Building Wood ARROWS - Start to Finish

If you find your way into traditional archery or bowhunting, you'll likely get the bug to build some wood arrows at some point. I usually build a dozen wood arrows every year in preparation for the bow hunting season. I start with Doug Fir shafts and use turkey feathers for fletchings.
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[@darrendixon4513]

Clay you had me thinking I was losing my mind for a second. I wasn't paying close attention and didn't see the bottoms of the paint containers being so long when you dipped the arrows in them. I thought you were dipping 28inch arrows in like 4-5 inches. 🤣

[@NoOne56488]

I also got confused, i thought i was in the Matrix for a second.

[@mommydaughterchannel2611]

I read your comment before watching the video. As i was watching this i was thinking thats a good magic trick 😂. I forgot all about your comment until the shot of the long pain container 😂

[@LogicJab]

Them non-Euclidean paint cans get real expensive, but what a space saver

[@Harshit-qy5vl]

Same

[@grimreapybones2875]

One of those the matrix programmers had to retcon the mistake moments XF

[@gud2go50]

Thanks, Clay. Now I know why I will always buy my arrows pre-made, but I enjoyed the process you went through and I learned a lot. It makes you worry more when flinging an arrow out there willy- nilly.

[@DRNKonTIDE]

This video was AWESOME! I'd love to see you do another where you make arrows in the woods, kind of like your living-tree-to-finished-bow-in-24-hours video!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Check out the two prong primitive arrow vid I did this spring.

[@ilsh0064]

@@clayhayeshunter aye sir!

[@nicholausstevens1262]

Check out this video by Primitive Technology aka John Plant kzbin.info/www/bejne/iX3Spp6ld9hriqc

[@guitfidle]

Wow, I haven't made arrows in like 35 years (old Eagle Scout over here). I used a paper template to lay out the lines for the feathers, glued by hand, and a pencil sharpener to taper the ends of the shaft for the nock and the tip. Quite the fancy setup you got there 😊😊

[@ColeHuntHally]

Such an intriguing process that I am comparing to how I fletch graphite arrows for my compound. I won't lie, you've got me thinking real hard about switching gears and focusing on traditional archery.

[@stephenjohnson6841]

Another great video filled with great information. Thanks again Clay!

[@calebchristian404]

Once you get done making arrows and you look at them all it’s so satisfying. Good luck this season

[@davemiller251]

I haven't made an arrow in a long, long time . . . but I can still smell the feathers burning. Great video!

[@HyruleHero_]

Might be the coolest vid ever

[@tophattommy2]

I guess you do make your own arrows!! I'm trying to find "From scratch" bow making and arrow making tutorials.

[@tomstawinski5542]

Clay you’re the man!

[@dukeitsk9624]

Lol you are a patient man for sure. Excellent job on the arrows!!

[@woodslore4672]

Nice set of shafts. I always save the trimmed ends of the Arrows to make Toggles for my QUIK Deployment Ridge Lines. 👍

[@offthearrowshelf]

Thanks for recording this, hope you don't mind but I've shared this on my Facebook page as I know lots of wooden arrow archers across the pond in the UK who will be interested.

[@josegodoy9160]

Hola Clay excelente trabajo hermosas flechas

[@BryonGus]

Nice work Clay!

[@wildbores8965]

I've been waiting for this video for so long!!!

[@mikebalos4749]

I enjoyed the video Clay. I enjoy making my own arrows as well. I have a single Blitzenburger so I use the double sided fletching tape which allows me to immediately dial to the next feather.

[@reddirt5489]

Nice set up!👍🏼

[@Youtuberkit7]

Nice video bro.

[@ambidextrousarchery]

Thank you for this 👍👍

[@hunsbrown8288]

Very informative video! I definitely want to try this

[@ToddWittenmyerBackwoodsLiving]

Really cool vid! Nice work Clay!

[@Swamp-Fox]

Arrow building is another skill I need to learn. Great video!

[@user-hh8tx5be5q]

So how is going?

[@EnFyr]

What an awesome set up, I came into this video thinking it's something i could do on my porch. 😆 great video!

[@user-by4nz8xp4p]

I've been shooting for years, but recently decided to start building my own stuff. This is more than just awesome! I look forward to getting gear from 3 Rivers.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Have fun

[@kennypringle4580]

Very cool👍 I wish my life allowed me the time to do this.

[@passingthetorch126]

Ol Clay is a True all around Badass! Wouldn't want to go toe to toe with him in a game of cowboys and Indians. Jokes aside. Thanks for sharing all your knowledge. And congrats on being the last man standing in Alone.

[@PeterQuentercrimsonbamboo]

Well… good to,see the process… thought it is not quite start to finish, considering the shafts and feathers and tips were already prepared -

[@rudamchu]

I have a similar setup for dipping my shafts ... I use 3/4" PVC tubes with a glued on cap at the end, then I just insert dollar store funnels

[@AmericanPrepper1998]

If only you had a online store where I can customize my arrows and you would be the one building them.

