Square Head Cross Hair Footing, Pics.

[Buemaker]

Usually I stay up late sitting in my workshop sometimes just letting thoughts swirl around in my head, and sometimes an idea pops up. Last night I was looking at a couple of flight arrows I just had finished. The point end is slightly thinner than 1/4" and from experience I know that if a small stone is hit the small 20 grain brass point will break off. The nock end I had reinforced with a straight inlay of Amaranth.So I started to think about reinforcing such an arrow or any arrow for that matter. I could of course make a traditional footing, but I started to think about making a 4 tongue splice without actually splicing ( makes sense right?)So I set up the ripping fence on the bandsaw and made a cut down the middle of a pine shaft. I then used fast curing epoxy and glued in a fitting slice of Amaranth. Planed the hardwood down to the shaft diameter, back to the bandsaw and made another cut 90o to the first cut and glued in another slice of Amaranth. I found out that it was wise to stop the bandsaw before pulling the shaft out otherwise the cut would not be good. I think the finished result looks quite good.
Bue--.

 
 
 
 
 

[Bowspirit]

I like it. Sorta looks like a simpler version of the old four-point footings. Should be real strong...

[Dano]

Great idea Bue, simple and very effective.

[tradtusker]

cool idea thanks

[mike g]

Nice job Bue........

[Killdeer]

Yet another exmple of form and function combining into a thing of beauty. Nicely (and simply) done, Buemaker, as is usual for you. My hat is off to you once again!

Killdeer

[BenBow]

Cool idea Bue. I'm going to use that on the kids arrows I'll be making. Should keep them from being broken so easily.

[Jim now in Kentucky]

I like  it  too.  Great  idea.

[jimneye]

I had some arrows given to me that were a little short and was wondering how to add 2in to them. Excellent, thank you.

[jdupre]

Great idea. That's the same concept the oldtimers used to strengthen nocks. Some used a piece of horn 90 degrees to the nock slot. Looks good too.  

Joey