Tips and Tricks

[Chris R]

Thought it would be neat to see what kinds of tips and tricks some of you guys have come up with for different situations.

I've got one, I glue my strike plates on with Shoe-Goo.  It seems to stick even better than Duco.

Let's see what y'all got.

Chris

[Legolas]

Here is another: When sharpening a broadhead with a file do it in direct sunlight and you will see the burr. Indoors it is easy to miss.

Paul

[Clay Hills Bill]

Great tips guys!  As someone new to trad methods, I really appreciate this stuff.

[Charlie Lamb]

Ever have trouble with running a smooth bead of glue down the base of your feather when fletching? You know...globs of glue, bubbles that break the flow of the glue, too much glue.

Thin your fletching cement! Transfer your glue from the tube to a small squeeze bottle (Three Rivers has them), add a very small amount of laquer thinner or acetone depending on the glue you use (thinner for duco, acetone for FletchTite). It will flow much better, dry a little more quickly, and you'll avoid the unsightly globs on the sides of the feather when the job is done.

Don't want to thin the glue and just work out of the tube? Always stand your tube in a small container, tip up. This lets the air in the tube come to the top. Then squeeze the tube to get rid of the excess air and roll up the bottom. Eliminates those irritating air bubbles that come out right in the middle of running a line of glue.
 

[dosbow56]

thoughts on fletching tape?
dave

[Legolas]

I love fletch tape. So fast,clean lookin, and holds well. Shot some arrows into my target. Did not get them and it rained a day or 2 until -Duhh -I went out and got them. Fletch still on.I even quit  putting that tiny drop of glue on the ends of the fletch.

[Legolas]

Another trick. I hate carrying tree steps and we always pull out the last 4 or 5 so to protect our stands. So I just file them in a zipp lok bag and hide them near the treestand.

PBM

[Dan Worden]

Thoughts or tricks for tape?

When I use tape I run the tape with the feather in a clamp and clip it with small cuticle scissors. Then I run the back side of an exacto knife down the tape to make it stick to the quill good. I use the exacto to remove the red strip and stick 'em on the arrow. Run your finger down the feather to seat it on the shaft. Add a drop of glue to the tip and you're done.

I buy Fletch Tite and thinner by the pint. In a bottle like Charlie suggests you can thin it to the consistancy you like and best of all if it has been sitting for x months and gotten REALLY thick (almost dried out) add some thinner to it and it's all better. Never run out, never waste 1/2 a tube.

[Charlie Lamb]

Bingo Dan!!  

[Doug Campbell]

The little bottles sound slick but I've been putting my Duco in a 12 or 20cc disposable syringe (sp) for a few years now. Bend a small loop in a piece of wire to plug it with. Never any bubbles, very easy to regulate, and keeps forever.

Doug

[Littlefeather]

Great tip on the glue guys!    

I find myself hunting in a lot of lowlight situations, especially when hunting hogs. The one thing I do is paint the top side of my broadheads white. I dont see them directly when I shoot but I think the subconscience sees it. If I dont paint them white I shoot high every time. It also serves as an indicator in lowlight, The same as an index nock or offcolor cock feather.

[huntsmanlance]

Charlie im going to try that on the glues...Thanks!

Heres mine...

When hunting dangerous game always go with a friend who is a lot older or heavier than you are. just in case ya gotta run!   :D  

On the fletching i just run a Q-Tip down each edge of the feather if there is any globs.

I also use waxed thread or sinew to wrap the tips of my feathers no matter what kind of shafts they are on....it really helps keep the fletches on!

I also splice my feathers using white on the top third of each and it helps my eye track them as they fly.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Hey! I resemble that "hunt with a friend" remark! Here I thought we were friends, and now I find out I'm just a decoy ...     Man, the things you find out by reading Trad Gang.  

[huntsmanlance]

Heres another "tip"...dont introduce your shooting partners to the Trad Gang!   :D

[Tedd@work]

Serving:
I always untwist my flemish strings as far as possible prior to serving them. Then wrap the serving so it gets tighter when you return the string to brace height. I tie my nock points on real tight with Dacron, nothing ever moves. Maybe everyone already knows this?

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Harumph! Harumph!   :p  "Don't introduce your friends to Trad Gang," indeed! Harumph.     Especially not if you're going to use them as decoys.   :rolleyes:  Harumph, I say! HARUMPH! (Oh, look, I called in a moose!)  :D

[Gray Buffalo]

Another glue tip is keep you glue in the refrigerator when not in use. It will stay fresher that way. If you buy it on sale, several tubes at a time, put it in the freezer and you will extend the life.

[Sparta-T]

I alluded to this on the recent "Favorite Camo" thread, but will repeat it in depth.  If like me, you have more than one set of camo clothing to match the change in habitat/temperature as the seasons progress, it is wise to get a few Rubbermaid type containers for storage.  They help keep them scent-free after washing, but are also great for keeping them organized by type.

Over the years I have found long underwear, sox, gloves, hats, etc on sale at the end of the hunting season and purchased some of each to pair with specific camo outfits.  Then I labeled each container by type, so I can grab the one I want without having to do a prolonged search when I am in a hurry.  Knowing everything I need is all together really helps....

For example, I have one container marked "Turkey", which contains my camo, headnet, calls, and vest.  Another is "Predator Wool" for my late season bowhunting in December.  Knowing each tub is ready to go geatly speeds things up when the weather suddenly shifts and you are on the run to hunt.        TL

[Tracy McQueen]

If you are experiencing trouble pulling your arrows from foam or 3D targets, here's an easy way to make a lube bottle for your arrows.

Go down to the local drug store and ask for a pill bottle. The kind with the childproof caps. Or you may have one at home already you can use. It should be about an inch in diameter and 3 inches long. Take an old field point, or arrow if you shoot alu, heat it up and use it to melt a hole in the bottom and lid of the bottle. Once it has cooled, take the lid off and putting the arrow back through the hole, stuff cotton balls around it. Pack it pretty tight and then saturate the cotton with the lube of your choice. I used to use Pam cooking spray. Pull the arrow out and put the lid back on. The just tie a loop of string around the bottle, put a dab of glue on it so it won't slip off and hang it from your belt or quiver. Before you shoot, just slide your arrow through to coat it. Worked great for me.

[Marvin M.]

Fletch tapae should be stored in temperature and humidity controlled environment if it is going to be around for over a year.      Humidity and extreme temps will degrade the "stickiness on the tape".  Had a roll that went bad after being in my closet for three years.  Called Bohning and they replaced it and recommended faster use or the following.

Put in a zip lock and store in the refrigerator.  Add a pack of Silica Gel to controll the humidity.  It will keep a lot longer that way.  Make sure the wife is aware of what it is, or she might throw it out.

No problems since.