Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Arrows => Topic started by: Blacktail on June 20, 2011, 08:13:57 pm

Title: ash shoots
Post by: Blacktail on June 20, 2011, 08:13:57 pm

i am thinking about making some arrows from shoots that come off bigger trees..but,i am kind of wondering about the pith and cracking when drying...i know it would make some good shafts..so if any one has info on the pith and drying it would be great ...john

Title: Re: ash shoots
Post by: crooketarrow on June 21, 2011, 01:00:40 am

   I hav'nt had any trouble with them spliting. But I've only made few. I have added finishing nails to the pith for added weight and used the 2 headed nails for blunts or sharpen the one for practice points. Add a spring behind the second head and you have a great stump shooting head.

Title: Re: ash shoots
Post by: Pat B on June 21, 2011, 01:43:48 am

John, I've never tried ash shoots but with sourwood, red osier, viburnum and a few others I like to collect 2nd year growth. They will have small branches on them and not just leaves. I find these more mature shoots are harder, stronger, stiffer and stay straight where the 1st year shoots are flimsey and tend to warp more as the humidity changes.