Bearpaw Jig Offset and Helical

[mikebiz]

I've searched for info regarding whether or not the Bearpaw Fletching Jig allows you to offset the fletching.  I saw a post saying that the Straight version offsets.  I assume the helical clamps offset as well, but I wanted to confirm this before buying.  While we are speaking of the Bearpaw those of you that have one how do you like this jig?  I know it's German engineered, but where is this jig manufactured?

Have no idea where it's manufactured, but most of their stuff comes from Germany-- maybe call Kustom King and ask? I have been using Bearpaw jigs for over a year and I like this jig better than I ever liked the others, including the Bitz jigs which I used for many years. I find these easier to set up yielding a better result and yes, they do allow you offset the helical though how much will depend on the diameter of your arrow shafts as with all jigs.

[GREATBROWNKNOCKEMDOWN]

Very good jig, you can't go wrong, and very easy to use.

[WESTBROOK]

Here's a few pics that might help. the 4 screws will allow you to move the clamp all over the place.

I like mine alot, the 4 fletch is a bit goofy, as it puts the feathers in a + and not a X at 90 deg. so you have to get creative with that. otherwise I like it a lot.

Eric

 
 
 

[Ray_G]

Eric,

Stevie Ray helps with arrow building!  I didn't know he had an arrow building disc      

Great tunes to build arrows by, for sure.

[WESTBROOK]

Ray, it really does make a diferrence   :cool:  

And I need all the help I can get.

[McDave]

Depends on what you mean by "offset."  As shown in the pictures above, the fletching can be adjusted to fit different sized shafts, as with most fletching jigs.  However, you can't change the orientation of the fletching to the nock, as you can with the Martin fletching jig by simply turning a dial, or with the Bitz by changing the nock indexers.  At least I haven't found out any way to do it, without major surgery on the unit itself.

Another problem I have found with the Bearpaw is that the clamp is fastened to the magnet holder such that there is a big flat piece of plastic right next to the place you put the glue on the fletching, which I find it easy to get glue on.  The plastic of the Bearpaw clamp must be different from the Martin plastic.  I can flake excess dry glue off the Martin clamp with my thumbnail, but it seems to adhere more strongly to the Bearpaw clamp.  Of course, this wouldn't be a problem if I were more careful with the glue!

[mikebiz]

Thanks for all the info.  I'm definitely going to go with the Bearpaw.  I owned a Jo-Jan in the past, never a Bitz, so I wouldn't know the difference anyway.  I have heard good things about the Bearpaw in other posts on the web as well.  

Also thanks for the pics Eric.  From the pics it looks as though you can move the clamp a max of +/- 1 degree.  Wouldn't that offset the fletching?  Honestly, maybe I don't understand offset clearly.  I'm just getting back into traditional archery and haven't made arrows for 20 years.  I always just put the fletching on straight with the old Jo-Jan.  Can someone fill me in.  

Glad someone else caught the SRV CD.  Great album.  Haven't listened to it in a while.  I will now.  Thanks again.