I’ve made a few by just cutting a circular saw blade out with a dremel grinding disk. No treating at all beside working slowly to not mess with the temper already on the blade. Sharpened up well too.
I made 2 and they worked well enough and I have no doubt would kill a deer. Real sinew is the way to go for hafting…natures shrink wrap. I used some modern epoxy also instead of pine pitch, but then I am not a purist.
One day when I get this shooting thing worked out I’ll break out the old selfbow again….. have a few staves curing in the basement.
Just too easy to taper and install a quality BH…..
I have heard to stay quiet at a Wallow. Reason being the elk are not expecting or wanting any company there.
I have also read that a bull will often use the same trail to exit that he came in on. So maybe hunt the trail leading in or glass from a distance and get up on it when he is busy in there.
I’m no expert though. Hoping to get my first elk next week!
OK, had a chance to test my walnut footed ones and I am sad to report a rock in my yard showed that the break still occurred just in back of the point. Actually broke the wedge in two just like a normal arrow. I think if you foot with something like fiberglass like Steve is doing you may get some increased durability, but with a hardwood I think the thinness of the footing does not provide that much to make it worth the extra work.
I think I will pursue normal 4 eared footing with a router in the future.
Again I think I have learned that the easy way is not as good as the long hard way.
I like being able to just use my 6 inch file…simplicity. If I maul the edge in the backcountry on a rock I can still take my 6 inch file and rework the entire thing. Yes, it is a skill that takes a little time to learn, but then it is rewarding to dispense with bench tools for sharpening. Quite liberating. The more you sharpen the better you become.
Steve, i just made up a batch of birch with a black walnut lamination about the same length. I’ll report on durability once i test them. Good sdpect with wood is i can still taper with my taper tool.
Neither. I’m hunting deer not people. With a brimmed hat and a little shade I just try to keep still. Works for me without the hassle. I like to keep it simple….my bow is white glass also….
Tractor supply now sells compressed straw bales. They run about $14 here. They come already wrapped in plastic with a carry handle. Mine has lasted many weeks of daily pounding with broadheads and it is still going strong I put it under the porch when I am done). Should last a season with field tips. My bag target on the other hand was destroyed by animals in about 3 weeks of only field tip use. For the price I could have had 3 of these bales and had an ice cream.
Setting up the wall tent next weekend! YAY!
