adding weight to wood

[Greg Ragan]

#6449

I just thought I would share some success I have been having in adding weight to wood shafts. I shoot a relatively heavy (60#) Hill big five that shoots well with a 55-60 wood shaft. I wanted more weight without adding length or switching heads.

I decided to soak my douglas fir shafts (after sanding smooth) in spar Urethane overnight. After 24 hours I wiped them clean and let them dry. Once dried, I gained about 50 grains in shaft weight. Perfect for what I wanted.

I repeated the soaking with wipe on poly but only gained 5 grains. I may try one more time with traditional shellac and see, but it seems the spar urathane was the ticket.

Anyone else soak thier shafts to gain weight? what do you use? I have heard folks use Danish oil but they also had to soak for weeks and dry for weeks to get stable results.

[tombow]

#51525

Just curious so I am asking:

What is the desire that you are looking for in adding weight to the shafts, just to have a bit more overall weight?

Do you have a spine tester and, if you do, would you check the spine on these Spar-infused shafts to see if it has affected spine? Again, I am just curious to know if the spar soak has a spine effect.

Thanks.

[handirifle]

#51603

If the spine does not change, I would imagine, penetration would increase some, as well as making for a quieter bow and less vibration, or hand shock.

[Greg Ragan]

#52085

Tombow wrote: Just curious so I am asking:

What is the desire that you are looking for in adding weight to the shafts, just to have a bit more overall weight?

Do you have a spine tester and, if you do, would you check the spine on these Spar-infused shafts to see if it has affected spine? Again, I am just curious to know if the spar soak has a spine effect.

Thanks.

Yes, I wanted around 10 grains per pound for increased penetration (elk). I do have a spine tester and measured before and after. There was no change.

[handirifle]

#52180

How well does the spar hold up to moisture? Is that the same stuff made for marine use?

Does it soften or get sticky in hot weather?

Lastly, what type of finish does it make, satin, glossy or in between?

[Greg Ragan]

#52204

handirifle wrote: How well does the spar hold up to moisture? Is that the same stuff made for marine use?

Does it soften or get sticky in hot weather?

Lastly, what type of finish does it make, satin, glossy or in between?

I have used the spar urethane for years as a finish for my arrows and it is very tough and resistant to moisture. Also pretty slick if lots of coats are used. You can buy either gloss or satin. I have never had it get soft or sticky once dried…the stuff is hard as nails once set up.

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