First, forget the idea that you need a fancy workshop. You can start with surprisingly basic gear. Grab a straight shaft—either wood (like Port Orford cedar) or a budget-friendly aluminum tube. I’m a sucker for cedar because it smells like a forest and hisses when it flies. You’ll also need a fletching jig (the tool that holds your feathers), some glue, a sharp knife, and a small file. Oh, and a lighter for singeing off stray fuzz—don’t skip that step, it looks professional.
Side note: If you’re the type who loses your car keys five times a week, invest in a shaft straightener. Trust me. You can find one online for less than a pizza dinner, and it saves you from crying over a crooked arrow.
