[Archers] Atl-atl points

[John Atkins]

I experienced the same issues with points coming off my atlatl darts.
But I've also experienced it with my arrows too.  And yes, I've done all
the things required/suggested for keeping my arrow points on.  HOWEVER,
while complaining to a relative who does a lot of wood working he
reminded me that epoxies most commonly available in the hardware stores,
along with just about all the arrow point adhesives, dry hard.  Thus
after time the shock of hitting the target fractures the glue bond and
the point comes off.  He told me there are epoxies that dry flexible.
One of which is Smooth On epoxy that bowyers use to glue up bows.  I've
been using that ever since and do not lose points even when others do.

Now as for style of point, Eirik is correct, bodkins would be
acceptable.  Hunting broadheads and blunts are not acceptable.  At one
shoot an individual was using blunts that left a hole in the target big
enough to stick your thumb in!  I have a couple of bodkins I got a local
blacksmith to make for me for my atlatl darts and they work really well.
With any point, the trick to a great seal is to match the taper of the
shaft with the taper of the point.  Whistling points are ideal because
you don't have to taper the shaft.  They are designed to go over the
shaft and require a blunt end.

One other thing I've learned about my atlatl darts is to give the shaft
a twist before pulling it out.  This breaks the adhesion of the
shaft/point with the target/ground thereby saving the point.  But your
best bet is to find some epoxy that dries flexible to put you points on
with.

cog

-----Original Message-----
From: archers-bounces at seahorse.atlantia.sca.org
[mailto:archers-bounces at seahorse.atlantia.sca.org] On Behalf Of Mike
Matthews
Sent: Thursday, May 20, 2010 10:41 AM
To: archers at seahorse.atlantia.sca.org
Subject: [Archers] Atl-atl points


I like the small surform rasp (see picture at
http://www.qualitydist.net/sty-21-115.html) for bow making,
so it should make quick work of tapering your shafts to fit
the 23/64 points.

Someone correct me if I'm mistaken, but bodkin points are perfectly
legal for target archery; it's only broadheads (with razor edges for
hunting) that are not allowed.

Bodkins are relatively easy to forge and can be made with a socket to
fit whatever size shaft you have. Check with your local blacksmith. Mild
steel works well and they don't even need heat treating. I can forge one
in less than an hour and probably with practice it would be around 15
minutes each or less.

Eirik Gralokkr
Charlesbury Crossing, Barony of Sacred Stone


>
> Message: 6
> Date: Wed, 19 May 2010 10:54:25 -0400
> From: Robyn Becker <reyne_telarius at hotmail.com>
> To: <archers at seahorse.atlantia.sca.org>
> Subject: [Archers] Atlatl points quest for info and ideas
> Message-ID: <COL117-W138FB01D8F1567927466B9F4E20 at phx.gbl>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
>
> Hi all!  I was wondering, do we have a set standard for atlatl points?
 
> I ask because I have been using 23/64" points - the largest field 
> points I can find, and am not happy with them.  Every time I hit a 
> target, or even sometimes, the ground, I lose a point.  The darts I 
> have are all 1/2" in diameter, and I don't have the ability to taper 
> the atlatl shaft down enough for the 23/64" points to have any decent 
> surface contact with the shaft.
>
> 3RiversArchery has many types of points, including a long 
> bodkin-shaped point which could accomodate the wood shafts I have.  
> I'm tempted to buy some, and see how they work.  But I don't know if 
> there's anything ruling against them regarding the atlatl.  I know 
> they're not legal for regular arrow shafts.
>
>
>
> Also, I'm looking to try making new darts from bamboo, and have been 
> searching for something affordable and SCA legal to use as points.  so

> far, I've found some metal forged arrow-head points from 3Rivers, but 
> again, the question of them being legal or not arises.
>
>
>
> And ideas, suggestions or just basics thoughts on this subject would 
> be greatly appreciated.
>
>
>
> Reyne
>
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