Tapering Nocks
easily done with the right tools.
Probably easiest and lest expensive is the little Whiffen taper tool. These
look like plastic pencil sharpeners and have two holes, one for the nock
taper and one for the point taper (different angles). With the Whiffen tool
you'll need to purchase a separate tool for each shaft diameter you work
with. Usually not a big deal since these sell for about $5 each.
Next up in cost and versatility is the Tru-Center taper tool. This is made
of machined aluminum and has collets for each shaft diameter. Nock and
point taper cutting is done with adjustable and replaceable blades. Some
people have very good experience with the Tru-Center and some do not. I'm
one in the latter category. I can't count the number of times I've just
about flung my tool through the nearest window. Those adjustable blades
just never adjusted right for me. Cost on the Tru-Center is a little under $30.
The top of the line tool is the Woodchuck Taper Tool. Costing about $130
this power tool isn't for everyone. However, if you're doing a number of
arrows in the year and have the extra funds to put towards it, this is the
way to go.
With the Woodchuck the shaft you're working on rides in a guiding groove on
the machine's cast aluminum bed and runs into a small sanding disk that
quickly and easily sands the taper as you rotate the shaft. Length of taper
is adjustable and fine adjustments on the angle may also be made. Nock and
point tapers are done with different guiding grooves on the machine's bed.
These tapers are very important to the finished arrow's worth. Off-center
tapers on either end can cause the arrow to wobble and not spin true as it
flies through the air. This isn't conducive to good accuracy and your
results will give testimony.
Straightening shafts before tapering will help a lot. Being careful and
doing a good job will do the rest.
pretty popular but I get better performance from the Woodchuck power tool
shown in the last picture. The little blue Whiffen tool is inexpensive and
works pretty well, too. Whatever tool you use, be sure the taper is
straight and fits your nocks well.
