Chase Outdoors Archery Department

Much like the effect a hand-loaded rifle cartridge can have on the accuracy of a quality rifle, having an arrow built specifically to a bow setup and the shooter’s use case, such as the Beast Mode Archery Challenge that staff participated in pictured above, can greatly improve accuracy and performance. Jace Bauserman speaks to this parallel in an article that appeared both in the NRA’s American Hunter [1] and on Easton Archery’s Blog. He also showcases how use cases can vary as the arrow that works for a Midwest whitetail hunter often varies from what a western elk hunter would use or what a shooter would be required to use in ASA Federation [2] or World Archery [3] sanctioned events. Suppose you are unfamiliar with the use case, regulations, or any portion of the use case scenario. In that case, you must do the necessary research or consult knowledgeable staff due to the potential legal and financial ramifications of an improper or illegal setup.

To effectively help guide a shooter to options we must be proficient in numerous archery disciplines, and how many variables affect an arrow’s performance.  Metrics such as the bow’s rated speed, component weights, arrow length, arrow straightness, desired points whether field points or broadheads, desired arrow speeds, and price point are all factors that must be considered.  Ask important questions such as budget, intended use, and desired features to help steer you into the correct group of arrows.  Always remember that there is a point of diminishing returns in whether the customer will see the benefits of certain features or tolerances (50 vs 75-grain inserts, standard inserts vs half outs vs hidden inserts, .005” vs .003” vs .001” tolerance arrows, stainless steel vs aluminum vs brass vs titanium components [4], and so on). While we may recommend an arrow it is ultimately the customer’s decision to make. Should they truly leave the decision to us, utilize their answers to earlier questions to build arrows that have the best value of features that suit their needs.

As always, the instructions that follow are shop best practices and are not necessarily all-inclusive.  They do not replace quality education, knowledge, and experience. Consult with a master archery technician if you are unfamiliar with or have questions on any part of the process, the components needed, or how to use the equipment. For an in-depth look at how to build accurate arrows, view this video from Gold Tip. Gold Tip’s How To Build More Accurate Arrows

Instructions for cutting arrows and installing corresponding arrow inserts

The following is a step-by-step best practice for cutting arrows and installing their inserts to achieve the highest-level concentricity, and best material bond to ensure customer satisfaction. The processes explained here must only be completed by knowledgeable and trained staff to ensure the customer receives the highest quality product and service experience.

Materials Needed:

• Arrow(s) of the appropriate style, features, and spine for the customer’s needs. Utilize Easton Archery [5] or Victory Archery [6] charts or a similar industry resource for product recommendations and correct spine.

• Inserts (All inserts are in the Plano boxes and labeled by brand and size, please ensure you grab the correct ones.)

• Arrow Saw and associated protective equipment – For use instructions on our saw, watch the video [7]

• G5 ASD Flip Arrow Squaring Tool – See the video for proper use of the tool [8]

• Rubbing Alcohol or Acetone and cotton swabs

• Customers choice of Adhesive (AAE Max Impact Insert Adhesive (Permanent) or Bohning Ferr-L-Tite Cool Flex Adhesive (Removable)) and paper towel if using the AAE product and a lighter or torch if using the Bohning

IMPORTANT! Prior to cutting any arrows, you must ensure all arrows are of the same type, style, and spine unless otherwise requested by the customer. You must also verify the finished arrow measurement will match the customer’s specifications and that the specifications are consistent with the manufacturer’s established spine charts. If you have questions please consult Master Archery Technicians Justin, Andy, or Jon prior to arrow work.

Steps

1. Utilizing the technique described in the included Arrow Saw video, cut all arrows to the length needed.

• Square all cut ends on arrows with the G5 ASD Flip. (Three to four revolutions is sufficient normally)

• Dry test fit all the appropriate inserts into the arrow to ensure proper fit and any potential incorrect size.

• Soak three cotton swabs with rubbing alcohol or acetone, and use swabs to clean any residual carbon dust from inside the cut shafts as well as any oils or manufacturing debris from the inserts.

• Allow all parts to dry for at least 90 seconds. Ensure they are dry before proceeding or the adhesive may not work correctly. 

• See Adhesive specific instructions on this step. Place adhesive (two or three drops on the insert for AAE, liberally cover the insert with Bohning) on the insert and advance it in a twisting fashion into the arrow shaft until the insert is fully seated to the arrow shaft.

1. For AAE adhesive: Place two or three drops on the insert. Advance the insert in a twisting fashion into the arrow shaft until the insert is fully seated to the arrow shaft. Wipe excess glue from the arrow and allow the adhesive to dry for 3 minutes before shooting.

• For Bohning adhesive: Caution, this method may cause burns due to the use of fire and hot glue. Utilize the lighter or torch to warm both the insert and adhesive. Liberally cover the insert with adhesive and rewarm it with the torch then advance the insert in a twisting fashion into the arrow shaft until the insert is fully seated to the arrow shaft. Allow the glue to cool completely and remove excess glue with your fingers.

• Arrows are now complete for customers to insert field tips or broadheads for use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if the glue sets prior to the insert being fully seated?

If you used the AAE adhesive, the bond is permanent, and the arrow must be remade.  If you used the Bohning adhesive, gently rewarm the insert with the lighter or torch and reseat the insert.

What if the customer changes their mind on the arrows after they are cut?

If we cut the appropriate arrow that they requested, those arrows must be paid for by the customer as they are difficult to resell. If they refuse, please involve the manager on duty.

What if I find I miscut the arrows for length or spine?

            Remake the arrow(s) and give the miscut product to the Archery Manager.

Reference List

[1]       Jace Bauserman, ”Bowhunting: How to Build a Better Arrow” American Hunter March 8, 2023 [Online] Available: https://www.americanhunter.org/content/bowhunting-how-to-build-a-better-arrow/?utm_source=newsletter [Accessed Oct. 9, 2023].

[2]       Archery Shooters Association, “ASA Pro/Am Rules” Archery Shooters Association [Online] Available: https://asaarchery.com/rules/asa-pro-am-rules/ [Accessed Oct. 9, 2023].

[3]       World Archery, “Sport Rulebook” World Archery [Online] Available: https://www.worldarchery.sport/rulebook [Accessed Oct. 9, 2023].

[4]       Ethics Archery, “Aluminum vs Brass inserts.” Ethics Archery YouTube [Online] Available: https://youtu.be/FtOza5Pcdao?si=s8QjmbxGHqZGVwsg [Accessed Oct. 9, 2023].

[5]       Easton Archery, “Arrow Size Selector Tool” Easton Archery [Online] Available: https://eastonarchery.com/selector/ [Accessed Oct. 9, 2023].

[6]       Victory Archery, “Arrow Guide” Victory Archery [Online] Available: https://www.victoryarchery.com/arrow-guide/  [Accessed Oct. 9, 2023].

[7]       Last Chance Archery, “Revolution Arrow Saw + Instructional” LCArchery YouTube [Online] Available: https://youtu.be/_cXf_jJuINc?si=uidrW7nauqnzh68N [Accessed Oct. 9, 2023].

[8]       Lancaster Archery Supply, “G5 Arrow Squaring Device” Lancaster Archery Supply YouTube [Online] Available: https://youtu.be/CjpLcvd2lq4?si=Fv1gywd6ZDTO-zGN [Accessed Oct. 9, 2023].