Author Topic: anyone ever use mullein for shafts before?  (Read 3252 times)

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Offline mcginnis6010

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anyone ever use mullein for shafts before?
« on: August 09, 2014, 01:06:53 pm »
I had heard that Native Americans used mullein for arrow shaft so I went to cut some the other day and currently have them drying. I would be interested in hearing if anyone has used it before and what their experience with it was.
Once a soldier always a soldier. Hoooah!

Offline Pat B

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Re: anyone ever use mullein for shafts before?
« Reply #1 on: August 09, 2014, 01:53:08 pm »
I haven't but I've heard of it being used for fire spindles.   Horseweed, goldenrod and dog fennel also work for arrows.
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

Offline Danzn Bar

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Re: anyone ever use mullein for shafts before?
« Reply #2 on: August 09, 2014, 02:56:29 pm »
I agree with ya Pat,  the mullein around here is a larger diameter and could be used for fire spindles.   

Mc... do you have any photos of the mullein?
DBar
Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is looking

Offline mcginnis6010

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Re: anyone ever use mullein for shafts before?
« Reply #3 on: August 09, 2014, 05:29:49 pm »
I can take some pic in a lil bit. The base is rather thick probably 3/4 in. I was thinking I could sand it down to proper diameter.
Once a soldier always a soldier. Hoooah!

Offline Pat B

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Re: anyone ever use mullein for shafts before?
« Reply #4 on: August 09, 2014, 07:13:51 pm »
It is pithy or hollow inside. Can't reduce it enough to matter.
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

Offline E. Jensen

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Re: anyone ever use mullein for shafts before?
« Reply #5 on: August 09, 2014, 08:44:59 pm »
Try it.  Ever try and break a mullein stalk?  It'll whip up and slap you in the face 2-3 times before you give up.

Offline mcginnis6010

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Re: anyone ever use mullein for shafts before?
« Reply #6 on: August 10, 2014, 09:51:06 am »
Lol yea and you can't cut it down with just a knife. I had to use my handsaw to cut em.
Once a soldier always a soldier. Hoooah!

Offline HickoryBill

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Re: anyone ever use mullein for shafts before?
« Reply #7 on: August 10, 2014, 12:20:00 pm »
anyone got any pics of horseweed?
"He who hesitates usually misses"
"All you really need to make a bow and arrow are some sticks and a deer carcass"
Bill Stockdill
Clarion County Pennsylvania

Offline Pat B

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Re: anyone ever use mullein for shafts before?
« Reply #8 on: August 10, 2014, 12:38:19 pm »
Google it, Bill. they have some good pics. When you recognize you will say, "oh that stuff. We have tons of it around here".  ;)
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

Offline Outbackbob48

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Re: anyone ever use mullein for shafts before?
« Reply #9 on: August 10, 2014, 02:11:20 pm »
i have been using Mullein and horseweed for handdrills, never tried either for arrows. Sorry :( Bob