Fletching-First time using tape and wraps-PICS

[ishoot4thrills]

Just finished fletching some arrows for the first time using my new-to-me JoJan two arrow fletcher(from fellow Tradganger), first time using arrow wraps(also from fellow Tradganger), and first time using fletching tape. I'm still a little slow at it. Took me a few feathers before I got used to taking the backing off of the tape once I applied it to the feather. But, not so bad now. Takes me an average of about 35 minutes to fletch one arrow with 3 feathers, including adding one drop of glue at each end of each feather. I hope to get much faster at it very soon.

Let me know what'cha think and how long it should take me to do one arrow this way....

 

 

 

Oh yeah, the wrinkles in the wraps just below the nock are the result of my arrows being tapered down for the last inch or so. Don't know why Easton did it that way on the orange shafts, but they didn't do the Legacys that way.

Doug

[Toklat1]

Nice!  

[BowHuntingFool]

Well done! They look great! No need to worry about being quick, take your time and enjoy, its fun!!!!!!!!      

[Talondale]

A tip for removing the backing: I use small scissors (like manicure scissors)for cutting my tape and trimming etc.  I apply the tape to the feather in the clamp and then open the scissors and using one blade scrape the edge of the tape and it usually picks up the red backing enough for me to press my thumb on it and pull off.  Real quick that way.

[ishoot4thrills]

Thanks everyone. And thanks Chuck, that's exactly the way I learned to do it too, after a few times of trying to do it differently. Using the scissors on my Leatherman tool now.

[tradtusker]

great job they look neat!

[ishoot4thrills]

Thanks Andy. Been shootin' that snakeskin Shrew much lately?

Doug

[BowMIke]

I like to tape on all the feathers then go back and add drops of glue front and back. This might help speed it up a little.

[KentuckyTJ]

Looking good Doug you taking orders?

[Plumber]

what the heck is the hurry? relax take your time have fun. they look fine.It is ashame about the tapper. are you useing a mouse pad to install the wraps? If not try that it might help some with the wrinkles. see ya buddy good luck

[ishoot4thrills]

Yes, I use a mouse pad. But, the tapered area is the only place I have wrinkles in the wrap. It's because the arrow is smaller diameter at the taper, thus the wrinkles. But, when I do my Legacys, I won't have to worry 'bout it.

Thanks for all the compliments, guys.  
I appreciate it.

Doug

[Leo L.]

Looks good!  I do like the other feller up there, put the tape on the feather while it's still on the roll, then cut it off, and use a utility knife to catch the edge and pull off the backing.  I LOVE FLETCHING TAPE!