Making arrows

Jal · #1 (**permalink**) 14-05-05, 11:18 PM

I want to start making my own longbow arrows, does anyone have any ideas on the best way to make a dip tube?

Haywain · #2 (**permalink**) 15-05-05, 12:09 AM

Piece of 2 1/2" pipe from a DIY shop about 32" long and anything solid to bung one end. Use a piece of very fine sponge to wipe the excess off after dipping (the sort of sponge from those mini rollers will do nicely).

Jal · #3 (**permalink**) 15-05-05, 12:49 AM

Cheers Haywain, I'll try that.

gwynn · #4 (**permalink**) 16-05-05, 07:43 AM

I wipe on a few coats of Danish oil. Easy and quick to apply. Dries rapidly. Waterproofs the arrow and leaves it looking natural, if that is the look you are seeking. No trouble sticking fletchings on after.

Yew Bow · #5 (**permalink**) 17-05-05, 04:54 PM

I'm assuming you've sorted out the wood. the length, the spine deflection, the pile type and weight, fletching type and size, parrellell or tapered, bobtail, footed or plain and point of centre, before you get to dipping.

Haywain · #6 (**permalink**) 17-05-05, 11:01 PM

I think we'll have to assume that, all they asked for was dip tube

Mind you. I don't use one myself anymore. It's quicker to wipe the varnish on with a sponge and take the excess off at the same time. 2 coats is all my Sunday practice arrows need.

Jal · #7 (**permalink**) 18-05-05, 01:53 AM

Thanks for all your help everyone, I know what spine, points ,etc. that I need. The reason that I want a dip tube is to give the rear 12" of the arrow a solid colour to make them easier to pick out at clout and roving marks. The rest of the shaft will get an oil finish.

gwynn · #8 (**permalink**) 25-05-05, 06:19 AM

[quote]Jal - 17/5/2005 7:53 PM

The reason that I want a dip tube is to give the rear 12" of the arrow a solid colour to make them easier to pick out at clout and roving marks. QUOTE]

Ja, good idea, I have done this with my wife's arrows, the rear foot is a flourescent pink. Still lose them, mind! I masked off the arrow and spray-painted the pink, then put a clear acrylic over the top. She also uses flourescent yellow nocks which seem to show up even better than the pink bit.

English Bowman · #9 (**permalink**) 25-05-05, 03:26 PM

If you want something to really show up, try flu yellow, and flu blu, mixing in the middle to green, tasteful

Jal · #10 (**permalink**) 25-05-05, 03:45 PM

That is a good idea English Bowman, I may try that with yellow and red, sunburst!

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