Hi! Need a little help...

[Jimmy2Blade]

Hello, I’ve been lurking around here for a long time now and I’m embarrassed it took me this long to join this amazing group. I’m very new to message boards so if I make a mistake I’ll say my apologies in advance….

I have been involved with archery for as long as I can remember and for most of the time I was a wheeled shooter. I’ve recently seen the light and now only shoot traditional gear. I have been looking into making (assembling) my own arrow as none of the retailers in my area have what I’m looking for and I just don’t like what’s available on line. Don’t get me wrong…. There are some gorgeous arrows available, I just can’t afford to spend that much money for 12 arrows. My thinking is I can make a small to medium size investment now, getting all the gear I would need to assemble my own “custom” arrows.  With a little time and effort I can assemble arrows for a fraction of the price down the road. Plus I love the satisfaction of making my own gear.

So with that I was hoping somebody might have a little insight on fletching jigs?

I have been looking at the Bitzenburger and the Jo Jan Multi-Fletcher. Most of the stuff I have been reading has been leading toward the Bitzenburger but I was wondering if anybody has any comments on the Jo Jan Multi-Fletcher (or single unit)??? I like the Idea of doing 6 arrows at a time so I don’t want to count this model out yet.

Also if anybody has any hints on online retailers that offer the best prices that would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks!!!!! I hope to be posting pics of my new arrows soon!!!!!!

[elk ninja]

I LOVE my jo-jan.... what do you get with the Bitz that you don't get with the jo-jan?  Oh yeah, more money in your pocket.  Arrows turn out just as good.  Both flethcers take some tinkering to get them absolutely correct.  Both do the same fletches (3 fletch, 4 fletch 90* and 120*), etc.

[vermonster13]

The thing about a single fletch jig is the arrows are all fletched the same when you're done. I know Rod Jenkins won't use a multi jig for just that reason. He wants his arrows matched as much as possible to take on more factor out of shooting consistently. Will that matter to most shooters. probably not, but it is one of the few things we can control in our hunting.

[jbb]

I use a Bitz and use fletch tape.  You can fletch a dozen arrows in an hour or two. No need for a multi.  I also have a Jo Jan single that I got in a trade but I haven't used it yet.

[MI_Bowhunter]

I use a jo-jan multi fletch and love it.

If you use glue the multifletch is a good time saver.  

If you prefer fletch tape, then a single arrow jig will be just as fast.

[RidinMyK2PastU]

I have a jo jan multi (used to have the mono fletcher until I upgraded), and once it is setup it does a fine job of fletching the shafts. Just keep the clamps numbered with the location. Then you can notice if any location is not working correctly. I have not had this problem. It does flustrate me when I have to change shaft sizes, and I think about selling it, but having 6 arrows laying in it with the glue drying does count for something.

I will probably sell it anyway, even though I have extra clamps, and nock revievers, just because I use fletch tape for most of my fletching and glue for other's shafts so one fletching at a time isn't super important any more. Plus with one at a time the single jig is probably more consistant (as mentioned above) and the magnet on other models are probably more accurate.

I hope this helps.

[SCATTERSHOT]

Another vote for the multi fletcher. I have a Bitz, and while it is a precision instrument, it still fletches only one at a time. You can buy the JoJan for about the same money as a single Bitzenberger, and when it's set up properly you can do six at a time.

I haven't had any problems with mine.

[BMN]

Bitz and fletch tape here. If you go with the fletch tape, which I highly recommend, I see no reason for the multifetch. I have a single JoJan as well but have yet to use it. If you look at the Bitz and JoJan side by side its easy to see that the Bitz is a more quality made tool. Can you see a difference in the end result? I'm not sure.

Bill

[Glenn Carl]

I use the JoJan single and fletch tape. With a little practice you can fletch an arrow in under 5 minutes. I still put a little drop of glue on the leading end of the feather to help hold it in place.

Glenn

[Jimmy2Blade]

WOW, I didn’t expect so many replies so fast!!!! Thanks for all the advice!!!

So is Fletch tape really just as strong as gluing? I did happen to see the video on YuoTube from 3 rivers showing Dale using the tape but I had my doubts…..

[carphunter100]

I use the Bitz and glue. But I am in no hurry when making arrows. The tape is great and take it on trips with me. Fletchers are like alot of other things it is personal opin. I no guys that use the multi and love them. If you could find someone that would let you try one befor you buy thats what I would do. I would not say one is better than the other its just what you get use to. I have a Grayling fletcher I also use it was the first one I ever had and I like it very well, but I for myself like the Bitz. the best. Good luck

[Hot Hap]

I use the Jo-Jan multi. If you go that route, make sure that you get the nock receiver you want. They make at least 3 different ones. A 3x120 w/ 4x75-105. A 3x120 w/ 4x90. And a 3x120 w/ cock feather down w/ I'm not sure what the 4 fletch configuration is with this one. Welcome aboard. Hap

[Frank V]

I have both I can get good fletches from both. I think the Bitzenberger is a more sturdy fletcher & I have to be just a bit more careful aligning the shaft & clamp in the Jo-Jan, but I get really nice results from the Jo-Jan. I like both of them.
for me the Jo-Jan was the easiest to set up initally & to start getting the kind of fletches I wanted. It took less playing with & trying this & that to get the fletches I want.I think either will serve you just fine. Using fletching tape a single fletcher is very fast. If I lost both of mine & had to replace them, I'd buy the Jo-Jan. Frank