Help for first-time fletcher

[tshark]

I'm trying to re-fletch my arrows (CX Terminator 6075) using AAE Plastifletch Vanes and Bohning Fletchtite Platinum.

I cleaned all of the glue off that I could without digging down into the carbon fibers. I was really careful not to scrape too much. I've heard from others to make sure that the shaft is really clean and to wipe it with acetone, so I did.

The instructions on the vanes say to wipe the vanes with acetone, but not the arrow. I fletched one arrow last night and they looked really nice and seemed pretty sturdy. This morning, however, I got up and went to admire my handiwork again and noticed that two of my vanes were starting to pull free. Could this be because I wiped the arrow with acetone too? Or maybe I just didn't use enough glue?

I'm really nervous about doing this for some reason, probably just because I don't want to mess my arrows up or have a vane come off during the shot. Any advice you could give would be greatly appreciated.

[michihunter]

How long did you keep the vane clamped? What type of jig are you using? Did the vane meet the arrow good and even? Too many questions to be answered before a response or advice can be made. Did you run a bead down the center of the vane and allow for glue to seep out the sides when clamped? Sometimes it takes a few to get the hang of it, but after you get these answers to us, I'm sure we'll be able to come up with some solutions for ya.

[tshark]

I'm using the Arizona Easy Fletch with a 1 degree right offset. I left the arrow in the clamp for around 10 minutes. I ran a bead down the center and got some seepage of glue, but not an extreme amount.

[michihunter]

Sounds like you did everything right. I'm not experienced with the AZ EF though. Are all the vanes showing the same symptoms or only random ones. See if they are the same vane on each arrow. Could possibly be one of the clamps on the fletcher itself.

[tshark]

My index vane seemed to be pretty sturdy and didn't move. I tried to wiggle them a little just to make sure and the two other vanes did move a little and peel away from the front and sides. I use a WB and know that the vanes need to be a little more secure than with a drop-away or standard rest. I think I just didn't use enough glue and need a little more practice.

Thanks for all of your help.

[michihunter]

No problem. Just remember to take your time and put an extra dab of glue near the leading edge for a bit more durability.

[BT]

I feel you pain !
(I did until I stopped using vanes )

I used to have this happen alot with Arizona and Bohning vanes due to the release agent they use in the molds.

Acetone works pretty good on the inside center but not very well on the outer edge of the vanes most times.

I started using a 200 grit sand paper and sanding the base of the vane while it was in the clamp prior to gluing.

Never had a problem after that and I would recommend it highly.

A piece of paper should last 1/2 a year or maybe 6 doz. arrows +/- and it's easy to get the hang of.

Just hold the clamp away from you at an angle (in the light is best) and lightly sand until the shine goes dull.
Generally 6 - 8 strokes will do it although sometimes maybe a dozen are needed.

When finished wipe with the cleaner useing a Q-tip as an applicator.

[tworr]

I found that I had better luck with the gel super glue than the Bohning Fletchtite Platinum. I'm not sure why but I just could not keep my blazers on when using the Platinum.

Once I take the arrow out of the arizona, I also put a drop of glue on the front and back of each vane.
With the gel super glue, it only takes a very little amount. Too much and you will have a mess and/or glue your vanes to the Arizona.

It may take you a couple of times to get the amount down, but you will be happy using it. The best thing about the gel is it is dry in a matter of seconds. I do let them sit over night before trying to shoot them though.


Good luck,

Todd

[royden]

I like to sand the shafts also .... use denatured alcohol (has less residue than acetone) .... prefer the gel super glue AAE Fastset ... platinum works well also, but takes time to set up well. With AAE just use a tiny bit and press the vanes firmly to shaft (not too hard, but not too lightly - I know that's not very exact terms ) Platinum uses a little more glue and for me has a little run-out all along the edge of the fletch.

When fletch does come off look at the vane and the shaft and see where it stuck and where it didn't to get some clues as to your problem. Some glues will not work with some fletch no matter what I do. So I stick with various combinations of glue/prep work depending on the fletch that a person wants.

Arrow wraps or arrow dip works great for helping adhesion.

Whatever method you use, you should be able at any time after they are dry to grab your fletch and pull as hard as you can and the fletch will wrip in half before the glue lets go. I have even tried pulling with pliers and when they are done well the fletch will stay in place.

[akdd]

I have had a lot better luck getting my vanes to stick since I started using wraps. You can get wraps pretty cheap from Bowman at the top of the page. I have bought some from them and was real pleased with them.