[NDPronghorn]

I need to refletch some Ravin arrows. Is there a low cost method to check spine to find the stiffest point on a Ravin arrow or does one have to invest in an expensive spine tester? Appreciate any info.

 

[Hidden Waters]

I made one with some skateboard bearings and a cheap depth gauge. Its adequate to identify stiff side.
Steve

 

[Insight]

DYI is definitely the way to go. A gauge and roller blade bearings with a little work and a few other materials will produce a great tool. I made two, one for me and one for a friend. Had some pictures , however cannot find them right now.

 

[Yelpy]

You can shoot the bare shafts and turn nocks to tune em than fletch.

 

[NDPronghorn]

Yelpy, How does that work in terms of accurately identifying the correct spine location versus using a Spine Testing method? Can you elaborate on your exact process?

 

[tpcollins]

You could always mail them to someone with a spine checker and include return postage. I would think there’s a lot of us on here with a checker.

I used to find the spine in fishing rod blanks just by cupping them and by bending golf shafts set inside a piece of PVC tubing with 2 bearings.

I don’t think a crossbow shaft is limber enough to indicate the spine location other than with a regular spine checker.

 

[Hidden Waters]

Yelpy, How does that work in terms of accurately identifying the correct spine location versus using a Spine Testing method? Can you elaborate on your exact process?

I believe Ranch Fairy has a pretty good video on nock tuning with bare shafts, although he uses vertical compound.
steve

 

[SavedWretch]

There are several threads on DIY spine testers. You can use the search feature to find them.

 

[Insight]

Here are some pics of what I built. Works great!

Took some time but well worth it! Have you seen what they get for spine testers! $$$

 

[tpcollins]

I thought Burky was making some but I don’t recall the cost.

I use to have the traditional 7mm wide bearings but switched over to the flange type thinking they might promote a tad more sensitivity .

 

[bigbird1]

Made this arrow spine tester a couple of years ago and it's come in handy. I don't like to spend 50% more to buy spine matched arrows when I can spine match and index them myself.

 

[Insight]

Nice job BB. What is the amount of weight you use? I see you have 2 different weights.

 

[bigbird1]

Thanks Insight. Nice job on your spine tester as well.
The heavier weight is used for stiffer spined arrows like Tapps and the lighter weight is used for BEEs.
I'll have to weigh them for you but I believe the most important thing is that you use enough weight to flex the arrow enough to get a good spine deflection.

 

[Insight]

Yes I agree regarding weight. I had some extra lead around and I found a muffin pan that served as a great mold..... ( I don't think she has noticed it missing ! ) The rest excluding the bearings and the gauge were leftover materials I had from other projects.