[@raymondfranco1723]

You are a true BAD ASS

[@jackgriffith9229]

Archers! Pay attention as arrow building is a good idea to add to your archery skill set. If for some reason you can’t purchase arrows this could be an excellent option!🏹🦌🏹🦌🏹🦌😎

[@brianb8003]

It is. As long as you have access to premade machined tips, feathers for fletching, and premade shafts. Otherwise, you also need to learn how to hunt the turkeys or other birds, wood turning, and metalworking. Then you need access to a kiln, and ore. About the only thing you can do that doesn't need other skills and tools is the nock. Since that you could just carve it into the wood.

[@drsnooker1776]

@@brianb8003You can make arrow heads without a forge.

[@Ranmonduilding]

Your Video very nice I love the way you are

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thank you so much 😀

[@Aldred86]

The surewood pun ❤

[@waynepatton689]

Clay, I gave up on traditional archery. Sold my long bow, most of my gear and just watched this and I’m going back to it. Just have to find a method that works for me and that I can hunt with confidence! Great video as usual.

[@clayhayeshunter]

You’ll get it figured out Wayne

[@danthemoparman628]

Wow your bow is quiet!

[@frantisekvrabec7258]

very nice video and usefull informations

[@fishmaniachannel]

Brilliant ❤️👌

[@davireidavi6495]

Quanto custa um arco desse?

[@matthewyu3531]

I have two important questions, 1) when you were making your bow/bow limbs, what brand of Epoxy adhesive did you use? 2) How to choose which brand of Epoxy adhesive should be used?

[@tomboese367]

Hi brother Clay! I watched the original program when you won Alone, and I just watched that season again last night. I really like that program. I am also subscribed to this channel. I'm presently making my own arrows in the old Apache style. Well, sort of, I'm cutting my arrow heads out of old circular saw blades and using turkey feathers, but I am buying my shafts at a local lumber yard in the form of 3/8" dowel rod. I am gluing tying the arrowheads and fletching on with deer sinew that I bought on line, soaked and chewed it, split it into narrow strands, In addition to the sinew I glue them on with Pine pitch. What is the purpose of painting your arrows? Will bees wax achieve the same purpose?

[@robertyeager8358]

Looks like you are really digging the fire hardened hickory bow these days. I have a little work left on a hardened elm bow. I think I already see the appeal of it.

[@luiscalderin4584]

Excelente video. Ya tengo una idea de cómo hacer mis flechas.

[@lobopropredatorcontrol]

Sure like your editing, I bought one of jigs 20 some years ago and it was 90$ then. Great content 👊🔥

[@jazapercival4379]

Thanks so much this video clay,i was actually about to email you to make a this same video. Its like you read my mind bro.

[@rafathales]

Great job Man. What kind of Paint and vanish are you using?

[@LuisRamirez-ph3yp]

Valeu amigão um abraço daqui igrejinha RS BRASIL

[@smrettpecca]

a tutorial for the build of a proper spine tester would be great! :)

[@MrTacklebury]

I use the same jig, but use the feather cutter that is a one shot clamp. I don't like burning them. I use one of the "pencil sharpener" style taper shapers also. You can tell you've done a bunch though. 8)

[@michelcarvalho5202]

Thanks for this beautiful video. I'm watching from Brazil

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks for watching!

[@sgambless]

Pretty cool I made a survival bow but it is like 70 Pounds by Eye and i tried basic fiber glass 5 diameter arrows but the fly bad and bend allot in middle air do u recommend using ur type of arrows?

[@coreypaxton3546]

I've been wanting to make arrows out of wild stuff around missouri but not sure what would make good arrows

[@zhaomiaomiao]

What model is the outdoor knife? It seems to have good toughness and hold well.

[@mikewolfe6496]

Nice Clay! You are set up like a pro shop there. I go a little cheaper but still similar end product. I use feather choppers, stain, wipe on poly, and crest with tape and spray paint. I have struggled to get an arrow stiff enough. I see you used 65/70 spine in what looked like Douglas fir. 3 rivers max out tapered cedar at 60/65. I will try the fir next to go up in spine. Thanks for sharing

[@bbies1973]

Look at ash wood arrows. 3 rivers has those up to 70/75, and if that still isn't enough you can get 1/2" diameter "war bow" shafts.

[@PKD-ze4hr]

Do you go over arrow building in your book.

[@gegaoli]

Is there another video on making the shaft of the arrow?

[@matthewyu3531]

Are wood arrows good for hunting (60# recerve bow)?

