Straightening new shoot shafts

[BowEd]

I'd like to see others have the success I've gotten with these type shafts.
It's primitive archery remember.I'm satisfied with 4" groups at 20 yards.I don't need to have 1" groups.That could be operator error on my part also not the shafts.

[JW_Halverson]

I'd like to see others have the success I've gotten with these type shafts.
It's primitive archery remember.I'm satisfied with 4" groups at 20 yards.I don't need to have 1" groups.That could be operator error on my part also not the shafts.

The kill zone on a deer at 20 yards is a lot more than a 4 inch group!!!

[Deerhunter21]

This is a lot of good info Ed!  i agree with JW, stuff like this has helped me out a lot!

[BowEd]

Yes I agree broadside kill zones on deer are a lot larger than 4" from the ground.When shooting from a stand the angles and windows do become smaller.
Why most of my shots are made under 15 yards.
If I talk further I suppose this topic should go to the shooting and hunting thread.Of which sometime I'll express my opinion why primitive hunting makes you a better hunter overall.

If this shoot straightening can help someone that's good enough for me.There's a lot of other types of shoot shafts out there too.

[Juan Ant. Espinosa]

They are very, very straight. Thank you for showing your method.
How heavy, more or less is one of these shafts at 30"?.
I guess they are all from Cornus sp genre, but do you know the actual species?.

[BowEd]

At 30" more or less they will average around 390 to 425 grains bare bones @ 50# spine.Or 13 to 14 grains per inch.
Red twig/rough leafed/or gray dogwoods as they have been called here weigh out pretty close to the same.Probably [cornus sericea].
I've read of a pacific dogwood but that does'nt grow in my area.
There are many different kinds manipulated by humans for sale for decorative landscape reasons.I imagine they would do fine also.I deal with the native wild kind.The red bark on them is a dead giveaway.

[Allyn T]

What is the minimum width for the nock end on one of these? I have a pile of shoots I cut but some of them seem too skinny for a string

[BowEd]

9/32" self nock is about as small as I'll go at least with my serving.Always sinew or serving wrapped beneath.

[Allyn T]

Ok thanks Ed

[Pappy]

Good info Ed, thanks for taking the time to share. I love making shoot shafts, time consuming but very rewarding when finished. 
 Pappy

[BowEd]

You bet....
I can't say how it is for everybody making shoot shafts.As for me a good day is getting 6 done after they are cured and right from the beginning I need to be inspired and in the mood to make these.They are'nt everybody's cup of tea,but I'm usually pleased with them when I get them done.

[JW_Halverson]

I deal with the native wild kind. The red bark on them is a dead giveaway.

How do you know it's dogwood? From it's BARK, silly!

[BowEd]

Even after they stay straight and seem mostly dried it's good to check them once a week as a bundle while bundled up.The whole bundle can bow a bit too.
Over the knee a quick bit fixes that.