Fletching my own arrows??

[stickbow24]

What tools would I need and how difficult is this task.  I have an archery shop near where I work but they do a very poor job and charge alot for fleching arrows.  I would like to do my own and possiblely build my own arrows from scratch.  I shoot Easton xx75s.

[4-fletch]

FEATHERS AND GLUE AND A FLETCHING JIG.EASY TO DO.PLUS THE SATISFACTION OF DOING IT YOURSELF.
GOODLUCK

[huntnut]

Try fletching tape. I'll never go back to glues for fletching.

[Fletcher]

Actually, Steve, it is really quite easy and the aluminum shafts you are shooting are a good place to start.  All you will really need are a fletching jig, some feathers and a tube of glue.  For the xx75's I recommend Fletch-tite for both feathers and nocks.  The bitzenburger is my choice of fletching jigs, but there are several on the market that will do the job just fine.  Clean the shafts until they squeak with scouring powder (gently) or a solvent like acetone.  With the solvents, wipe them off before they dry on the shaft.  If you can find me at the PBS Banquet in Pitts Mar 27-30, I'll walk you thru the whole process.  

Fletching your own is absolutely worth the effort and cost.

[stickbow24]

Thanks for the advice.  I was just looking at some rigs online.  I shoot right handed, do i want right or left helical.  I know I want it I just dont know which way.  I would guess you decide that by which dominant hand you shoot with.

[Stringdancer]

Left or right don't matter as long as their all the same, I shoot right, and use left helical fletch. I have found there are more feather options in left wing as well.  Oh, and I also use the fletch tape, and will never bother with glue again.

Mike

[stickbow24]

Ok now we are getting somewhere.  Now I need to find some good places to buy the feathers, fletch tape and rig.  I am not too impressed with cabelas selection they show online.

[freeman]

Try 3 Rivers Archery. They are a sponcer here. They will have everything you need.

[Flinttim]

Actually stickbow, the fletcher from Cabelas is a good one IMO. I've done hundreds with mine and you can do 3 at a time.As for feathers you can try our sponsors here, 3 Rivers, Kustom King, Sipsey River etc etc.Same for the tape or glue. Remember, to fletch a dozen arrows you will need 36 feathers but may need an extra or two for goof ups. If you can swing it you may want to order a 100 at a time. Much cheaper and you will use them.

[jacobsladder]

stickbow...check all the sponsors...you'll find every thing you need....imo the bitz is the cats meow..but it isnt necessary..the poly jigs work great too.i like fletch tape because its fast and clean... but fletch tite works well too...if your right handed id go with lw feathers...that is not a must either... but there are a couple subtle advantages..

[Jerry Jeffer]

I wouldn't bother with a multi arrow jig. Get a single, either bitz, or jo jan. Fletch tape rocks and is way faster then glue. Just use a drop of glue on the front and back of the feather for a little xtra strength. If you shoot right, I recommend left wing fletch, but not a must.    

[Deadbolt]

its an addiction! i was afraid to try and fletch my own but once i ordered it it took me 3 arrows (which i stripped down lol) to get the hang of it after that i was an animal.  fletching everything i could.  its worth the investment IMO.

i got the bohing fletcher and i dont recomend it...spend the money and get something with a little more wuality, fletch tape all the way, and the reugal supplies.  i shoot right and fletch LW.

I should be recieving 2 dozen more cedars next week so ill have plenty of fletching to do!

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I agree 100% what others have said, I would add.
DON'T LAY YOUR ARROWS ON THE FEATHERS This will help keep them in place. Even if you use the tape...

Also think about what profile feathers you want. Many out there and what ever you can think of. 4" feathers can be cut twice from 1 full length feather. I now use 4" feathers then cut them with a 5.5" banana high back. I like that profile now. I'll post pic's in the morning.

[Predator1]

If you want to save a few bucks get the Jo-Jan fletcher. Its a great jig and is less than the Bitz. I personally use Fletch tite Platinum and then put a dab of super glue on the front and aft of the fletch. Remember, if you buy a left wing jig buy left wing feathers, same applies for right. Have fun and make some nice arrows and show us.