Fletch Tape.... feathers falling off

[sneakybow]

I've never had any issues with fletch tape. I've even fletched a bunch of 3D arrows up for the wheel guys here at the shop and you have to pull the tape off with pliers. Shaft prep is key and making sure your tape is still good. Other than that, no issues at all here.

[hawaiiarcher]

Hi Ron,
I enjoyed your video. I've never used lighter fluid before. I will have to use it the next time. Which fletch cement are you using?

[Flying Dutchman]

Is naphtha the same as Zippo fluid?

[Flying Dutchman]

Encouraged by this topic I bought some fletching tape, since I had some problems with glue/paint (the glue was solving the paint).

I didn't expect much, but now I am a beleiver! The feathers are rock-solid on the shaft and fletching is very easy and fast. I couldn't believe how easy this is. Bye bye, glue, hello fletching tape.
I used the Bearpaw, but no problems with that, even when shooting trough branches and grass. I simply love it!

[Nativestranger]

Great! I may want to try some fletch tape as well.

[mahantango]

I believe Bohnings warning refers to rubbing alcohol, which contains a moisturizer to avoid drying skin. Denatured alcohol is fine, I've been using it to prep shafts before fletching with tape for 15+ years. The only adhesion problem I've ever had, as others have stated, is with old tape.

[Rob DiStefano]

Originally posted by Flying Dutchman:
Is naphtha the same as Zippo fluid?

yes - naphtha is lighter fluid.

[Rob DiStefano]

Originally posted by Flying Dutchman:
Encouraged by this topic I bought some fletching tape, since I had some problems with glue/paint (the glue was solving the paint).

I didn't expect much, but now I am a beleiver! The feathers are rock-solid on the shaft and fletching is very easy and fast. I couldn't believe how easy this is. Bye bye, glue, hello fletching tape.
I used the Bearpaw, but no problems with that, even when shooting trough branches and grass. I simply love it!

it pays to put a spot of glue (fletchtite, duco, whatever) at either end of the fletching.

another way to insure taped fletching won't want to come off is to use "lining tape" at either ends of the feathers.  this is how spin wings and kurly vanes (which are taped onto shafts) get totally secured.

[Flying Dutchman]

Okay thanks. But now I use alcohol ketonatus 96%. It sells for €10,- per liter over here. I not only clean the shafts, but also the base of the feathers. After that I take a cup of coffee to let it dry.

The most difficult part is the beginning. I used some nasty words here.... But once the backing is split from the tape, I leave a bit backing on each time. That makes it very easy to split the tape from the backing.
After one shaft is ready, I run with my thumbnail over the quil. Then, just to be sure that the tapes makes contact everywhere, I rub over the lenght of the feathers with a (clean       ) handkerchief, pressing the base of the feather to the shaft. The feathers just pop back in shape. Some glue at the end and beginning of the feathers, and they are ready to go!

[Chuck from Texas]

I have beem using tape for 10 years or there abouts. Never had a problem on woods or aluminum. I just make sure the dhafts are clean. I started putting a drop of glue at each end of the feather but have not done that for 8 years, never had one peel off. Rveryone has to develop their own methods of separating the backing from the tape, that is the hardest part.

[Flying Dutchman]

You only have to seperate the backing once and that is with the first feather and a new roll.. I never wanted to do that again... so I found an easy method. But everone will develop own habits for sure. That is the way it should be.

[Overspined]

Bear paw didn't work for me either.

[Flying Dutchman]

Maybe Bearpaw had some bad batches or the tape was too old. I did my shafts with the Bearpaw tape and I have no complaints till now. But only time will learn, we'll see.

[longrifle346]

No telling how many shafts I've fletched with Bohning tape...never had a problem. Found arrows a year later and had to use a razor blade to get the old fletching off.