[Namron] Arrow making, preferrably period

[Ulf Gunnarsson]

Sæmundr wrote:
> > Is there someone that could, would, or would not mind so much teaching
> > me how to make my own arrows?

I would be happy to do so, Sæmundr.  It sounds like Master Michael would
as well, and there are a few others around here that can.

First, let me recommend a web site:
http://archery.ansteorra.org

That is the kingdom web page for archery.  Click on "Manuals and
References" and you will find not only SCA manuals on target and combat
archery, but many articles on making arrows, making period nocks, types
of bows, and more.

There is also a "Links" section.  This section has links to some other
pages with articles on archery, as well as links to some of the common
suppliers of raw materials for making arrows, etc.  Many people prefer
Three Rivers or F&S Discount.

You are welcome to borrow some of my stuff when you are ready to make
the arrows.  The taper tool that shapes the ends of the wood to hold
plastic nocks and metal points runs about $35 if you buy one. The basic
fletching jig that holds the feather to the shaft until the glue dries
runs about the same.  So you can save about $70 if you want to borrow
mine.

A tube of plain ol' archery cement runs three or four dollars.  A dozen
cedar shafts runs about $25.  Three feathers per shaft adds another $15
for 36 feathers.  A dozen nocks are about a buck and a half, and a dozen
field tips are $3-$4.  That brings your total for basic open division
arrows to around $45. But there is a big price drop for orders of one
hundred that brings the price closer to $25 per dozen. Give or take,
depended on availability.

The main difference between this kind of arrow and the kind used in
"period division" is the nock.  Period arrows do not use a plastic nock,
but instead have a nock cut into the shaft itself then reinforced using
one method or another. The feathers on them are generally what Master
Michael referred to as the "old-fashioned shape", and often have the
spiral of thread running through them.  The rules do not demand hide
glue, though it might be fun to try it and compare with modern Fletch-
Tite.  Hide glue is like slow drying Elmer's glue and is not waterproof,
so I use the modern glue out of laziness, not wanting to re-glue
feathers as often.

There are many other things that *can* go into making arrows.  It is an
activity that carries its own fulfillment outside of the final use of
the activity.  Kinda like fishing.  And like fishing, the "how-to's" can
take as little as half an hour or as long as three days.  Let me know
when your ear is ready to be bent.

For that matter, talk to me at Populace Meeting and maybe we can get a
few other people to go in together on an order for shafts and materials.

Baron Ulf