Arrow Building - What do I need?

[ahab78]

Hey Gang,

As many of you know I am new to the trad world, so I'm still learning a lot every day. I've decided I want to learn how to make my own arrows. Things are going well with my job and I've got a little extra cash to spend on getting my own arrow making setup going. I was wondering what are the essentials I will need to get started? I plan on starting with cheaper carbon arrows, as I am still missing on occasion and breaking arrows is still highly likely. I was thinking about starting with Beman ICS Bowhunters around 500 spine. After that, I'm a little overwhelmed by everything out there to choose from, from glues to fletchings to jigs. I want to build the complete arrow from bare shafts, so I can get some experience tuning and building. Ideally, I'd like to accumulate materials and equipment that would hold up over time and could be used when I eventually invest in more expensive arrows.

Any advice you could offer would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[Captain*Kirk]

Well, you can't do much better than a Bitzenburger for a fletching jig, though there are cheaper ones out there. You will also need a cutoff saw and various adhesives for inserts, nocks and fletching. A scale for weight matching shafts is essential as well. It would also be in your best interest to fabricate a paper tuning setup (plenty of ideas and how-to's on YouTube) and watching the many videos on how to build arrows will put you far ahead of the game. Good luck in your new venture!

[bucknut]

A Bitzenburger fletcher for starters. A torch or alcohol burner, Hot melt glue, Fletching glue and feathers. You could also use a cut off saw or dremel too, but that can come later. The options are limitless. Feather choppers/burners, cresting machine, dipping tube. It's all a matter of How much you want to put into it. Its also nice to have a buddy into this stuff too so you can share some of the bigger expenses. Hope this helps, John

[reddogge]

The bare minimum for making a carbon arrow would be  Bitzenburger fletching jig, Saunders NPV glue, two part epoxy for inserts. Walla, you can make an arrow now but it will be full length or maybe the source will cut to size. Best to cut them yourself to tune though.

For cutting I use a dremel and cut 1/8" oversize and sand to size in a disc sander.

Put some fancy wraps on to bypass the cresting thing.

[ghall80]

From experience don't buy anything other than a Bitz for a fletching jig

It's the best hands done !

[Deno]

Bitz is it.  Get the best from the get go.
Deno

[Zwickey-Fever]

Bitzenburger fletching jig for sure. Also a decent arrow saw, I prefer Weston Precise cut arrow saw. I have had it for years with no issues and you will be glad that you bought it when it comes down to cutting your arrows. Are you going to be wrapping those carbons? If so. do yourself a favor and pick up 2 mouse pads for a computer at the local Walmart. They are fairly cheap and make wrapping arrows a ease. There's a lot of little things you can buy to make things easier, such as stack able plastic drawers to keep things organized. I use two tables that I use, one for cresting/dipping and the other for fletching and making arrows. I bought the tables from Walmart for about 25 dollars a piece if I remember right.
 Buy things that makes you comfortable and making arrows easy. Any other way only builds frustration. Best of luck and enjoy!

[Terry Lightle]

Good sound advice above!
Terry

[crazynate]

I have a half DZ bitzenburgs with some being 30 years old. They're is not a better one to buy. There are some other brands that make good jigs but I haven't used them so I can't vouch for any of them. I have a few dozen spare RW feathers that are die cut 5" round if your interested I'll send you some for free. Just PM me with you address and I'll send them out to you. For glue I use mostly bohning fletch tire platinum. But I have used super glues like gorilla glue gel- that stuff is kill to.  But i always seem to make a mess with that.

[crazynate]

Originally posted by crazynate:
[QB] I have a half DZ bitzenburgs with some being 30 years old. They're is not a better one to buy. There are some other brands that make good jigs but I haven't used them so I can't vouch for any of them. I have a few dozen spare RW feathers that are die cut 5" round if your interested I'll send you some for free. Just PM me with you address and I'll send them out to you. For glue I use mostly bohning fletch tite platinum. But I have used super glues like gorilla glue gel- that stuff is kill to.  But i always seem to make a mess with that.

[TealCoin]

Nobody has mentioned fletching tape yet.  I will say that after spending the time messing with the glues and waiting for it to dry, I'm 100% tape guy now.

I've made up a few dozen carbon shafts using BearPaw's tape and haven't had any issues yet.  I do put a drop of fletch tite on the front/back of the feather just to prevent it from starting to lift up.  Time in fletching is cut down 90% and the tape really isn't that hard to use at all with proper tools (scissors and a pick/razor blade).

[crazynate]

Fletching tape is good. Real good but it's expensive when your building 4 dozen arrows a week.  Or more.

[TealCoin]

Originally posted by crazynate:
Fletching tape is good. Real good but it's expensive when your building 4 dozen arrows a week.  Or more.

I'm sure it does... 48 a week?  I'd need another job and 8 more hours in a day to have time to do that.  

The 3d animals eating your arrows?

[Zwickey-Fever]

[crazynate]

lol that's funny. I don't always do that many but I have done close to that many times. I do all the arrow building  for myself and my friends . Plus I sell arrows when I get good deals on shafts so I do go through a lot of product.

[Longtoke]

I like fletch tape or super glue for attaching feathers

[Sam McMichael]

After you work out the selection of equipment, your best assets are a bit of patience and imagination. You just may surprise yourself with both effective and attractive arrows. Go for it!

[YosemiteSam]

I know people love their high-quality equipment.  But I built arrows for years on a simple plastic jig.  They last for years.  I sold the one I used as a teenager about 15+ years ago.  I used it solidly for about 4-5 years & then less so.  Sold it after it collected dust too long.

So when I went looking for another one about a year ago, I just picked up a simple Bohning jig.
 For only about $40, it's hard to beat.  With a couple swipes of wax on the clamp after each feather, I've never had any extra glue build up.  If you want functional, a simple clamp like Bohning will do just fine for many a year.  If you want "purdy arras," then spring for the fancier metal ones.  They're better -- no doubt.  But for half the cost, you can get a plastic one & spend the rest on more shafts & supplies.

For my carbons, I shoot them full length & load up the front.  My gap at 20 yards (my max hunting range) is only about 4" -- love that.  Aluminum and woods are much easier to work with if you're cutting them yourself.  I'll just use a coping saw or whatever is handy on my woods.  When I shot aluminums, I just used a metal pipe cutter.  I hate having single-use tools so the idea of needing a specialized cutting tool just for arrows annoys me.  Your personality will dictate what path you take here.

Have fun!

[Doug_K]

Something to think about to offset the price of the Bitz is look for one used.. I have a hard time seeing one get worn out unless the clamp is being used for grinding. My first one I bought new, second I found for less than half the price used in like new condition. Check the ol' auction site. They come up regularly.

Some masking tape and spraypaint can make some good looking cresting and caps as well.

I've been using the tape alot lately, after having different brands of glue be great one time, and the next time I buy it be next to worthless.