fletching are falling off - need some help

[WilliamMcC]

I am having some trouble with my wood arrows. I got my shafts all straight, crested, and I dipped them in 50% linseed oil + 50% shellac and left them to dry over night. There had 15-16 hour to dry but when I want to fletch them they were still a little oily. My dad said it was just excess oil and to wipe it off with some lacquer striper. So I cleaned if off and the shafts seem good and dry. But when I tried to fletch them the fletch tap would not stick and the fletching just fell right off. WHAT THE HECK!
   I have had similar problems with other arrows. I just can’t seem to find a system that works. Any ideas?

[Chas]

It must be the oil. I always use a final finish of water based polyurethane. Any glue with stick to that.

[Jack Skinner]

Try Duco cement it sticks to Tru-oil with no issues

[Pat B]

William, You will probably have to wait until the linseed oil dries(cures). Did you use boiled linseed oil or raw ? The boiled dries a lot quicker than the raw.  I believe your mixture is called French Polish and has been used for many years as a bow finish. Someone like Ted Fry might be able to give you some insight on drying time for French Polish.
   Another thought...you can probably add Tru-Oil over that finish or even just shellac and get better results with fletching.
  Duco is good fletch glue and I have used it on oil finished arrows.     Pat

[Shakes.602]

Seal 'Em Up and I use Saunders NPV Fletching Glue! Best Fletching Glue I have Found!!