Making homemade hunting arrows can save money.
Arrows are often lost or broken while hunting. Making your own arrows will save you money, and might give you the satisfaction of creating your own weapons. Professional arrow makers engage in elaborate steps to produce arrows. These steps can be simplified for the average hunter who desires to keep a supply of arrows for frequent hunts or target practice.
Instructions
1. Select a rigid and tough piece of wood for the arrow's shaft. Birch works best. Maple dowels, work well for hunting arrows.
2. Check the dowels for straightness. Roll them on a level surface to test. The dowels should not show cross-grain. Purchase 3/8-inch dowels for hunting bows that draw over 60 pounds; purchase 5/16-inch dowels for lighter bows.
3. Cut each dowel to a length of 28 inches, going up or down an inch depending on your arm length.
4. Identify the straightest end of the dowel. Mark the end with a pencil; this will be the head of the shaft. Shave the last 6 inches of the rear end of the dowel with a hand plane. The end-point diameter should be reduced to 5/16-inch.
5. Look closely down the length of the dowel. Heat crooked portions over a candle or gas flame, and then bend into proper alignment over the base of the thumb or palm. Wear work gloves for protection.
6. Sand the end of the shaft just enough for a plastic nock to be attached. The nock attaches to the string of your bow for shooting. Purchase plastic nocks from an archery dealer. Apply a small amount of water-resistant glue on the sanded end; gently slide the plastic nock into place.
7. Mark a circular line 6 inches from the base of the nock. This is where the feathers will be placed.
8. Obtain turkey or goose feathers from a butcher, farmer or archery supply store. Select a clean feather; separate the bristles at the tip. Pull them apart, splitting the rib down the center. Use a sharpened pocket knife to make the split straight.
9. Cut the feathers with sharp scissors. Each feather should be 5-inches long. Feathers should be 1/2-inch high at the front end, and 1-inch high in the rear. Cut the same dimensions for two other feathers. Evenly space the feathers around the shaft at the marked location. The cock feather should be placed at a 90-degree angle from the nock. Glue the feathers into place using water-resistant glue.
10. Sand the tip of the arrow for the hunting tip. Apply water-resistant glue at the end, and slide a hunting tip in place.
11. Paint your arrow with waterproof paint and a small brush. Feathers can be painted using water-proof dyes.
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