Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Arrows => Topic started by: Chassit on August 19, 2012, 04:54:50 pm
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We have an elm stump at the duplex I live in that whoever never killed off so it grows piles of suckers every year. I was wondering if these would make good arrows. They are pretty straight and are of various widths. Anyways, any input would be welcome.
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Most tree shoots will make arrows, some better than others. Cut a few shoots that are less than 1/2" at the butt end and bundle them together for a few months and give them a try.
If you can find shoots 2" to 3" in diameter cut them for bow staves. ;)
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Excellent will do :) thanks!
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So I stealthily cut a couple of them off and stripped the bark. I think they will do nicely. There are a couple in the 2-3" range in there that I am really interested in. they have a lot of shoots coming off of them so I dunno how knotty they will be but as soon as I see the maintenance person around I will ask her if its ok that I cut and harvest them. I don't see why it wouldn't be but people can be weird hahah. I also was able to get some nice strips of bark that I think will make nice bindings if soaked just before I use them. Thanks again for all the input
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Offer to make her a bow. ;)
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I've made arrows from several different types of wood but never Elm. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with.
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Well the maintenance lady was happy not to have to cut them herself and I got some good materials that are now seasoning. Unfortunately there weren't any suitable for bow making but I think I can get some nice projectiles out of this stash. :)
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Don't use first years suckers. Let them season with the bark on or they really warp. I've made just a few elm arrows there perty tuff. Put like those suckers, cut trees is the only way to get them then it's just a couple at a time.