Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: chigger on April 04, 2025, 07:46:28 pm

Title: River cane
Post by: chigger on April 04, 2025, 07:46:28 pm
I have a huge patch of River Cane ,the question how do you cut it,at the node ? & how long & diameter? Thanks
Title: Re: River cane
Post by: Pat B on April 04, 2025, 08:46:19 pm
 Cut the cane at the ground with at least a 3/8" base. At this time of year be sure it is at least a 2 year growth. I use hand pruners to cut cane. I then bind a bundle together to dry for a month or so.
 My hill cane finished arrows are basically 3/8" at the point end and 5/16" at the nock on a 30" arrow. I shoot these from bows from 45# to 60#.
 Do you know for sure what you have is river cane? Will you describe the cane?
Title: Re: River cane
Post by: Eric Krewson on April 05, 2025, 10:22:22 am
Cut your cane about 4' long, I have a spine tester and move the cane back and forth on the tester after it dries and has been straightened to get the right spine for my bows.

I cut the big end of my cane about 1" in front of a node, glue a hardwood dowel in the 1" section and taper the point like I would any other arrow shaft. I carry a 3/8" box end wrench with me when I cut cane to use as a guide to quickly check diameter at the base befere I cut a cane.
Title: Re: River cane
Post by: chigger on April 07, 2025, 12:12:08 pm
This is the cane
Title: Re: River cane
Post by: mullet on April 07, 2025, 02:00:07 pm
I do it like Eric does but I cut it from the top, It gets tall here. Then I put it in the rafters above the chimney of my Pellet smoker till it dries.
Title: Re: River cane
Post by: bjrogg on April 07, 2025, 04:47:22 pm
Looks like some nice arrow shafts

Bjrogg
Title: Re: River cane
Post by: Pappy on April 21, 2025, 09:36:53 am
I do like Eric also, it's a pain but you can come up with a pretty good matches set doing it that way, and they are tough for sure. :) I also tune them 1 at a time until I come up with a dozen that fly the same.  :)
 Pappy