Woomera N.Territory?

fearn · 29th November 2008, 04:31 AM

Neat links. I see what you mean about spears flexing for the Aboriginal spears (Tafel 31.2)

Thanks,

F

Tim Simmons · 29th November 2008, 10:36 AM

Great pictures. I found this piece of dowel rod and tried the woomera with it. Thrown by hand I made a distance of 16 paces. When I tried the woormera I was lucky to get 4 paces that is untill I cut a notch in the dowl as in the picture. Then I threw up to 50 paces

The only problem, by now the pine resin was braking up being far too brittle only after about 4 throws. I have now ordered some Dammar resin. I would expect ongoing repairs but the orignal resin must have lasted more than 4 throws. Any answers on the resin?

G. McCormack · 29th November 2008, 04:57 PM

Very cool, glad to see that woomera getting use!

For the resin, cut the pitch with a little beeswax. Will make it less brittle.

Now, attach another length of dowel to the one you have, and you'll probly have enough flex to get going. For instant gratification purposes, duct tape works well for fletching material.

Remember, the flexibility of the dart causes the front end (the point) to resist moving when you start your throw. This resistance loads energy in the dart, flexing a spring. As you follow through with the stroke, the energy is released and the dart goes a flyin. The bigger the fletching, the more stable but slower the flight. If you balance your dart such that its point of balance is about 1/3 back from the point, you won't need fletching, the dart will stabilize itself. For distance fun throwing, try almost no fletching on a 7 foot 7 oz. dart that is moderately flexy. For hunting distances (less than 25 yards, realistically....unless you are throwing into a herd, which is not so feasible these days) a very heavy dart with big fletching is useful. The atlatl dart never achieves anywhere close to the speed of an arrow- instead you must rely on increased mass to result in power.

Have fun!

Oh! and those woomeras are so long, they really need a long dart to work well. About three times the length of the woomera, or more. But you will find that out

VANDOO · 30th November 2008, 04:32 AM

FROM THE PICTURES IT LOOKED LIKE SINU (SPELLING?) ANIMAL TENDONS, WERE USED FOR THE STRONG PART HOLDING THE PEG AND THE RESIN JUST HELD THE TENDONS IN PLACE. PERHAPS YOU NEED TO APPLY MORE SINU AND THEN RESIN AS THE SINU DID APPEAR DAMMAGED IN THE EARLY PHOTOS. I SUSPECT THE ENDS OF THE STRIPS GOING AROUND THE PEG WERE WRAPPED AROUND THE SHAFT AND LET DRY TO HOLD TIGHT AND THEN THE RESIN WAS APPLIED TO WATERPROOF, PROTECT AND HOLD THE SINU. GOOD LUCK

Tim Simmons · 30th November 2008, 03:26 PM

Fixed up a treat with bees wax in the pine resin, all available in North Queensland. Hope I find a use for the Dammar resin.

29th November 2008, 10:36 AM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,893	Great pictures. I found this piece of dowel rod and tried the woomera with it. Thrown by hand I made a distance of 16 paces. When I tried the woormera I was lucky to get 4 paces that is untill I cut a notch in the dowl as in the picture. Then I threw up to 50 paces The only problem, by now the pine resin was braking up being far too brittle only after about 4 throws. I have now ordered some Dammar resin. I would expect ongoing repairs but the orignal resin must have lasted more than 4 throws. Any answers on the resin? Attached Images Last edited by Tim Simmons; 29th November 2008 at 10:47 AM.

29th November 2008, 04:31 AM	#1
fearn Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,247	Neat links. I see what you mean about spears flexing for the Aboriginal spears (Tafel 31.2) Thanks, F

29th November 2008, 04:57 PM	#3
G. McCormack Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 131	Very cool, glad to see that woomera getting use! For the resin, cut the pitch with a little beeswax. Will make it less brittle. Now, attach another length of dowel to the one you have, and you'll probly have enough flex to get going. For instant gratification purposes, duct tape works well for fletching material. Remember, the flexibility of the dart causes the front end (the point) to resist moving when you start your throw. This resistance loads energy in the dart, flexing a spring. As you follow through with the stroke, the energy is released and the dart goes a flyin. The bigger the fletching, the more stable but slower the flight. If you balance your dart such that its point of balance is about 1/3 back from the point, you won't need fletching, the dart will stabilize itself. For distance fun throwing, try almost no fletching on a 7 foot 7 oz. dart that is moderately flexy. For hunting distances (less than 25 yards, realistically....unless you are throwing into a herd, which is not so feasible these days) a very heavy dart with big fletching is useful. The atlatl dart never achieves anywhere close to the speed of an arrow- instead you must rely on increased mass to result in power. Have fun! Oh! and those woomeras are so long, they really need a long dart to work well. About three times the length of the woomera, or more. But you will find that out

30th November 2008, 04:32 AM	#4
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	FROM THE PICTURES IT LOOKED LIKE SINU (SPELLING?) ANIMAL TENDONS, WERE USED FOR THE STRONG PART HOLDING THE PEG AND THE RESIN JUST HELD THE TENDONS IN PLACE. PERHAPS YOU NEED TO APPLY MORE SINU AND THEN RESIN AS THE SINU DID APPEAR DAMMAGED IN THE EARLY PHOTOS. I SUSPECT THE ENDS OF THE STRIPS GOING AROUND THE PEG WERE WRAPPED AROUND THE SHAFT AND LET DRY TO HOLD TIGHT AND THEN THE RESIN WAS APPLIED TO WATERPROOF, PROTECT AND HOLD THE SINU. GOOD LUCK

30th November 2008, 03:26 PM	#5
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,893	Fixed up a treat with bees wax in the pine resin, all available in North Queensland. Hope I find a use for the Dammar resin.