Feathers on carbon arrows

[SPIKER]

When using the 4 fletch - straight - method, does it matter if they are Right or Left Wing?

[BT]

No but I always order right anyway.
Just in case I want to use some for helical.

[smj]

spiker said:

When using the 4 fletch - straight - method, does it matter if they are Right or Left Wing?

With feathers, the clamp you have can make a difference as to which wing to use. Check with the maker of your jig and see if the clamps they make are for a given side, then see which one you have. Note, if the clamp has no curve, then you probably have nothing to worry about. I have a Bitz jig, and it is right wing... I can stuff a left wing on it but it is a bit painful... And it looks a little funky afterwards, too! The straight clamps I've seen can place either wing just fine.

For example, when ordering a Bitzenburger fletching jig from Three Rivers Archery, they state -
"For decades, the archery community has considered the Bitzenburger fletching jig the best that money can buy....Available in right wing, left wing, and straight models. Please specify."

www.3riversarchery.com/Product.asp?c=2&s=8&p=42&i=4168X

[SPIKER]

Ok, I have a straight, and left helical clamp. I just got some three, and four inch Truflights.

I want to try 3- 4" full helical and the feathers are left wing, so I'm good?

How long do you leave them in the jig per feather, it seems like they'll jump out of shape if taken out to soon.

Then I'm going to try the 4 3" feathers straight..same question.

[michihunter]

You use Platinum right? I'd think it would havwe that info on the package Spike.

[smj]

I use the quick set glue - super glue type of glue. It works well and dries quick. I have been using Goat Tuff - but it costs a lot. A pal of mine says that he buys super glue at Walmart and it works just fine, very cheap. His arrows look just fine to me - but I can't speak to it first hand so I'd suggest try it and see if you like it. Set time is very quick, dab some regular glue on the ends to help protect the bond. A note with Goat Tuff - don't put much on. Less is better, and if the fletch won't stick, you may well have to much glue on it. One bead of glue, about 1/3 the width of the mounting surface is all that is needed. I let it set a couple minutes and move on. If there is to be an issue, it shows up right away.

[SPIKER]

I fletched up three 4" feather arrows last night...whew!! They are a chore to fletch...took at least 15 min. per feather. I ruined one buy not waiting long enough...it slowly bent out of shape over time.

Anyway, they are way bigger than I imagined and just fit with my short brace..



Shot them today, and no doubt they are as deadly a fletch as I have tried yet. I'll have to find some time to fletch up those 4 3" rigs.

A group of three with Montecs:

[BT]

Do me a favor.
Get the new super glue brush applicator and use that.
It should only take 1 minute per feather that way.
Two drops into the bottle should do it.
Don't use to much.
One drop at the top and one at the bottom and brush both ends toward the center.

That helical is pretty minimal.
Did you set the angle across the shaft first before applying the fletch?

One more favor .... try 4 - 3" feathers with straight clamps.
After you have shot that arrow ....tell me it isn't the best

Feathers are going to work 10X better for long range tracking than vanes .... you'll be very happy

[SPIKER]

Will do.

[royden]

I'm gonna try it myself BT - I noticed you shooting 4 straight feathers before - I haven't gone out after the 100 yrd shot yet but I'm thinking any pics of mine won't look as good as yours!

I've been using AAE fast fletch in the tube and have no complaints - I clamp with extra finger pressure for 20 seconds and let set another 1 minute or so. An extra drop of glue on both ends and they stick like ... well ... glue. at 101 gophers I have yet to loose a fletch in the grass, dirt, weeds, and teeny tiny ribs, brains, arms and scapulas