cedar and polyurethane question

[flatlander37]

Hi guys.  I'm making up some woodies while I'm laid up, and have a couple of questions.  I have stained them already, and plan to use some of Onestringer's wraps before sealing.  Just wonder if someone can recommend a good brush-on type of polyurethane sold at Wally world, Lowe's, etc.. that will seal but not be really difficult to get even coats with.  I believe I know the answer to the other question but here goes anyway.  Once I use polyurethane as a sealant I must use Duco cement to apply feathers, right?  Thanks for any and all advice, Mark

[Tater]

I use polyurethane stain as well as polyurethane clear sealant on my wood arrows and have recently started using the Fletch-tite Platinum, seems to be holding up well. I used Duco for years but you need a glue bottle to apply the Fletch-Tite is more convenient for me.

[Bjorn]

If it were me I would get some PVC garden pipe and make a simple dip tube using some off the shelf fittings and glue. Then pour in some water base poly to dip shafting into. And just cap the tube full of dip when not in use. Duco cement for fletching works great; but others may work also.

[flatlander37]

Thanks for the help guys.  Keep it coming!

[Shakes.602]

I Agree with Bjorn! I Fletch with Saunders NPV Glue, on Crown Dip, Wraps, and have Never had a Problem with Feathers Coming Loose. Have Fun!!

[JEFF B]

i spray poly on then use the fletch tite no problems with the fletching comming off. or use fletching tape.  

[JBiorn]

I have been having pretty good luck with the Minwax fast drying poly and either a soft rag or one of those cheapo foam brushes. Lightly rub with fine steel wool between coats.

[IAOUTDOORSMAN]

I agree with making a cheap dip tube.  I use water base acrylic or gasket lacquer.  Fletching tape works great on both.  Good luck.  

[Rick Perry]

yep .......... make yerself a dip tube  ........... poly works just fine

[SCATTERSHOT]

Good advice above, but I dunno if I would wrap and then seal. I would recommend wrapping over the finished shaft, but I've never done it the other way.

[flatlander37]

So, to ask another question of the dip tube method.  Is it thin enough that it runs off and leaves a thin layer each time, cause i would think it would be to thick but I guess maybe not with the water based stuff.  Are there any detrimental things that can happen if you wrap before you seal, or is it just personal preference?  Thanks, Mark

[Hot Hap]

Definatly dip. Hap

[Rick Perry]

you can thin it if you need to  ......... I thin mine with mineral spirits  ......... it should tell you on the poly can what to thin with  .............. they are not all the same

[fyrfyter43]

I dip mine in spar urethane and fletch with Duco, but you could also use fletching tape.

[Shawn Leonard]

What Bjorn said, but use oil based and mix it 70% poly and 30% paint thinner and dipp them let dry overnight and dip again two is good 3 is best. I I would apply the wraps over the dipped shaft though not under, I believe the wrap will buggar some if it is under the poly. Shawn

[Shawn Leonard]

A piece of 3/4" ID. PVC and one end cap, glue the end cap on and buy a small plastic funnel glue funnel in the opposite end, fill until the funnel is about 1/2 full and than dip. Hold until most of it runs of about 10 seconds or so and than hang on a line with clothespin, use some cardboard and newspaper underneath to catch excess run off. It is not a perfect way but I do only about 6-8 dozen a year, so works for me. By the way Glynn(Hot Hap) makes some beautiful arrows. Shawn

[Dave Lay]

I use straight poly, dura seal brand. We sell it at work for sealing wood floors, I dip let dry 8 hrs or so, steel wool lightly and put 2 more coats with fine steel wool in between. But straight poly works great for me..

[OzarkRamblr]

Wipe on poly (MinWax)with a lint free rag. After each coat (about 4) hit it with 0000 steel wool. Store the can on a shelf. Use fletch-tape for your feathers. Easy to do & no extra stuff to store.