Ironwood's Arrows....the making of. [Archive]

DOR

03-03-2009, 04:02 PM

Arrows were matched very close for maximum performance.
See spine numbers on each shaft between 70 and 74 and all bare shafts go 390 to 400 grains.
http://www.iowawhitetail.com/photopost/data/500/th_031.jpg
http://www.iowawhitetail.com/photopost/data/500/th_027.jpg
http://www.iowawhitetail.com/photopost/data/500/th_028.jpg

One other thing I forgot to mention at this stage is the need to lightly sand your bare shafts. I omitted it because the tapered shafts I purchase have already been sanded and straightened for the most part and I rarely need to bother with this. However, it is a very important step if you decide to use a "more raw" shaft. Nothing worse than pulling back and hearing the roughness of a "dirty shaft".

DOR

03-04-2009, 09:07 AM

I was able to get the arrows stained this afternoon. I selected a Dark Walnut stain which happens to be my favorite. I will let this sit overnight to dry and will hopefully get after the clear coat (polyurethane)tomorrow. Anymore, I simply put on disposable vinyl gloves and dip rag into the stain/polyurethane and rub on to my satisfaction. Staining is one coat. I do 3 for the poly.
http://s439.photobucket.com/albums/qq111/pillzilla/th_arrowmaking003.jpg
http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq111/pillzilla/arrowmaking002.jpg
http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq111/pillzilla/arrowmaking001.jpg

Its not the fanciest or possibly even the best way of completing this stage of the process. However, it time tested and has worked for me for years. I use to full length dip the arrows in a 36 inch home-made pvc dip tube I have but did not like the shine that this produced. If I was to make some arrows for purely show I would likely do this again. But, "them there arrows are for kill'en" http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq111/pillzilla/arrowsdipprocess001.jpg

Shovelbuck

03-04-2009, 02:04 PM

I'm looking forward to seeing this one from start to finish!
Gotta question though. Why such heavy spine? Mikes bow is mid 50's if I remember correctly. I usually go 10 lbs. over. Is it because they are tapered shafts and they clear easier?

Iowabowtech

03-04-2009, 02:28 PM

Cool thread. Love the dark walnut for wooden arrows. Thanks for taking the time to post this.

DOR

03-04-2009, 03:15 PM

I have found that I typically shoot a heavier spined arrow better than one that is under spined. My bow is 54@30" and these fly well for me so....

I tend to error on the side of caution as its much harder to over spine than to underspine. Nothing worse than an underspined arrow IMO. Besides, these will be so pretty that he wont want to shoot them. /forum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif

bjkpharmd

03-05-2009, 02:14 PM

Busy at work? I'll bet you haven't used that Remington's since school. :-)

bowmaker

03-06-2009, 02:22 AM

DOR I am just about the opposite, I generally use 45-50 or 50-55 shafts for everything from 25lbs to 72lbs. I will agree that the lighter weights might not shoot quite as well from the really heavy weights. I don't know what you will use for feathers but I always use big 5 or 5.5 shield cut feathers and these seem to stabilize well even with lighter splined shafts, but I have never used any tapered shafts just the regular Port Orford cedars.

Have you ever read about or thought about using the some of the gasket dip finishes. I have used both think the gasket stuff gives a much tougher finish. I usually give them 3 or sometimes 4 coats. I usually try to dip 2 dozen at a time and by the time I have dipped the complete first coat I can start over so I can dip the whole batch in one setting and then let them dry and harden up for a day or so before continuing on. I also like the way gasket finish holds the fletching. With the poly finish I used either Bonning or Dueco for the fletch and would some times have them come loose and peel. With the gasket finish you actually use some of the finish thinned with a little acetone for fletch cement and while sometimes a feather would get torn up, I can't remember any peeling off.

Hey I really didn't mean to steal things or try to change your mind, but some times I just get started. Keep the pics comming, it will be interesting to see how some one else does things.

