First Pass At Bolt Building

[drkeenan]

Santa brought me all the tools and supplies and I relied on the information from this forum to build my first bolts. Went with Easton XX75 alluminum to learn on the cheap and was thrilled to learn that the shaft lengths delivered were 32 inches!! I cut them down to 15.5, used Blazer 2" vanes and 35 grain aluminum inserts. I will finish with Lumenocks and 100 grain Spitfires. Total weight 394.7 grains. I learned quickly that less is more when it comes to glue and the importance of putting the vanes in the EZ Fletch in the right orientation.

Constructive criticism is welcome!!

[LongCarbine]

Nice Job. So you can make 2 doz out of your order ?

[SEW]

Look good. Have you weighed them to see how consistent they are? Components used?

[Crazy Horse]

No constructive criticism here!
Those look great. Bolt building is definitely on my short list. I would also like to hear more details.

[drkeenan]

Nice Job. So you can make 2 doz out of your order ?

Yes!!

[drkeenan]

Look good. Have you weighed them to see how consistent they are? Components used?

I haven't. Gonna have to get a scale. Recommendation which won't break the bank??

[newbie]

Those look great!
I got my scale off fleabay for like 10 bucks to my door. Anoher 2 for calibration weight.

[Boo]

Looking good!
Just like a dry fire, all it takes is a bit of distraction! I've put many vanes on backwards and installed vanes on the wrong end.

[j.krug]

I've put many vanes on backwards and installed vanes on the wrong end.

Hmmmm.....maybe I'll skip the arrow building clinic this time around??

Just kidding Don, all it takes is a little distraction for sure.

drkeenan your arrows look great. Nice that you can get two from each shaft.

[drkeenan]

No constructive criticism here!
Those look great. Bolt building is definitely on my short list. I would also like to hear more details.

I got great advice from Boo a couple weeks ago.....

drkeenan wrote:
My wife asked me for my Christmas list so I've decided to take a shot at arrow building. I've asked for a saw, squaring tool and Fletching tool.

My plan is to learn on the cheap so my first arrows will be 15.5 - 16.5 Easton XX75 Aluminum. I plan on using luminocks and 2" blazer veins and 100 grain heads. That said, should I use 2216 or 2219? Also is their a insert weight I should be looking for?? And finally what adhesive should I use??

Have I missed anything??

Thanks, John


The fletching tool is going to be an Arizona EZ Bolt right?
You'll need;
Acetone
Gorilla glue (blue top) or G5's glue for inserts or flethchings. You could also use Ferr-L-Tite or an industrial hot glue for inserts.
A 30 caliber bronze bore brush
Extra saw blades
Brass inserts for aluminum is going to require some phone calls to see what works. I think the BEAs brass inserts will fit the 2219 but I'm not 100% on that. I don't think Easton makes brass inerts for their aluminum so you'll have to get someone who has done some swapping/experimenting.


Here is the source list I gave to my wife. I forgot a g5 arrow squaring device and 30 gauge bore brush. Hope this helps.

1. Arrow Saw
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Adjustable-Arro ... xyaTxTQc6l
2. Shafts size 2219
http://www.bowhunterssuperstore.com/eas ... -3176.html
3. Inserts size 2219
http://www.3riversarchery.com/aluminium ... rrows.html
4. Vains – Blazer 2 inch – 36 fluorescent yellow 72 black
http://www.bohning.com/blazerr-vanes/
5. Gorilla super glue – blue top – Home Depot
http://www.homedepot.com/s/gorilla+super+glue?NCNI-5
6. Acetone – Home Depot

7. Arizona EZ Fletch Bolt Gig (the green one)
https://ezfletch.com/pages.php?pageid=8
8. Lumenok 2X 3pk 2219 size flat end
http://www.lumenok.com/collections/cros ... sbow-bolts

[flightattendant100]

Looking good!
Just like a dry fire, all it takes is a bit of distraction! I've put many vanes on backwards and installed vanes on the wrong end.

Doesn't the broadhead cut your serving?

[Crazy Horse]

Thanks for taking the time to put that together. Excellent!

[wabi]

Looks good!
You may find you like aluminums enough to stick with them.

[mr meat]

Look great!! nothing better then building your own!!

[L. E. Carroll]

An alternative "cheap" small cut off saw ( for wood, aluminum, and carbon shafting, depending on blade used ) can occassionally be found at "Harbor Frieght" for around $25... I have gotten years of use out of mine.

Gene