Spin Test / Mounting Wensel Woodsmans

[Labs4me]

Guys,

A few gray hairs later, I finally managed to get my Wensel Woodsmans hunting sharp (Good Grief!). What's the proper procedure to ensure that the head is mounted properly to the hunting shaft? I'm using 150 grain Woodsmans which I intend to hot-melt glue to 75 grain steel screw-in adapters for use on Gold Tip Traditionals. Is there a simple way to "spin test" these broadheads in that, per the sharpening instructions, I have altered the factory needle-point head to a chiseled head. I have some concerns that my file induced chiseled heads won't spin as true as the out-of-the package point. Any advice would be appreciated.

[olddogrib]

Huck,
There are commercial broadhead alignment checkers available, but you can make your own with a board and four bullet-shaped field points.  I don't remember what bit size I used to pre-drill the pilot holes for the field points, but somebody will chime in with that info. What your looking for is being able to screw or glue 2 field points in side by side about 12-18 inches apart. The head shoulders serve as bearings that you can lay the arrow across and keep it level and wobble-free while you rotate it. You can mount another small board or reference plate at one end to place the tip of the broadhead against, to look for tip wobble. I usually check WW's alignment before I trim the tips because it's easier with the needle point intact.  With these heads and glue-in inserts I often find that a tiny circle is the best I can get, as opposed to spinning perfectly true.  I usually can't tell any adverse affect on arow flight, but shoot 'em to make sure. You might want to consider epoxy.  I've lost heads in tight backstops with hot melt and  you can usually still remove epoxied heads by heating with an alcohol burner.

[Mr.Magoo]

Same general idea, but I just use a scrap 1x1 or 1x2 etc ... and 4 finish nails.  Hammer 2 nails at each end to form an "X".  Lay the arrow in the "X's" and rotate against a reference point to spin test.

If you've taken the tip down and the sides aren't even, it'll show slight "wobble" even when the head is straight.