DOR

03-06-2009, 03:54 AM

Bowmaker...interesting. ;)Gasket dipping is something I have considered trying but have not yet. My arrows have historically held up far longer than it takes me to shoot them through critters or "misplace" them in the grass. /forum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif

Thanks for the tips.

I would prefer to have the equipment for mass production, but I do not. A dip tank that I could lower all 12 arrows into and let drain would be sweet as it would save me a lot of time. A 12 peice Bitzenburger would be top notch as well. I am set up for small time production and I cant justify buying any more "stuff" at the moment because I simply dont do enough arrows.

On to todays action....I know everyone is really excited. /forum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif

DOR

03-06-2009, 04:20 AM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pharmer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Busy at work? I'll bet you haven't used that Remington's since school. :-) </div></div>

Lets just say there is a reason I drive 100 miles a day to get to and from work. Whats "Rremingtons" LOL.....Good to see your still around Pharmer. /forum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/tired.gif

DOR

03-06-2009, 04:44 AM

Completed the dip phase today.

Went pretty smooth. I could have let the paint settle a little longer in the dip tube as I had to fight off some air bubbles, but nothing a little blowing could not solve. I only had to re-dip one arrow. With a little patience this could have been avoided altogether.

I have used Rustoleum paint for years. I use to buy some of the more expensive stuff at the archery shop, but gradually shifted to the Rustoleum seeing as it is cheaper and serves the purpose just fine. You can pick it up at any Menards and it is compatible with Duco cement used for fletching.

Sunburst yellow was the color of choice for this project.
http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq111/pillzilla/arrowsdipprocess003.jpg

I use a hand made dip tube that my dad put together more than 15 years ago probably. It has seen way more arrows then I care to count. For this batch a dip of 9 inches was used.
http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq111/pillzilla/arrowsdipprocess002.jpg
http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq111/pillzilla/arrowsdipprocess004.jpg

The dipping process is pretty basic as can be seen. Just be sure to have your shaft clean and watch for air bubbles.
http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq111/pillzilla/arrowsdipprocess005.jpg

I will let these dry over the weekend and start the cresting process next week.
http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq111/pillzilla/arrowsdipprocess006.jpg

03-08-2009, 10:29 AM

Looking good! What kind of finishing gear do you have?

Here is my homemade junk. /forum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif

http://showcase.netins.net/web/longbow/Gear.jpg

Shovelbuck

03-13-2009, 06:08 AM

We're waiting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! /forum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif

blake

03-13-2009, 11:21 PM

http://muzzleloadingandmore.com/products/rifles/lyman_rifles/images/pawlinebrown.gif

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Shovelbuck</div><div class="ubbcode-body">We're waiting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! /forum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif </div></div>

Yeah come on DOR, you should have had them do by now. What have you been doing? /forum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif /forum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif

http://muzzleloadingandmore.com/products/rifles/lyman_rifles/images/pawlinebrown.gif

http://www.possibleshop.com/images/feathers3.jpg
PM (http://www.iowawhitetail.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=sendprivate&User=396)
Ron Wyllie
Southwest Iowa IBA Area Representative
rwyllie@iowawhitetail.com

River1

03-14-2009, 07:20 AM

I know paint dries faster than that DOR! /forum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif

DOR

03-15-2009, 12:16 PM

Couldn't let this project get in the way of my Ice fishing trip up to Lake of the Woods. Just got back tonight. By the way the fresh walleye I just put down was mighty tastey!!! /forum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/tired.gif

On top of that, this is a project to complete on the job so to speak. Haven't been there since last Tuesday. Will get a start on it tomorrow hopefully when I return to the daily grind of reality. /forum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/cool.gif Sorry for the delay. I know this is far too exciting for many of you!!

muddy

03-18-2009, 04:09 AM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DOR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I know this is far too exciting for many of you!! </div></div>

Exciting as watching pictures of paint dry can get...

