How to Make Cedar Arrow Shafts

Making a quality shaft is critical to the flight precision of an arrow. An archer aiming an arrow needs a shaft that is completely straight. Archers choose from a variety of woods to craft arrow shafts, including Douglas fir, Ramin and Maple. Cedar arrow shafts are also quite common. Cedar is a lightweight wood that absorbs lacquer without a problem. The vertical grain of cedar wood makes it ideal for sanding and aligning an arrow, as well. Following a few simple steps, crafting a cedar arrow shaft can be successful.

Things You'll Need

  • Cedar spine
  • Hook tool
  • Lacquer
  • Feather
  • Knife
  • Pencil
  • Sandpaper, 150-grit
  • Plastic nock
  • Glue
  • Measuring tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Apply a 150-grit sandpaper to the body of a cedar spine rod. Sand the entire rod until the spine is smooth and free of exposed splinters or barbs. Spine rods should be 30 to 31 inches long, and the diameter should measure 5/16 inch. The 150-grit sandpaper provides a smooth and even rub for a rod this thin.

    • 2

      Examine the rod for bends in the wood. Mark the beginning and end points of a bend with a pencil. Hold one end of the rod at a downward 45-degree angle with your hand. Place the other end of the rod on a table top. Pick up a hook tool with your other hand. Hold the shaft of the tool and link the hook --- at the top of the tool --- over the rod. Rub the hook forward and backward within the markings of the bend. Apply medium pressure as you rub. Rubbing constricts cedar fibers and evens the grain, thus removing the bend. Continue rubbing until the bend is gone.

    • 3

      Brush one layer of polyurethane lacquer onto the rod. Cover the entire rod with lacquer. Allow five minutes for the lacquer to dry. The lacquer is a stain that will protect the arrow from inclement weather.

    • 4

      Insert a dollop of wood glue into the opening of a plastic nock. Place the opening of the nock over one end of the rod. Press firmly until the rod tip inserts halfway inside the nock. Allow 30 minutes for the glue to dry. Wipe excess glue away with a small hand towel. The nock provides a point for the bow string to secure once the shaft is pulled back. Your cedar arrow shaft is now complete.