Problems dipping Carbon Express shafts

[bob@helleknife.com]

I don't know...using wraps is like dry fly fishing with worms!!  Just not for me.

Thanks!!

Bob

[DesertDude]

Bob I  had the same problems with the Heritage shafts. I quit using them for that reason. If I remember right I dipped them in clear bohning (2 coats) first then the white and it seamed to work.  Been a long time, and alot of different shaft dipped since then. I did "light sand between clear coats. I remember it was alot of work and since changed shafts.

[Hud]

I have used Ajax on aluminum for years. It is not a detergent and won't leave a residue. Put Ajax on a damp paper towel and rub, then wash under water & dry. Don't touch with bare hands. If the water flows on the shaft and does not bead up, it is probably ready. Next do a test.

[dbishop]

Hello everyone,  This is my first post on this site.  Lots of info here.  I will be the first to admit that I do not know much about making arrows or shooting traditional bows....yet!  I do know a little about painting stuff though.  I am not sure if it will work in this application but you might go to an automotive paint supply and ask for a small bottle of "smoothie". I have used it in paint to help prevent "fisheyes" with great success.  Usually it only takes a few drops in a quart or so of paint. It wont take the place of proper substrate preparation but if you are still having problems it might be worth a try.

Dave

[highPlains]

We can do them for you for $1.50/shaft (includes a white base coat to make the colors pop, then the color of your choice).

 
 
 

[highPlains]

Oh..and wraps just don't have a "soul".    

[bob@helleknife.com]

Some success today...

Cleaned with acetone, dipped, fisheyed as usual, let dry (somewhat)cleaned with acetone again, all paint off, then dipped again which left a reasonable base coat.  Second coat tomorrow.  

Lots of work for something that should never be a problem in the first place.

Also, took a CE that I have been using as stumper and it was never dipped; its probably a a year or 18 months old.  Figured any oil, etc. would be long gone.  Stripped off the feathers, cleaned it and it fisheyed just like a new one!!!

Will give the "smoothie" a try, appreciate the tip.

I am going to look into switching arrow shafts.

HP, thanks for the offer.

Thanks all!

Bob

[lpcjon2]

Just try carburetor cleaner it works on everything takes grease and oil off  easily.

[Paul WA]

If I had that many problems I would just wrap them...PR

[ishoot4thrills]

UPDATE.....The wraps I used on my Beman MFXs, is starting to unwrap! Can't be the shafts because they're coming loose where it's wrap sticking on wrap, not wrap on carbon surface. Worked fine on my aluminum shafts. Prepped them the same too with denatured alcohol applied to the surface of the shaft and also to the surface of the wraps because the sticky overlaps the wrap surface. Could it be because the MFXs are such a small diameter??

[snag]

Seems like I used Rustoleum for a dipping paint. I would lightly sand the crown area with 220 grit. Then wipe it down real well with Acetone or denatured alcohol. Then I'd dip in Rustoleum. Didn't have any of the fisheye problem. Now I'll have to try it again to see if the current shaft react the same. Just got away from crowning these types of shafts...just fletch them and shoot them!

[Paul Mattson]

I don't have a secret way, like I said; I get the shafts squeaky clean with denatured alcohol and then dip.   I just dipped 2 dozen yesterday, had the same results. No Fish eyes.