How to make simple and affordable Basketmaker atlatl darts from dowels

These darts are easy to make and cost about $2 each. They mimic Basketmaker darts from the ancient Southwest. I make a lot of them and use them for public demonstrations where participants get to try out atlatls. With some use the foreshaft connection and the mainshafts get a little crooked, but they are easy to straighten. The method shown is a variation on the original described in, "Ray's Lumber Yard Basket Maker Darts," by Ray Madden, published in the newsletter of the World Atlatl Association. You can find it and more on our website, www.Basketmakeratlatl.com.

Warning: Do not attempt to use open flame to heat the pex pipe connectors. You absolutely do not want the pex pipe to catch on fire, at which point it could produce dangerous fumes. I have never smelled any fumes coming off of pex pipe using a heat gun.

Are you putting together or helping with a public demo using atlatls? Check out this article on our website for more tips: basketmakeratlatl.com/?page_id=1319