TreeBlaskted Oak

Arrow Making Tutorial

  1. Shafts
  2. Feathers
  3. Nocks & Points
  4. Tools
  5. Shaft Preperation
  6. Lacquering
  7. Nocking
  8. Fletching
  9. Tipping

Medieval Arrows

Gallery

Nocking

Now that you have shafts that are lacquer, tapered on both ends, and too long for you, it is time to cut them down to size. Remember that when you add the nock and the point it will add a little extra length to the shaft, but I recommend that you give yourself some extra length just in case. I slightly longer arrow will be useable even if the point breaks off and you have to shorten the entire arrow. An arrow that is too short for you is dangerous and should not be used at all.

Once the shaft is the correct length, taper the freshly cut end with the nock angle.

Now it is time to glue on your nocks. If you have a raised indicator, align it with the grain of the grain of the wood. This will ensure that nock runs perpendicular to the grain. This is extremely important. Wood is a laminar composite, meaning it is made up of different layers. The bond between layers is not very strong, so you don’t want the force of the bow going into that weak point. This can cause your arrow to fail. If your nock does not have a raised indicator, align the nock opening perpendicular to the grain. Glue the nock on, and cover any exposed wood with the same glue.

 

Copyright © 2008-2010 Naomi Hampson.