Switching from RW to LW Feathers

[GMMAT]

I need to make the switch.  I like to use the feather touching my nose as an anchor reference...and LW is just more accomodating.

I looked on RMSG's site.  They have the LW clamp, but they reference paying special attention to the "indexer".  Help a brother out. I'm not sure what they're referring to (only that they don't have them....lol).  What will I need and where can I get it?

Anybody got a LW clamp and want a RW?   :D  

Thanks!

[McDave]

The indexer is the knob you turn at the bottom of the fletcher to rotate the arrow from one feather to the next.  It is convenient if this indexer is calibrated so that you can glue on the nock before you fletch the arrow, and have the feathers end up where you want them to be.  If you use adjustable nocks, you don't need to worry about this so much, as you can rotate your nock after the arrow is fletched.  It's still more convenient, though, if the indexer is calibrated so you don't have to do that.  

The Martin fletcher (  http://search.3riversarchery.com/search?w=martin+fletcher  ) allows you to change the calibration of the indexer, within a certain range, which is convenient.  The Bitzenberger doesn't have an adjustable indexer, but sometimes you can experiment and use one of the other stops for the cock feather and get what you want.  Or just get another indexer from Three Rivers or someplace.

[GMMAT]

I think the one I have spaces them evenly (3 feathers).  Well...I know it does, but I'm wondering if that's what you're talking about.

I use carbons and can manipulate it (nock) after they're fletched.

So all I need to do is switch clamps???

Thank you.

[McDave]

That's correct, as long as you use a LW clamp, you can live with the RW indexer by adjusting the nock after you have fletched the arrow.

[George D. Stout]

Jeff, you can adjust the nock on that carbon so the feather touches the nose, can't you?  I would try it and see if the arrow passes okay before changing.

[GMMAT]

George....I CAN, but it's easier on LW feathers.  The leading edge is "above" the trailing edge (forgive my lack of trad lingo exertise) on LW, and with my 3 under draw it just lines up better (fletched HARD helical).

If I'm wrong about this, I'm all ears!

[McDave]

You're right, if you want to shoot 3 under and have the cock feather touch your nose, you will get better fletching clearance using LW than RW feathers.

I'd recommend refletching only one or two arrows and shoot them for a while, because you might decide that the feathers should be moved forward or back a little on the shaft as you get used to the new anchor.

[GMMAT]

What got me thinking of trying this is I traded for some arrows....and they were/are LW fletched.  I LOVE THEM.  

When I built my hunting arrows fot the fall, I used the only clamp I had (RW).  I don't like it nearly as much.

I'm gonna try to trade clamps.....and if I can't, I'll call Tommy @ RMSG and order a LW clamp.

Thanks, all....

[Fletcher]

I'm assuming you are working with a Bitzenburger jig.  Look on the flat of the nock indexer.  If it is blank, you will likely be able to use a left helical clamp without any problem.  If there is an "R" stamped on it you will probably want to replace it with a left (stamped with an "L") indexer.  

The unmarked "standard" indexer was all there was for many years.  The L and R indexers were made to give better cable clearance for the early compound thingys.

[George D. Stout]

I'm sure no expert Jeff, I'm a split finger guy.

[pebowbender]

Jeff, If you're going to "clock" your nocks after you fletch then you don't HAVE to have a new indexer. Both left and right indexers clock the fletches at 120 degrees(360 divided by 3). The different indexers are important if you use glue on nocks. I have seen people wanting to trade clamps in the classifieds.

[GMMAT]

Traded clamps.  Thanks to all.