Post by hawkeyes on Jun 25, 2021 5:49:33 GMT -7
This topic could be placed elsewhere, however being of Native origin in general it will be at home here.
I wanted to start the process of working the cane shafts. Cane in general is a wonderful shaft material without a doubt. Once experience is gained working and using this natural wonder material you'll see why it was favorable among many tribes and other cultures round the world.
First the raw shafts must be dried like any other material... I remove any residual shoot material and leaves then bundle up and set them aside for about a month or less with air circulation. All dependant upon your environment, could be a few weeks to months, no hard time line. Once they cure out they become a light tan to brown color and are ready for work.
Now, here is what's really neat about cane, bamboo I'd expect would react the same. Expect the cured shafts to be nowhere near straight... With heat any wonky bends or kinks can be taken right out and the shafts can seriously be hand straightened... straight as an arrow. As an area cools it'll indefinitely hold that shape unless heated again.
Pre straightening.
Heating
Post straightening
Historically this process was accomplished over fire or hot coals. I cheat and use my propane torch, which is very effective in consistency with heat. I hold the area I want to work approximately 3" from the flame and constantly roll the shaft until it's to hot for a touch. Then, give her a bend in whatever direction you want and hold it to cool momentarily, doesn't take but a handful of seconds. Then the process is repeated even on the nodes if needed until your arrow shaft is straight as you want it.
Word of caution, try not to actually burn the cane, slight scorching will happen which gives character. However sometimes it will lead to small fractures in the material. I've learned not to worry about this issue as it's mostly inevitable. What I will do as a non period repair is dap a small amount of super glue to the spot which will stabilize the area. Honestly not even sure it's needed but it's an easy fix.
Some may ask about the spine. Personally I forgo messing with it. Selection of my shafts is based mostly on eyesight for an even thickness with a natural taper. Cane is stiff, very stiff given it's nature and that's just how it is. You can certainly work the shafts to a perfect spine weight if you wish, however for my purposes I have not noticed a need, point here is well built primitive arrows. What I will often do is compare the amount of flex to a known spine weighted shaft. About as technical as it gets in that department.
Concerning spine weight and what have you I believe one important point again to keep in mind is we are working a raw natural material. There obviously is only a certain level of precision and repeatability that can be reached when constructing things from natural materials. Does that mean primitive cane arrows are inferior? I think not. I have personally only ever had great success with my cane arrows. I do believe the results you desire will be in the quality of work and attention to detail you put into the piece. Take your time, eye down the shaft often and work accordingly.
To be continued... I leave you with a freshly cut nock... We will dive into further details on cane shafting at a later date.
I wanted to start the process of working the cane shafts. Cane in general is a wonderful shaft material without a doubt. Once experience is gained working and using this natural wonder material you'll see why it was favorable among many tribes and other cultures round the world.
First the raw shafts must be dried like any other material... I remove any residual shoot material and leaves then bundle up and set them aside for about a month or less with air circulation. All dependant upon your environment, could be a few weeks to months, no hard time line. Once they cure out they become a light tan to brown color and are ready for work.
Now, here is what's really neat about cane, bamboo I'd expect would react the same. Expect the cured shafts to be nowhere near straight... With heat any wonky bends or kinks can be taken right out and the shafts can seriously be hand straightened... straight as an arrow. As an area cools it'll indefinitely hold that shape unless heated again.
Pre straightening.
Heating
Post straightening
Historically this process was accomplished over fire or hot coals. I cheat and use my propane torch, which is very effective in consistency with heat. I hold the area I want to work approximately 3" from the flame and constantly roll the shaft until it's to hot for a touch. Then, give her a bend in whatever direction you want and hold it to cool momentarily, doesn't take but a handful of seconds. Then the process is repeated even on the nodes if needed until your arrow shaft is straight as you want it.
Word of caution, try not to actually burn the cane, slight scorching will happen which gives character. However sometimes it will lead to small fractures in the material. I've learned not to worry about this issue as it's mostly inevitable. What I will do as a non period repair is dap a small amount of super glue to the spot which will stabilize the area. Honestly not even sure it's needed but it's an easy fix.
Some may ask about the spine. Personally I forgo messing with it. Selection of my shafts is based mostly on eyesight for an even thickness with a natural taper. Cane is stiff, very stiff given it's nature and that's just how it is. You can certainly work the shafts to a perfect spine weight if you wish, however for my purposes I have not noticed a need, point here is well built primitive arrows. What I will often do is compare the amount of flex to a known spine weighted shaft. About as technical as it gets in that department.
Concerning spine weight and what have you I believe one important point again to keep in mind is we are working a raw natural material. There obviously is only a certain level of precision and repeatability that can be reached when constructing things from natural materials. Does that mean primitive cane arrows are inferior? I think not. I have personally only ever had great success with my cane arrows. I do believe the results you desire will be in the quality of work and attention to detail you put into the piece. Take your time, eye down the shaft often and work accordingly.
To be continued... I leave you with a freshly cut nock... We will dive into further details on cane shafting at a later date.