[@joemisak7925]

Cool

[@pigeonmanof180]

Super interesting and informative to see you do this with the shafts. I noticed in another video you wore a respirator when hand sanding a bow, yet I see no PPE while you stand directly over burning fletching. Aren’t the pink ones synthetic? Or at least the paint? Do you know there’s no harm in breathing that smoke?

[@clayhayeshunter]

They're real feathers dyed pink. I suppose if I were breathing it in all day there might be some effects but I'm not worried about the few I'm burning.

[@hellgeist_]

"..but my character in that game I played makes this many arrows by waving his hands over a bush." :p Great video. That burning wire trick sure beats using scissors.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Wish I could make arrows like that 😜

[@BackwardsHatNation]

First: my father in law shoots cedars and he started using that Gorilla glue adhesive awhile back on nocks and said it’s been a good move so thought I’d pass that info if you do some tinkering. Second: you’re form looks money this year brother. Something of an elk hunting John Demmer! Keep it up!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks much

[@Ashbringer85]

Trying to get a drill head like the one you used on the arrow heads seems like a smart idea. If anyone knows the same of that perticular style would be nice to know, The ones i got ordered are straight and not cone shaped and not sure they will be as good.

[@philippeberube7586]

Can you use boiled linseed oil on the whole shaft before installing the fletchings?

[@clayhayeshunter]

I’m not sure if it would interfere with the fletching glue or not.

[@alexandresantosdasilva1454]

Que líquido é este que tu passa nas flechas. Qual é a madeira do arco?

[@SmallGameHunter]

Hi Clay, may i ask what kind of glue (amber in color) did you use in this video to glue on the nocks? I've tried some brand name glue but it doesnt stick very well. Thank you

[@clayhayeshunter]

It’s called ferel-tite. I hate probably not spelled right though.

[@bbies1973]

Curious question: I have been told that you have to seal the wood before dipping in anything water based, or it causes the grain to swell and adds weight. Yet, I see you dipping straight into Crest-Lac. Have you noticed any issues like that? Second question, how does the Douglas Fur compare in density/weight to PO Cedar? If you have shafts of same length, thickness, and spine, do they weight the same, or is one lighter/heavier?

[@daver6564]

After 50ish years of making and shooting wood arrows, I just moved to carbons. Wasn’t sure I’d like them, but I do. Don’t plan on giving up the longbow though!

[@joygernautm6641]

Have you ever made arrows out of Ironwood? I recently discovered some Ironwood in the woods near my house and I’ve heard that it works really well for arrows.

[@clayhayeshunter]

I’ve made arrows from ocean spray which, I think, is also known as ironwood.

[@timothylongmore7325]

Hey Clay , I just happened on my channel and noticed you subbed. Can't believe you wasted your time watching my crap videos , lol. I wished I had your savy in making better ones but I'd rather be on naked and afraid with a fat dude than edit a video. Anyway , just gotta say I discovered your videos before I knew what a huge influencer you've become. It was one of your earler ones where you didn't say much. I was hooked. I'm going to buy your book ( or books) , not as a reward for you but as a gift to me. I live to learn new skills. That's probably why I'm not exceptional at many things. I tried making a bow about 30 years ago and never finished it. Probably never will as it'd probably blow up first pull as I've learned quite a bit watching some of your videos. I dabble in locust wood and have sold some staves to a local bow maker so I've got access to some seasoned material as well as lots of elm etc so I'm ready to roll on that. Just need a masters knowledge and I've found no one better. Thanks for the support and it does encourage me to suck it up and learn some new tricks. I haven't posted shit since covid but have recorded some of the more interesting things I've been up to. Congrats also on Alone. Not a fan of the show because of the crying drama queens they put on there so I fast forwarded those parts. You deserve it. No need to reply.

[@benspeedschannel888]

Do you align the nocks a certain way relative to the grain of the shaft?

[@marksmallman4572]

Would guess with the grain lengthwise.

[@FellsApprentice]

Against the grain helps avoid the string potentially splitting the arrow, at least on very, very heavy bows

[@MosthostlaWeb]

Been trying to crest over crest-lac with regular bohing paint, but the white base keeps on creasing up as if the 2 paints weren't compatible. Anyone ever ran into anything similar? Got any ideas/solutions?

[@solemnbuddhist]

Might sound ridiculous but can you use chinaberry wood for arrows? Really needing an answer if you could anyone

[@clayhayeshunter]

I’ve heard of folks making bows from chinaberry. Just about any straight shoot will work for arrows.

[@solemnbuddhist]

@clayhayeshunter thank you so much I highly appreciate it

[@steventanner1428]

Do you boil your knocks? I dip mine in boiling water. Just long enough for them to soften. I snap them on my string while they are soft. It spreads the knock just a little. I like them to just barely snap on the string and stay on the string. It makes my bow quieter. It helps with hand shock. And though I can't prove it. It seems to help with arrow flight.

