making my first longbow arrow

[DavidH]

I read somewhere that a mix of linseed oil and bee's wax was the answer and its seems just that much more eco friendly than varnish - plus apparently it brings out the scent of the wood

[smog]

Hi Miner Willy

NO probs with a piccy, but it may take a little time - no camera and knowledge as to how to get picture onto this. All is not lost, I will ask ThePinkOne for help as she knows about thesde things. So please bear with for a while

smog

[Ffish]

is it possible to buy dowel rod for arrow shafts, and get them lathed down to size?

I have a friend who's really into wood turning, and (when/if I take up traditional archery) I'll be getting him to make shafts for me.

[DavidH]

Originally Posted by Ffish

is it possible to buy dowel rod for arrow shafts, and get them lathed down to size?

I have a friend who's really into wood turning, and (when/if I take up traditional archery) I'll be getting him to make shafts for me.

If you've got a dowel why would you want to lathe it down? UNless you're talking about a barrelled shaft. You've still got to worry about the spine, though I know at least one person in our club who has B&Q specials

Other much more experienced people on here will know better - but it might be fun just to take a piece of wood, lathe it and see how it shoots - its bound to go forward at least

[Schme1440]

Originally Posted by Ffish

is it possible to buy dowel rod for arrow shafts, and get them lathed down to size?

I have a friend who's really into wood turning, and (when/if I take up traditional archery) I'll be getting him to make shafts for me.

I dont really see the point. You can get a dozen arrows (components) for less than £40 and if you speak to the right people you can even get them spined and matched. Specific shafts cn only perform better than "B&Q specials"

[Matt Easton]

Originally Posted by Miner Willy

anil varnish may work too.

No comment..

[ThePinkOne]

Originally Posted by DavidH

I read somewhere that a mix of linseed oil and bee's wax was the answer and its seems just that much more eco friendly than varnish - plus apparently it brings out the scent of the wood

Oil finishes are nice but harder to get weather proof.

If you use linseed oil, make sure you use Boiled Linseed Oil as otherwise you'll be waiting days for it to dry...

An alternative to that is Tung Oil, it smells nicer, is extracted form tung nuts and has the advantage of being non-toxic (used by turners for wood bowls etc).

With an oil finish, you have to fine finish the wood- 340 grit paper than the very finest wet and dry. Damp the wood to get the mat to rise then fine sand again. Oil is built up in coats, you don't need the wax, just the oil, apply, let dry for 30min then polish off, wait overnight then do it all again.... and again..... and again.

Another nice oil is Gunstock oil, it's based on boiled linseed with resins and gives a nice golden finish. However, if you want a paler finish, Danish Oil doesn't inpart such a tinge.

One way I use is three coats of gunstock oil then one coat of yacht varnish, very nice finish.

I'd say the most environmentally friendly finish is Tung Oil.

Just be careful if you use a linseed oil based product, you have to handle and dispose of cloths properly to avoid them bursting into flames spontaeneously.

P.

[ThePinkOne]

Originally Posted by smog

Hi Miner Willy

NO probs with a piccy, but it may take a little time - no camera and knowledge as to how to get picture onto this. All is not lost, I will ask ThePinkOne for help as she knows about thesde things. So please bear with for a while

smog

S'OK, Pinkie will come to the rescue but it'll be a day or two..

P.

[ThePinkOne]

Originally Posted by smog

Hi Miner Willy

NO probs with a piccy, but it may take a little time - no camera and knowledge as to how to get picture onto this. All is not lost, I will ask ThePinkOne for help as she knows about thesde things. So please bear with for a while

smog

Pic of jig is here:

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...restingJig.jpg

Regards,

P.

[Miner Willy]

Originally Posted by ThePinkOne

Pic of jig is here:

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...restingJig.jpg

Regards,

P.

Cheers for the piccie PinkOne. I was thinking along those lines but where you have the fingers to drop the arrow into I was going to use bearings or rollers to support it, hopefully it will make it turn smoothly.

If/when I finally get around to fashioning something I'll post a picture, it could be a while as a I have a 6 month old to entertain and an MA starting next week.