"Basketmakeresque" atlatl darts from pine dowels

In this video I make an atlatl dart from pine dowels from the hardware store. These darts are made from dowels held together with a scarf joint, which I opt to leave un-wrapped. If you desire you could bind it with fishing line or linen cordage or other material. These darts are not takedowns, although they could easily be made that way, by using brass tubing or other such connectors. The techniques used to make the darts are not Basketmaker, rather they are adaptations of arrow making techniques from the traditional archery revival of the early 20th century. The darts are tapered, 61" in length exclusive of the points, and have good flight characteristics when thrown with Basketmaker type atlatls.
In the video I show shaft prep, dowel splicing, cresting with a basic jig, fletching, and nock production.
Hope this is useful to someone!

[@FrontierLegacy]

For those wanting a fraction, 0.4375 is 7/16 of an inch.

[@PacificCircle1]

Traditional Atlatl material is great, if it is available. I use dowels also. I use 3/8 inch. Using a belt sander is a great time saver, thanks for that.
I wrap heavy thread around the seam for strength

[@nontimebomala2267]

The original function of the crest was to identify the owner of the shaft, or his house, or his lord.

[@noblesavage4757]

Really like your videos. Could you perhaps show how you manage to taper the dowels evenly and consistently? Do you use sand paper to do that or a knife?

[@knightingalesaid]

Great idea! Do the spliced ends still remain strong? Thanks for posting.

[@dariuswhite2889]

How long do the fletchings need to be for good flight can u use a four inch fletch

[@bowhunter_4_life798]

Hello I noticed u are a member of paleo planet and I was wondering if u could tell me how to register I couldn't figure out how?