Ramrods from scratch

[chawbeef]

Hi all. I have just been given some Hickory lengths and would like to make ramrods. My question is can I start splitting them and carve them green or should I let them dry first?? They are between 2 1/2 inch dia. up to 5 in. dia. with a very few tiny branches. They seem to be straight grained and I was able to split the 2 biggest (4 and 5 in. dia. x 5 ft. long) ones end to end quite easy. Thanks...........................Daniel

 

[Eric Krewson]

I don't think you want ramrods with pin knots in them from the branches.

 

[sawyer04]

I don't think you want ramrods with pin knots in them from the branches.

The splits I make are from a tree at lest 12 inches to get away from the pin knots. Should have a smooth split.

 

[chawbeef]

I don't think you want ramrods with pin knots in them from the branches.

Thanks Eric. The smallest piece I have is clear, 8 feet long but only 2 1/2 in. dia. Is this too small to use?? ......................Daniel

 

[rich pierce]

Split now or split later... I’d split now but realize they will want to twist and bow. Split and tie them together to dry would be my best bet.

 

[Eric Krewson]

I have made a lot of arrow shafts but no ramrods, for a 3/8" ramrod you want start with something 1/2" square and plane down the corners to 8 sided then to 16 sided, then sand smooth, round and then to the correct size.