Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Arrows => Topic started by: TheDukesArchers on March 15, 2014, 03:26:36 pm

Title: Traditional way to make dowls for arrows?
Post by: TheDukesArchers on March 15, 2014, 03:26:36 pm
What is a traitional and cheap way to make shafts? As I shoot English Longbow the majority of my arrows are 1/2 ash or poplar. It can get quite pricey as I tend to make a lot of arrows.

Help really appreciated
Title: Re: Traditional way to make dowls for arrows?
Post by: Pat B on March 15, 2014, 03:50:15 pm
Cut straight grained poplar or ash boards into 1/2"x1/2" square stock. Using a small plane remove the 4 corners then the 8 corners and your shaft is almost round. Now you can use sand paper take the corners down to a round shaft.
  You can buy a dowel cutter(less than $20) and get shaft quicker.
Title: Re: Traditional way to make dowls for arrows?
Post by: TheDukesArchers on March 15, 2014, 04:00:08 pm
Where could I get a dowling plane to ensure the arrows are all matching in diamteter?
Title: Re: Traditional way to make dowls for arrows?
Post by: Pat B on March 15, 2014, 04:54:02 pm
I've used a small thumb plane I bought for $10 from ACE Hardware.   I also made a sizing block with different sized holes drilled into it(3/8", 11/32" and 5/16").
 Check out George's site at the top of the "How To" page and click on "Pine Arrows".
 Someone else will have to tell you about the dowel maker I talked about.
,
Title: Re: Traditional way to make dowls for arrows?
Post by: kleinpm on March 15, 2014, 07:49:01 pm
Cut straight grained poplar or ash boards into 1/2"x1/2" square stock. Using a small plane remove the 4 corners then the 8 corners and your shaft is almost round. Now you can use sand paper take the corners down to a round shaft.
  You can buy a dowel cutter(less than $20) and get shaft quicker.

I think if you want 1/2 inch finished arrows you will need to start with bigger square stock. 1/2 in square ends up being a little less than 3/8 in my experience.

Patrick
Title: Re: Traditional way to make dowls for arrows?
Post by: bow101 on March 16, 2014, 01:57:04 pm
I made this plate from 1/8" mild steel.  Just drill various holes and taper them on the front side.  Works great for what I want. I taper the sqaure stock on both ends insert one end into the drill chuck.  The socket deal does not work for me, the stock flops around to much.
Title: Re: Traditional way to make dowls for arrows?
Post by: Pat B on March 16, 2014, 03:03:14 pm
The draw plate like bow101 made is probably a more traditional way to make shafting than any other method mentioned here.
Title: Re: Traditional way to make dowls for arrows?
Post by: Traxx on March 18, 2014, 12:40:29 pm
i traded with John Strunk for one of his arrow planes.It works great and i can take it with me and make shafts anywhere.I have used it to reduce shoot shafts as well.
Title: Re: Traditional way to make dowls for arrows?
Post by: Scottski on March 18, 2014, 07:50:26 pm
I bought a dowel cutter from lee's valley. I like it.
Title: Re: Traditional way to make dowls for arrows?
Post by: Mohawk13 on March 25, 2014, 03:22:24 am
I Drive down to the hardware store..Big Bin of them $.39-$1.09 depending on wood variety.....I think the Primitives and Traditionals did the same thing to get their dowels...But That is just as guess, as the cave paintings and ancient text are a bit vague
Title: Re: Traditional way to make dowls for arrows?
Post by: Aaron H on March 25, 2014, 08:00:25 am
I Drive down to the hardware store..Big Bin of them $.39-$1.09 depending on wood variety.....I think the Primitives and Traditionals did the same thing to get their dowels...But That is just as guess, as the cave paintings and ancient text are a bit vague

Haha, awesome ;D