Wrapping arras with thread

[Matt Fowler]

I want to try wrapping some arras with different color thread like a cresting. I saw an article on it once a long time ago but never tried it. Anyone know the best way to tie the thread off? Thanks in advance

[the Ferret]

Sure Matt...wrap your thread down to about 5 wraps from where you want it to end. Take an additional piece of thread formed into a big U and wrap it in for 4 or 5 wraps, then stick the tail from the wrapping into the loop and pull it back through with the tails from the U loop. Cut off excess.

[JEFF B]

or you can just glue the end down with fletch tite. that also works and then a small amount of 2 pot epoxy.

[Art B]

Thread and fletching glue is all that's required. No tieing neccesary. Restrict the beginning thread end with several wraps and start winding. Don't worry so much about keeping the individual wraps tight at frist, just wrap. You can reach up with your thumb nail and tighten 'em up just before you cut your thread. Cut the end. Now take some fletching glue and squeeze some on one side of your wrap and now using thumb pressure on that hand rotate the shaft with the other to equally spread the glue around wrap. Keep rotating the shaft with slight thumb pressure until the thread end lays down and stays there. Now, before the glue sets good on that wrap start your next color. Glue from that wrap will hold your next thread end in place and a restrictor wrap isn't needed. Wrap, glue and spread. Three good coats a glue should do it and things will looks really nice when finished.

Really helps to practice first on an old shaft. Once your get a few wraps under your belt it's pretty much a go from there. Good luck-ART B

[wtpops]

Any pics anyone. Sounds cool

[Art B]

Sorry, no pics of cresting with thread, those arrows are long gone. These color thread wraps are not intended as a crest but rather for ID purposes. Should give you a general idea of what they look like though.-ART B

 

[OzarkRamblr]

Okay, that just too cool. Should one use silk thread or will any type of thread suffice?

Does Super Megalomart carry silk thread??

[Bowspirit]

Starting to realize why your name is Art, Art...

[Art B]

Never tried any silk thread. But Wally World does sell "decorative thread" in their caft section. Check out their selection.-ART B

[steelhead55]

Matt
The process is just like wrapping a guide on a fishing rod (or the way I do it is)Much easier than describing the process would be to take a quick look at one of the many books on fishing rod building/repair. I sometimes use this wrapping technique to secure the leading edge of fletching and I use rod wrapping nylon thread which comes in many colors. Check out orvis or Cabelas on line. I never thought about using the technique for cresting--good idea.
Steelhead55

[Grey Taylor]

Like this?
 

I use rod wrapping thread, usually in the metallic colors.  Just basic rod wrapping techniques that are difficult to describe but you can see in any book covering rod wrapping.

Guy

[DarkeGreen]

I did a few that way with the last batch I put together. If you learn the ferret "u" pull thru method it will give you more options and they'll last a bit longer.

I was wonder if that wasn't how the pratice of cresting started and gave it a try to review the results. I can see how someone would see ID thread, patched shafts, or tied on feathers as having been painted.

I've thought about trying the top 9" of a shaft as though it were dipped too. I got that idea after wrap cresting two shafts I placed arrow wraps on. I can think of quite a few benefits to wrapping shafts. Believe it or not it is easier than cresting with paint, after you get the hang of it.

[Matt Fowler]

Thanks guys, never thought about rod wrapping, should keep me busy this weekend.

[flatbowMB]

This may be a dumb Q but; Doesn't the threading affect the arrow's path as it comes off the shelf?

[Art B]

FlatbowMB, no, haven't noticed that myself. Same with shooting cane/boo arrows with protruding nodes. If your arrows are properly tuned to the bow then you won't feel the wrap nor will the bow to any great extent. A thread crest, it propery coated, will look great for the life of the arrow. Can't say the same for paint!-ART B