[@clayhayeshunter]

No, I just use the right size serving on the bowstring.

[@thomashayes4158]

Hey Clay, I was looking for a Jo-Jan fletcher a while back, because I only had a right wing fletcher and a bunch of left wing feathers. It seemed to me that they went out of business.

[@clayhayeshunter]

They may have. I haven’t checked lately.

[@thomashayes4158]

@@clayhayeshunter I tried again, the number on their website goes to some telemarketing agency and they aren't responding to email. Also, anywhere that used to sell them no longer has them available.

[@ANXIETOR]

Interesting process. I’d like to see how you do it without the fletching jig, or burner.

[@marksmallman4572]

Why would you bother.

[@ANXIETOR]

@@marksmallman4572 I'm not buying tooling to try making arrows for the first time.

[@theotheralan5511]

I made some with 59c dowel rods from hobby lobby. Drill the notch and carefully cut with a saw, use duct tape for fletching and a pencil sharpener for a tip. Still nicer that any arrow you can buy, stronger for sure they don't shatter when I hit a tree by accident you just pull em out.

[@PlanetaryDefenseFoundation]

0:30 don't poke my eyes out

[@redblade8160]

Clay Hayes. At the end of your video, you didn't show us where you were firing the arrows. Is this because you kept missing the target by a mile?

[@clayhayeshunter]

You got it🙄🤣

[@user-jg9rj4of6q]

hello from ukraine, love your channel, could you tell me how much stiffness an arrow acquires when losing 1 inch of length?

[@mikker32]

You can see on a spine chart

[@philipleger8987]

Can you use dowels for arrows ?

[@clayhayeshunter]

Yep. They’ve not going to be great arrows but they’ll work if you’re careful about selecting ones that are close in stiffness and weight.

[@mhmdox33xx51]

Can you make the Arabian bow

[@jefflien2599]

So are your arrows tapered weight forward I'm thinking ?

[@clayhayeshunter]

Yes

[@Lawrence-gf3vc]

What is the amber substance used to fix the point to the shaft?

[@clayhayeshunter]

It’s just hot melt glue

[@ailtondrumond3105]

👍👍👏👏

[@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors]

🤙

[@awebb2625]

What is your wife’s KZbin channel I was wanting to see if she had a video on canning deer meat. Curious on what seasoning you guys use thanks.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Just search for Liz Hayes and you’ll find it. She does have a video on canning venison.

[@FPSWildlifeAngler]

how do you attach your broad heads ?

[@clayhayeshunter]

Hot melt

[@paulalan3351]

Do you sale these

[@simonphoenix3789]

why do people use these fletching jigs to attach feathers? Surely people were making arrows without any jigs in the past right? Is there a noticable difference in accuracy if you use these jigs as opposed to just tying the feathers on by hand?

[@clayhayeshunter]

Yes

[@yerbeilisready8562]

I was totally expecting you to make the arrow.

[@AldoSchmedack]

How do you clean off the blood on a turkey feather?

[@clayhayeshunter]

You can just wash them with warm water then let them dry.

[@jadersaid50]

🇧🇷👍

[@asse1112]

I know you skipped a lot of the little details but what is your technique to straightening a shaft?

[@clayhayeshunter]

I just sight down them and straighten by hand.

[@bigchungus5287]

What if I'm not a wizard with magic containers

[@scootermcgooginhime2464]

PVC pipe

[@cdp50359]

What was the weights? Point and total arrow

[@clayhayeshunter]

These are around 640 including a 190 grain tip.

[@MTmpstxo]

Would you sign a copy of your book if I send it your way? My wife just bought me a copy and anytime I can, I like to have authors signature in my collection of books when I can.

[@jefflien2599]

Couldn't tell looking at yu coating em

[@worldofkyle7227]

Why were you burning the feathers? Near the end of the video.

[@dooleyfussle8634]

I think he could leave them full sized ( flu-flu's?) but they would slow the arrow down. By trimming them he increases the arrow speed to target. Using the electric wire in a jig allows him to cut each vane identically, important for accuracy.

[@TheBradMillss]

to shorten them

[@sacredtoad2117]

@@dooleyfussle8634 exactly

[@unrealentity2886]

Trimming the feathers by burning them can seal the ends to prevent fraying and make them a little bit more resistant to moisture

[@asse1112]

You certainly couldn’t do at the beginning

[@okikiabola]

why is no one talking about the fact that this man is putting arrows that are 19 inches inside 5 inches jars and the hole 19 inches arrow is going all the way in like what

[@bbies1973]

It's not a 5" jar. They're dipping tubes. The "big dipper" is about 3ft long, and the "little dipper" is around 1ft, maybe. The upper wide mouth portion is the same diameter as a canning jar, but then it tapers to a smaller diameter tube for the rest of it.

[@vanislandsteve]

👍🏻🇨🇦