Halfting Flint heads to cedar shafts

[Linc]

I use pine pitch and artificial sinew.

[dosbow56]

linc,
how deep is the head set into the shaft? i'm sure it's not but it looks like it's just resting on the tip.
dave

[the Ferret]

Dave your shaft should go at least 1/4" past the notches and be tapered to meet the head

[dosbow56]

gotcha, so the shaft should be shaped around each individual head? is it best to just start a slot then working it in and shaping as you go? and, how,or do you, taper the shaft so it's not just sticking out square?
thanks,
dave

[Shakes.602]

Tapered with.......Sand Paper, Hasp, or does it matter HOW it gets done?

[the Ferret]

I actually hold the head next to the shaft where I want it to go and trace around it then cut it with my scroll saw and finish fitting with sandpaper. Done this way the head will actually slide in from the side instead of from the end, because heads are often misshaped and often don't match each other, so yes my slots are shaped for each individual head. A little more work, but worth it in the end to me.

Some just do a V notch to put the head in.

[Weird Donkey]

should someone new to this archery stuff start doing its own arrows from the tip to the head, or should i work my form and shooting before getting into this stuff ?

[Linc]

Dave,The head is set into the shaft about 1/2".
What I do is taper the end of the shaft before hafting the arrowhead.When I haft I apply the pine pitch into the slot,position the head and true.As the pitch is cooling I form it smooth and coat the tip of the shaft at the same time,giving a smooth transition from the head to the shaft.To apply the art.sinew I heat the pitch a little and press on one end of the sinew.Then I wrap and tack down the other end of the sinew the same way.

I tape 2 hacksaw blades together to cut the slot,then I work the slot to fit the head.I use the pitch to fill in any gaps.

[ber643]

I love this thread and hope it gets put in the how tos Forum after it runs it's course! Hint, hint, hint!  

[Pat B]

I taper the shaft first like Linc. Then cut a slot with my bandsaw. Then I open the slot by folding course sandpaper and working through the slot til the head fits. Add pitch glue and place the head(warmed) in and true. Then heat the pitch a little and wrap with sinew, artifical sinew or thread. When done, and before sealing, I take a sharp knife and reduce the point of the taper til it's a smooth transition to the head. Then seal with superglue, TBIII or warm or thinned  epoxy.    Pat

[ncboman]

another excellent and informative thread.

thanks guys.