DIY: Build My Own Arrows

I started building my own arrows as a way to save a bit of money. I was going through arrows at a pretty good clip and it was just more economical for me to find my chosen shaft on sale and stock up.

What I’ve learned since is making your own arrows is quite therapeutic. Hope this helps someone else get into the hobby.

Materials Needed

• Weston Arrow Saw with Arrow Spinner
• Arrow Squaring Tool
• Arrows (pre-fletched or bare shaft; I shoot Bloodsport Onyx)
• Silver Sharpie
• Arrow Roller
• Cotton Swaps
• Rubbing Alcohol
• Adhesive (pick your preferred)
  • Gorilla Hot Glue Gun (Dual Temp) & Gorilla Hot Glue
  • Gorilla Super Glue (Blue Cap)

Step 1: Set Arrow Length

Set the saw stop to the desired length. I use an existing arrow to determine the arrow length. Be sure to have a nock inserted when measuring if you plan to cut with a nock.

Step 2: Set the Saw Cutting Depth

Set the saw blade depth to just cut through the wall of the arrow.

Step 3: Cut the Arrow to Length

Slowly spinning the shaft into the blade of the saw, cut the arrow. Cut slow as to not to bog down the motor and take an extra pass to ensure a square cut after the arrow is cut. Be sure to wear a respirator to protect from the carbon dust!

Step 4: Square the Arrow

Color the end of the shaft with the silver Sharpie. Using the squaring tool, roll the arrow against the sandpaper on the squaring tool. When all the silver is removed from the wall of the arrow, the shaft is square.

Step 5: Clean the Arrow Shaft

Using alcohol and a cotton swap, clean the interior and exterior of the shaft to remove the carbon residue and ensure the glue will stick.

Step 6: Glue the Insert

Using Gorilla Glue (blue top) or hot melt, place some glue around the bottom of the insert and firmly push into the shaft. If not using an outsert, you can screw in a field tip to make it easier to push in the insert.

If you use an outsert, like the one on my BloodSport arrows, you can just use your fingers. Once inserted, wrap the insert on a hard surface to seat and let dry standing up.

Tip: Super Glue vs. Hot Melt
I see adhesives for inserts debated a lot. From my perspective, Gorilla Hot Melt on low temp or Gorilla Blue Cap Super Glue (Impact Resistant) are both extremely reliable.

Step 7: Assemble the Arrow and Spin It!

Add your broadhead, give it a spin to ensure the insert is seated squarely. As you spin it, watch the tip of the broadhead. Ideally, the tip will stay close to one place, rather than making small circles.

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