Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Arrows => Topic started by: GaryR on October 22, 2011, 06:43:23 pm

Title: lathe
Post by: GaryR on October 22, 2011, 06:43:23 pm
My buddy just got a wood lathe for turning out duck calls. Could I use it to make arrows shafts?
Gary
Title: Re: lathe
Post by: footfootfoot on October 22, 2011, 08:13:49 pm
You can but it can be tricky. Turing thin spindle stock requires a few tricks and or special tools.  Image search "Spindle steady"
Your tools need to be razor sharp, use gouges not scrapers- a thin spindle won't suffer much pressure from the tool without chattering and whipping.

I'd try to turn an arrow on a lathe as a last resort, I'd try a plane or a router table first, and I've done many hundreds of hours of turning.

But, don't let me discourage you from trying, just be prepared for a challenge!
Title: Re: lathe
Post by: Badger on October 23, 2011, 01:18:59 pm
Very easy to make a jig that will hold a router for turning arrows, you can cut about 1 a minute and only takes about 1 hour or less to make the jig. Do a web search for arrow making jig, or shaft shooter.
Title: Re: lathe
Post by: ErictheViking on October 23, 2011, 09:14:59 pm
http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/dowelmakingjig.aspx      and this was interesting   http://woodgears.ca./dowel/making.html   hope these give you ideas.
Title: Re: lathe
Post by: ErictheViking on October 23, 2011, 09:19:22 pm
you have to include the entire line for the second link to get you all the way to the right page.
Title: Re: lathe
Post by: GaryR on October 23, 2011, 11:23:38 pm
Thanx guys, I'll see what I can do.
Gary
Title: Re: lathe
Post by: Tom Leemans on October 27, 2011, 03:31:31 pm
Thanks for posting that link Eric. That's something any wood worker has the tools to do!
Title: Re: lathe
Post by: footfootfoot on October 28, 2011, 03:42:47 am
Very easy to make a jig that will hold a router for turning arrows, you can cut about 1 a minute and only takes about 1 hour or less to make the jig. Do a web search for arrow making jig, or shaft shooter.

Ha ha. You're right,  too true! Silly me, thinking like a primitive turner.  :laugh:

Eric, that dowel making rig with the drill and chisel is fantastic. Thanks for the link