Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Arrows => Topic started by: TheDukesArchers on September 05, 2014, 12:18:19 am
-
I'm currently shooting a heavy longbow at the moment; pulls 74lb at 31. I'm planning on making up some arrowst using 11/32 cedar shafts, but my question is can a 11/32 diameter shaft truly hold up to this kind of weight? I currently shoot 3/8 shafts which are suitable for a bow up to 90lb, but I feel these are to heavy. I also have a ton of 11/32 mocks and points I want to use .
Part of me feels a 11/32 shaft is too light, despite what the spine it is classed as.
DA
-
You know, there is 23/64 shafting...
-
and you can get 11/32 shafts in higher spines if you are willing to use other than POC, like ash or poplar.
Russ
-
3 Rivers sell POC 11/32s up to 85lb, though I'm not sure if I trust it. I'm keen on using 23/64' though I can't seem to find any plastic nocks that will fit.
-
11/32 cedar will hold those poundages no prob.
There are plenty of alternatives out there if you want to go to 3/8 for the look of it.
The only breakages I've had are splitting nocks, but then only at 100#
You are fine at that draw weight, I've shot 5/16" cedar from 100# (flight arrow)
Richard Head does a nice cheap but effective Poplar shaft, probably ok self nocked at that poundage but safer with a horn insert. Dunno if Nidderdale archery are still trading, but i had some nice maple shafts off him.
I made some nice medieval look arrows with 3/8 shaft an 11/32" Modkin points and 5" feathers... see here.
http://bowyersdiary.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/tudorfication-of-stuff.html (http://bowyersdiary.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/tudorfication-of-stuff.html)
Del
-
3 Rivers sell POC 11/32s up to 85lb, though I'm not sure if I trust it. I'm keen on using 23/64' though I can't seem to find any plastic nocks that will fit.
Plastic nocks? (spits on floor :o ;) )
Seriously tho' 11/32 with standard plastic nocks are fine for that draw weight, you'll want a fairly heavy point.
Del
-
I make a lot of arrows for guys who shoot longbows up to 100# draw weight. Take a look at douglas fir shafts. They will provide you with a good mass weight, slightly heavier than poc, and they are more durable. You can usually get them in that 10#-14# per bow pound weight including the point weight.
-
Rolled Kleenex glued with snot are more durable than POC shafts.
Snag's right about the dougies, they are plenty durable with just a bit more mass than POC. You may also want to take a peek at Hildebrand's sitka spruce arrow shafting. Very lightweight, if that is why you are looking at POC, and certainly a good bit more durable too.
If you are less concerned about low mass weight, then by all means look into ash, hickory, and other hardwoods. Allegheny Mountain offers plenty of choices for hardwoods.
And if you are conflustered by 23/64th shafts messing with 11/32 plastic (spits on the floor) nocks, put together a simple tapering jig and remove the whopping 64th of an inch difference. Or hand sand them down a wee bit.
-
A 9" to 10" rear taper will reduce the physical weight only a bit but will help improve flight and bow clearance and allow your nocks to fit.. The taper can easily be done with a simple jig. Reinforced self nocks are not difficult to make and are way more durable than plastic (spit on the floor) nocks. ;)