anyone do a build along on boo arrows, I was getting ready to try starting some and have a   few ??I. I've seen Pat B's and some others, but I'm just running blind right now

I had a build-along on MSN Groups but it got messed up when they closed down the groups.

I'll try to get it back up at another site.

Dennis

Lets see if this works.  Hope it helps.

http://canearrows1.multiply.com/photos/album/1/Making_Rivercane_Arrows>Making

Dennis

thanks, nice build along,does the rivercane grow more uniformly or does it just look that way in the pics?

Those bamboo shoots were plant stakes, I didn't cut them, and I tried to match them up by size.  If you have a place where you can cut your own you can pick the ones that match up the best.
The only real difference I see is bamboo usually has a little deeper spot on the node where the leaves grow out.

Dennis

When I gathering cane for arrows I collect all the mature ones(paperlike sheath deteriorated or gone altogether) I can find. These are growing along my driveway so it is a limited amount and not too bad of a task. I bundle them is 15 to 20 culms(canes) per bundle and allow then to dry  for a month or so.  When I'm ready to make arrows I'll pick out about 15 of simular size (about 3/8" at the base)and begin straightening. I straighten the internode areas first let them cool well(at least a day) before continueing on to the nodes.
 After the initial straightening I'll do a quick spine test on all four sides of each. This is to determine the stiff side and not necessarily to determing the actual spine weight. The sides with the nodes are generally the stiff side and that goes against the bow.  I will pick 6 of the closest shafts, cut them to size(29" for my 26" draw) and continue to straighten them. Once straight I'll go back over the entire cane and temper them. I use our gas cook stove for the straightening and tempering.
 Cane arrows have a wider range of draw weights they can handle. The natural taper will allow 10# heavier spine weight and for each inch over 28 you can subtract 5# of spine weight. So, a 29" cane arrow that spines out to 60# will be suitable for a bow that is 15#(45# or so) lighter or more in some cases.

Thank's for all the help, Ive already got a few straight so soon we will see how they shoot. Thank's again, Bub