For serious bowhunters, confidence comes from knowing every part of your setup is tuned to perfection. One of the best ways to get there is by building your own arrows at home. With the right arrow saw and tools, you can cut, square, and fletch arrows that are consistent, accurate, and designed for your hunting style.

This guide will walk you through the process of building hunting arrows step by step, using the modsaw arrow saw as the backbone of your arrow-building setup.

Why Hunters Choose the modsaw 

A dedicated arrow saw is essential if you want precision and repeatability. The modsaw isn’t just an arrow saw — it’s an all-in-one arrow building system that allows you to:

• Cut arrows to exact length with clean, accurate cuts.
• Square arrow ends so inserts and nocks seat perfectly.
• Spin test arrows to check for straightness and consistency.
• Work quickly and quietly in your shop, garage, or even on the road.

Whether you’re building a dozen arrows for elk season, fine-tuning a whitetail setup, or prepping for tournaments, the modsaw saves time while giving you pro-level accuracy.

Essential Tools and Supplies for DIY Arrow Building

Before you start, gather these arrow-building supplies:

• Your modsaw (saw, squaring tool, and spinner in one)
• Arrow shafts
• Inserts and nocks
• Wraps (if preferred)
• Fletching (vanes or feathers)
• Adhesives (epoxy or super glue)
• Marker, tape measure, and spine tester (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide: Cutting and Building Your Own Arrows

Here’s how to use the modsaw and other basic tools to build arrows from start to finish:

Step 1: Cut Arrows to Length With an Arrow Saw

If you already know your arrow length, set the rear rest to that measurement. If you do not know the exact length, locate an arrow that you know tunes well with your setup and, using the arrow seated in the rear rest, begin to move the rear rest towards the blade until the tip of your arrow shaft is flush with the blade. You can then set your measurement.  Use the modsaw to cut your arrows to the exact finished length you need by slowly rolling the arrow shaft into the saw blade. A clean cut with an arrow saw prevents splintering, reduces squaring, and ensures accuracy downrange.

Step 2: Square Both Ends of Your Arrow for Perfect Insert and Nock Alignment

After cutting, square the insert and nock end of the shaft with the squaring post on your modsaw by gently rotating against the sandpaper. A squared end ensures inserts and nocks sit flush, reducing wobble and improving accuracy. 

Pro tip: Use a colored Sharpie to coat each end of your arrow shaft. Once the color is gone, you can move on to the next arrow. This will help ensure you don't get carried away and square too much!

Step 3: Dry-Fit Your Arrow Point to Test Arrow Straightness

Before gluing, put your insert into the squared arrow shaft. Spin each arrow with a broadhead or field tip using the modsaw’s bearings and wobble indicator to confirm straightness before using adhesive. If needed, quarter-turn your insert until it spins straight. This step weeds out any issues before they cost you accuracy in the field.

Step 4: Glue Your Arrow Insert

Before removing the dry-fit point, mark where the insert is seated. Then remove the insert, apply the proper glue or epoxy, and seat your inserts. Allow full cure time before shooting. A perfectly aligned insert is critical for accurate arrow flight.

Step 4.5: Wrap Your Arrows (Optional)

Place something like a mouse pad, table mat, or cardboard underneath the wrap and arrow. This will help the wrap adhere better. Place the wrap adhesive side up and roll the arrow onto the wrap. 

Pro tip: We like to remove our nocks prior to rolling to help keep the wrap flush with the end of the arrow!

Step 5: Fletch Your Arrows

Finally, use your fletching jig to glue the vanes onto the arrow. Be sure to focus on keeping consistent spacing between each vane. Uneven spacing will result in an uneven vortex during flight, ultimately leading to inconsistent arrow flight. Consistent arrow fletching creates tighter groups and stable flight. Spin test your finished arrow on the modsaw’s spinner to ensure straightness and consistency in each component!

Tips for Building Your Own Arrows from the MOD team

• Build arrows in batches for consistency.
• Label arrows numerically for easier tracking.
• Keep notes on what works best for you and your bow — it’ll save time on your next build.

Start Building Your Own Arrows 

When you build your own arrows with the modsaw, you control every detail - while saving money. That attention to detail pays off with tighter groups at the range and better shot placement in the field.

If you’re ready to level up your bowhunting game, it’s time to invest in the right tool. The modsaw makes arrow building faster, easier, and more precise.

Order yours today and start building arrows that give you confidence every time you draw your bow.