Feather Options

[Alexander Traditional]

I fletched up some shafts with 4.5 inch low profile banana feathers,and tried them with a certain bow that I could not get to tune with regular five inch three fletch feathers. I got the bow to do just the way I wanted. I got these feathers from Magnus,which doesn't seem to be in business anymore for the most part. Just short of making these feathers for myself,what would be the next best thing? I was thinking three or four inch four fletch parabolic feathers.  What do you all think would be the next best thing?

[McDave]

I would buy myself a 5" chopper and adjust it to cut 4.5" low profile banana feathers (or parabolics, if banana is not available). Then, you would have exactly what you want.

[JAG]

You can get a low profile banana chopper.
That's all I use for my arrows.  I still use 5" just cause I like 'em.  Get you some full length feathers and have a choppin' good time.  I would invest in a rubber mallet to use with the chopper.
I've got the little chopper address around some where if you need it.  You'll just have to pm me and I'll find it.
Johnny & Kuri

[Green]

I agree with JAG.  You can get a low pro nanner chopper, or adjust the base on a regular one to hit the 5" mark.  Any shorter and you will lose feather height, which is a bit more critical on a banana cut.  

Whichever you prefer, take two popsicle sticks and glue them together in a "T"....insert this into the chopper just as if it were a feather and chop that first.  Then you have a "third hand" used to hold the feather flat as well as allowing you to pull it towards yourself against the base.  This gives a cleaner, more uniform cut.

[Alexander Traditional]

Thanks for the advice guys. I still have enough to do nine arrows. I'll have to decide what I'm going to do. Johnny didn't 3Rivers buy out the little chopper? I went to their website and they showed they had the low banana profile.

[Alexander Traditional]

Hey Rob good advice you must have slipped in there right as I was posting. It would be my first time chopping,but I might have to give it a try because I do like these feathers.

[M60gunner]

Green, I like your homemade "jig" for holding the feathers in chopper. Might have to dust off my choppers and try the stick idea. I have a low profile banana cut as well. I liked that cut but moved on to a Vario cutter which did not offer that cut.

[Green]

I can't take credit for the "jig".....got that one from my good friend Magnus.  Pics will help.

 

 

Matt also taught me that using a knife to "pre cut" the quill where the blade goes across before giving it two whacks will help you get a cleaner chop.  I whack it with a rubber mallet in the 10 & 2 positions....seems to work pretty well.  I haven't done a lot of chopping so maybe some more helpful tips will flow into this thread.

[Stump73]

I guess that jig will work with any feather profile, like shieldor probolic. My wife will be happy she thinks im gonna cut my fingers off.

[Alexander Traditional]

Very neat Rob! That might be just what I need,thanks!

[Green]

You bet Rick....good luck!

[Biggamefish]

Holy moly the Popsicle stick is a great idea.  That will work awsome.  now I dont have to worry about chopping my fingers off.  LOL

[JAG]

I don't worry about chopping my fingers....I get my friend Steve to hold the feathers while I wack 'em!