Sealing Some Surewood shafts

[tucsonbowhunter]

#3410

I know this has probubaly been answered here at some point but I just would like to know what I need to get some doug fir shafts ready to fletch and shoot.

I have heard bad things about laquer sealers and am wanting to know a good alternative and where to get it. Also do I need to get one of those plastic tube things with the rubber gasket?

As you may have guessed I am kind of lost and would appreciate some help. Thanks

[aeronut]

#19646

Tucson, I use Minwax Polycrylic to seal my shafts. You don’t really need a dip tube to apply sealer. You can dip a rag in it and wipe it on in two or three coats, wiping it with steel wool between coats.

I made my own dip tubes out of 1″ pvc. I glued a cap on one end and on the other I glued on a 1″ to 2″ threaded reducer. After I’m done I just screw on a cap. Keep in mind that some solvent based finished will eat up the pvc tube. If you decide to make some out of pvc, get the reducers with male threads. You won’t have to worry about getting paint in the treads as much.

I usually just let them drip dry but I have some thin strips of rubber that I punched a hole in and just hold it on the top of the tube with my fingers and let it squeegee the poly back into the tube,

Long one for full length shafts. Short one for cresting paint.

Cresting paint. The pvc gutter drips back into the tube.

Dennis

[Stephen Graf]

#20063

First, I have to give Dennis a general Well Done and Thank You. You have been making some great posts lately showing how things work.

I hope this means you have come into some extra time and are enjoying yourself.

To the point of the thread – I have recently started to use and really like minwax wipe-on poly. It seems to last forever and is easy to apply. Very little stink. And makes a nice finish after 2 or 3 coats.

I have used it on 3 small tables and 1 bow. and I still have the better part of a quart can left! When I get around to some arrows, I will not hesitate to use it on them.

[tucsonbowhunter]

#20077

Wow thanks guys that helps a ton great photos! And Is okay to use fletch tite on them? or do i need to get some duco to fletch them?

[aeronut]

#20555

Fletchtite will not stick to Minwax Polycrylic. You will have to use Duco. The first set I made using Polycrylic I used Fletchtite and had three feathers floating around in front of me on the very first shot.

If you decide to use polycrylic wax the shafts with some furniture paste wax before you shoot foam targets. The poly will really stick and make them hard to pull if you don’t.

Another note to watch for. If you use water based analine dyes on your shafts the poly will make the color run. I made some crimson shafts and dipped them a few days later and had a tube full of pink sealer.:oops: It is best to wipe on the poly in this instance.

Dennis

[William Warren]

#21548

Yes, thanks to Dennis. He has motivated me to get to working on my arrows. That and the warmer weather we are having of late.

Duncan

[aeronut]

#22576

Glad to help guys.

I had a lot of the same questions when I got started with this stuff long ago, before the thought of home computers existed. My way of doing things is just one of many and I hope to give someone a few tips and pass along information if I can.

I’ve been trying to get everything ready for OJAM next month. We had a work day there getting the area ready or the campers and having a club meeting to see what else is needed. I just got home and am more behind than I was before.:lol:

Dennis

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