I'm wanting to get started in crafting my own arrows. I already have some shafts. I know I need stain. But I really don't know how much stain to use. I will get some dip tubes. Taper tool. I dont want to do cresting right now. Other than the stain, what else would I need for the finish on the arrow?

How about a fletching jig like a jo jan.

Got a grayling fletcher. I think my only worries are figuring out the staining and stuff. Know of any good resources about this? Justin

i just use the minwax stuff you can buy at walmart or any place that sells wood crafting stuff.

Wipe it on with a old rag  and let it soak in a while..   then just wipe off the excess..

do you have a cresting tool??

Not yet. But I plan on getting one. So if I get the stuff from wal-mart, there is no need for dipping tubes right?

No I do not use dipping tubes at all although they will make applying the sealer a lot easier I just brush about 5 coats of water base minwax polyurethane..  and They look great   any more questions please write back

by the way I would not dip tube the stain anyway I think you would waste more stain than use!!!!

I use rit-dye from your super-market also water base poly just rub on...ED

Thanks for the info guys. Justin

What do you guys use to weigh your arrows with. Are the pockets scales any good that 3rivers or kustom king sell?

they do a pretty good job I usually bring them to my archery shop and have them weighed though

I use a water based stain an just rub on as many coats as gives me the look I want,normaly three coats.
I seal with shellac sanding sealer,but don't sand between coats,also three.
The sealer can also be used as a water proof if you know your going to be hunting in the rain.
I think it lasts longer than most of the stuff your going to buy and if you have it on hand anyway,,,,,,,
I don't use dip tubes for anything.
If I want to cap an crest,I just use a brush and masking tape for the cap,and a home made cresting machine made from an old sewing machine motor.
You can make it as hard or as easy as you like,,,I prefer easy.
Cheers.

Thanks guys. You have really helped me out. Justin

Those pocket scales aren't very precise but they are ok if you're just starting out and short on cash. But IMO you can't beat the 25 dollar digital jobs. When I got started, the cheapest scale that gave a precise reading was $70. And that was the bulky, slow to use balance beam type. The cheapest digital type was about twice that at the time.

These new inexpensive digital jobs are relatively new and they work great. And they are super quick to use.

Back to dip tubes and stuff. I wipe my stain and let it dry. then I use very fine steel wool and rub it down. Then I give three hand rubbed coats of polyurethane, usually with a paper towel. I let each coat dry before the next one, and also rub lightly with very fine steel wool between coats. I don't crown dip or crest, so I have no need for dip tubes.

I try to make my arrows as precise as I can, but I'm not too concerned with how they look.

I JUST PURCHASED A DIGITAL SCALE FOR 29 BUCKS FROM MIDWAY USA.  WORKS GREAT