TWLpCvym95I/AAAAAAAAA-Y/EEolsJ68Tsg/s640/forged%20arrowheads%20-%20round%202.jpg)
Due to the nice weather we were using the coal forges instead of the gas forges inside the shop. Sharing a coal forge with someone who is heating up a large piece of metal is risky as you can see from the burnt socket of the middle arrowhead.
These points came out much more consistent than my first batch and the weight is a bit better too, averaging right around 200 grains. I still need to do some fine tuning on the grinding wheel and then brush them really good.
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Pretty cool points!
Darcy :)
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Those are nice points! I've been doing some blacksmithing points as well, yours seem better than mine though.
Keep up the nice work! do you temper them or heat treat them in anyway?
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Matt
First of all well done.
If I could make some constructive comments, it looks like your closing the socket a little too far down the flare, that 's what's giving you that small hole in the neck. Try tightening the sock by directing your hammer blows into the neck of the bodkin.
Well done
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Those are nice points! I've been doing some blacksmithing points as well, yours seem better than mine though.
Keep up the nice work! do you temper them or heat treat them in anyway?
Thanks for the compliment! As for heat treating... I haven't with these since these were just made from some scrap mild steel. If I ever get to the point where I can forge perfect sockets with my eyes closed I'll move up to some high carbon steel. When that day comes I'll probably heat treat the point by getting it to a cherry red and quenching it.
Matt
First of all well done.
If I could make some constructive comments, it looks like your closing the socket a little too far down the flare, that 's what's giving you that small hole in the neck. Try tightening the sock by directing your hammer blows into the neck of the bodkin.
Well done
Constructive criticism is always welcome! Thank you for your advice, I'll put it to use next time I'm working on arrow heads.
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Beautiful sir, how dis you do the broadhead? did you start with the blade or the socket?
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It is great to see someone doing this. Those are awesome. Look forward to seeing more.
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How is progress on these?
I sold a smithing business in my youth. Smithing takes a lot of specialized tools to make things efficiently. Small work is hard to not burn. Grinding and filing will clean up but forging is much faster. Hammer controll and a clearly defined process is key.
I'd forge an anvile cone to clean the socket up on. That way they all come out the same, and you can get thin metal and a consistent taper to the cone.