DOR

08-20-2009, 03:07 PM

OK, I know this was a long abandoned post....just got busy I guess. I will try to finish this off now that Mike has the arrows in hand......FINALLY.:dr

This is the cresting set-up I have used for years. Its a Bohning Crestor . I use the same Rustoleum paints to complete the cresting. In this case Mike wanted to go with Hawkeye colors....so that what I did.
http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq111/pillzilla/arrowmaking024.jpg?t=1250719369ink2:
http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq111/pillzilla/arrowmaking023.jpg?t=1250719769

DOR

08-20-2009, 03:19 PM

Mike wanted his arrow to be at 27.5" so with the 1/2 ich my taper tool removes I had to cut them at 28".
http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq111/pillzilla/arrowmaking027.jpg?t=1250720051

http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq111/pillzilla/arrowmaking031.jpg?t=1250720277

The Taper King manual tool I use....I'd rather have a electric one but this is what I use.
http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq111/pillzilla/arrowmaking032.jpg?t=1250720432

http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq111/pillzilla/arrowmaking033.jpg?t=1250720478

http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq111/pillzilla/arrowmaking034.jpg?t=1250720516

DOR

08-20-2009, 03:30 PM

I decided to go through the tedious splicing process for this set of arrows. It honestly is a complete PITA, but hey, Mike went through the hoops, so I figured I better do this up nice for him. Its very important when splicing to measure exactly to size on the feathers and where you will need to place the feathers within the Bitzenburger. If done correctly the feather colors will align perfectly with the cresting stripes, making for a much nicer finished product.

http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq111/pillzilla/arrowmaking025.jpg
http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq111/pillzilla/arrowmaking020-1.jpg?t=1250721005
after cut slide them together
http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq111/pillzilla/arrowmaking022.jpg?t=1250721053

Now its time to slide them into the Bitzenburger one splice at a time. I let each feather stay on the jig for 15 minutes, so at 45 minutes waiting per arrow it does take some time. I wish I had the 12 bitz/jig so I could do 12 at a time, but I cant justify purchasing 11 more bitz's.
http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq111/pillzilla/arrowmaking021.jpg?t=1250721131

DOR

08-20-2009, 03:42 PM

Perfect for shooting Pheasants at this point.:grin:

Nocks have now been placed on too....I glue them on with DUCO cement as the final arrow is completed.
http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq111/pillzilla/arrowmaking030.jpg?t=1250721806

DOR

08-20-2009, 03:48 PM

First I bend a feather shape out of straight metal and attach and align the arrows into the YOUNG burner. Turn it on till it glows orange and start rotating. If you have never burned bird feathers before, your missing out on one of the best aromas of all time:moon:.

http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq111/pillzilla/arrowmaking028.jpg?t=1250721924

http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq111/pillzilla/arrowmaking029.jpg?t=1250722106

http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq111/pillzilla/arrowmaking035.jpg?t=1250722143

http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq111/pillzilla/arrowmaking037.jpg?t=1250722239

Shovelbuck

08-20-2009, 03:52 PM

DOR

08-20-2009, 03:52 PM

I tipped these arrows with 4 blade Zwickey Delta's(6), 4 field points, and 2 judos. Forgot to take pics of that.
http://www.3riversarchery.com/images/medium/4218.jpg

Nothing prettier than a dozen tapered cedar shafts sitting in a back quiver.
Thanks for taking my challenge on Mike. I bet it would be safe to say that you got a lot out of it. Thats what it was all about after all.
http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq111/pillzilla/arrowmaking036.jpg?t=1250722361

deeraddict

08-20-2009, 04:19 PM

Very nice work. Thanks for sharing the process.

DOR

08-20-2009, 04:26 PM

I'd given up hope and would of put real money on a bet that you'd never finish this post.:rolleyes:

Looking good.:way: Splices are a bunch of work. Don't know if Mikey is worth it.;)

Just how long ago did you get them done?

Shovel-
Finished them up a couple weeks ago.....I ate at me to let this go unfinished. I am one of those guys that has to tie loose ends or it drives me nuts. I was taught to finish what you start. Better late than never I guess.