cresting machine / feather chop ??

[TradBrewSC]

Hey Guys.

Thinking about taking my arrow building one step further and start splicing feathers and cresting.

I am wondering what you arrow builders think works best out of the following:

1) 3 rivers little chopper, or Young feather burner.

2) Bohning crester, or Spinrite crester.


Your input would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

[Fletcher]

The Bohning crester is certainly functional, but the Spinrite is definitely a more capable tool.  It is what I use.  

As for burning vs chopping, you will find proponents of both.  Both are a compromise.  Chopping is limited to a single shape per tool, with maybe a little bit of adjustment, but is less costly and it doesn't stink.  A Young burner is pricy but you can burn infinite shapes and sizes for the low cost of one ribbon each.  There is a smell issue, but I burn outdoors or near a vent and it has never been an issue for me.  I burn.

[Pat B]

I've done both chop and burn and prefer to burn. I use a Young Feather burner. Get a few extra ribbons so you can have a few different fletch styles.

[Green]

If I start over on the chopping, I'd get one of Herb's choppers out of Canada.  

As for cresting....spend your money once, on a Spinrite.

[AkDan]

Spinrite or better yet if u can find one sn arrow specialties

Burner no question!   Choppers were nice when full length feathers were cheaper.   Whack out batches and be done.   Burner does a better job especially when it comes to splicing

[TradBrewSC]

Thanks For the input so far guys.

Big help!

[Terry Lightle]

Spinrite hands down,it is the only one we will sell because it is the best by far in my opinion
Terry

[TradBrewSC]

Thanks guys!

I actually just found a used spinrite from a fellow Ganger that lives close by.

Gotta love this place!

[MO Bow]

you won't regret the spinrite.  I used to use a cordless drill, surgical tubing and my right hand...left hand to paint.  My cresting jobs actually looked great, but after I bought the spinrite, it made life so much easier.

I make templates in an excel spreadsheet and tape them on the ruler...they're pretty awesome.

[M60gunner]

Spinrite is my fav as well. Have mine for a number of years now. If you have any issues an email to Don? and he will help you. Use good quality brushes, save some old or broken arrows to experiment with. Biggest issues I see is paints, thinners, materials used for cleaning shafts. Lots of info in old threads here that cover those subjects.
I use Herb's choppers as well. I had a burner but could never get how to shape ribbons. There are a couple threads here on splicing that cover the subject very well.
Making arrows is fun, maybe it takes a few to get where you are happy with your work but that's part of the fun. I came across some old arrows I made 30 years ago. Had to chuckle and that wavy lines and funny color combos.