4. Attach the vanes to the butt end of the shaft -



Make a gluing block from a piece of scrap wood by gouging out a V-shaped groove 1/4 in deep x 1/2 in. wide about 4 in. long. (See picture) Tightly wrap two rubber bands around the block, one at each end. Scribe a mark around the diameter of the butt end of the vane, at 1/2 in from the end. This is the mark that the rear of the vanes will be aligned to.



Slide the butt end of the sharpened shaft into the groove, under the rubber bands. Leave about 1/4 in. overlap outside the gluing block. Check the grain of the dowel's butt end. Make sure that it is nearly perpendicular to the bottom of the block. (The end grain will be at 90 degrees to the bowstring so that the bowstring will not split the wood after repeated shots.)



Apply a light coat of wood glue to the long edge of one vane. Carefully slip the vane under the rubber bands, pressing it so that the back of the vane is at the pencil mark. Push the vane against the shaft, checking from the back end, that it is centered along the shaft from top to bottom of the diameter.



(This is critical for a proper flight.) Allow this to dry, repeat with the second shaft. Once both shafts are attached and dry, remove the rubber bands. Check for gaps on the top side and bottom side of the shaft where the vane is attached. Using the tip of your finger, apply additional wood glue as needed to form an airtight seal. This will help in the aerodynamics of the bolt.



Repeat this process for all 48 bolts in both sizes.