How long

[kybownut]

Never did any fletching, how long does it take to fletch an arrow with a single fletcher such as the bohning pro using tape and would that be a decent fletcher to start with without spending a lot? Thanks

[dhermon85]

I have the bohning and it puts the feather on fine. Tape should go faster than glue. Never timed myself though.

[Stumpkiller]

Using tape I can fletch one arrow in 90 seconds to two minutes - being careful.

[CRS]

Fletch tape is fast, but then I have found that to be a big advantage when having to re-fletch all the time.

Or I can take the extra time properly preparing a shaft and quill, use the appropriate adhesive and not have to worry about re-fletching.

Needless to say, I do not use fletch tape any more.  I fletch the way I was taught, 25 plus years ago.

[30coupe]

Originally posted by CRS:
Fletch tape is fast, but then I have found that to be a big advantage when having to re-fletch all the time.

Or I can take the extra time properly preparing a shaft and quill, use the appropriate adhesive and not have to worry about re-fletching.

Needless to say, I do not use fletch tape any more.  I fletch the way I was taught, 25 plus years ago.

If you properly prepare the shaft and quill, fletch tape works as well as any other adhesive, better than some. If the fletches don't stick, it's not the fault of the tape. I wipe the shaft and the quill with denatured alcohol, put tape on the quill, fletch it, add a dab of glue at the ends of the feather and I'm done. As Stumpkiller said, 90 seconds to two minutes start to finish. The feathers wear out long before the tape lets go if I do it that way.

[Hummer3T]

I let the glue dry for likely longer than I have to, but still only takes about 3-4 minutes per arrow, if I use tape its less, maybe 2-3

[RAU]

I'm sure the 1st arrow fletched with tape will take you several minutes but once you get the hang of using it it is really really fast!  The bohning jig works fine

[kybownut]

Thanks all ! Is there an advantage to using wraps on carbon or aluminum other than looks? I'm awfully fond of snags woodies too

[Bear Heart]

Been using fletch tape without failure for two years now.

[Dave Worden]

I've found fletch tape holds easily as well as glue and, yes, when it comes time to re-fletch (cause the feather is worn, not loose) they are easier to remove than glued-on feathers.  They work as well as glue and you don't have to wait for glue to dry therefore, they're faster.  What's not to like.  I'll fletch a dozen, then add the drop of glue front and back and let them dry.  Pretty easy, pretty fast, and easily lasts the two years or so that I expect from an arrow.  After a couple years, it's time for a new color combination even if they're not worn out!  I crown dip and crest rather than use wraps, but wraps are to paint what fletch tape is to glue.  Use whichever makes you happier.  One thing about dipping and cresting that you can't do with wraps is make your arrows absolutely unique.

[Rob W.]

I like the BPE pro fletcher for it versatility and tape on top of wraps.

You can also crest or splice the wraps and add a Onestringer double dogg clear overlay if you want some pretty.

I like the wraps mainly for visibility but I also don't have to worry about harming the shaft as much stripping feathers for a re-fletch.

[BAPilot2]

I use a Grayling fletching jig, which is similar to the Bohning, and from my experience fletch tape is worthless.  I can never get the fletch taped feathers to lay properly and take the helical.  So I use glue, Fletchtite Platinum, and it takes me about 15 - 20 minutes per feather / 45 - 60 minutes per arrow.

[Bladepeek]

I've used the tape on bare aluminum and on carbon with wraps. I have never had one come loose. If the surface is clean that stuff clings forever. Just for insurance, I put a drop of super glue at the front and rear of the feather - mostly to make a smooth transition from quill to shaft so they don't catch on anything. Some good hard pressure on the jig and they are set. Put a drop of super glue front and back and while that is drying, I rotate the shaft and start the next feather.

[CRS]

Originally posted by 30coupe:
 

Originally posted by CRS:
Fletch tape is fast, but then I have found that to be a big advantage when having to re-fletch all the time.

Or I can take the extra time properly preparing a shaft and quill, use the appropriate adhesive and not have to worry about re-fletching.

Needless to say, I do not use fletch tape any more.  I fletch the way I was taught, 25 plus years ago.

If you properly prepare the shaft and quill, fletch tape works as well as any other adhesive, better than some. If the fletches don't stick, it's not the fault of the tape. I wipe the shaft and the quill with denatured alcohol, put tape on the quill, fletch it, add a dab of glue at the ends of the feather and I'm done. As Stumpkiller said, 90 seconds to two minutes start to finish. The feathers wear out long before the tape lets go if I do it that way. [/b]

That simply has not been my experience on wood or carbon.  The feathers come off and shift on the shaft.  

It is no big deal when hunting in your own backyard so to speak.  But when I am  on a trip to AK, ID, or Florida, I want my fletching to stick.

[mike g]

I use the single Joe Jan...
    I put the clamp upside down in a small vise and I add tape to all the Fletching first and then put the JJ on it's base and peel and stick and do a half a Dz. in no time....

[mellonhead]

I have had excellent results with tape.  I have been using it for 5-6 years now.  I have no problems with it shifting or fletching coming off.  I have not used it on aluminum shafts, but for carbon and wood no problems.

Toby