The above advice is good. Using the Bitz is not quite as easy for a first-time fletcher, as GFA wrote about (for me anyway) or as simple as the accompanying manual in the box would lead you to believe. To me, it is more of a "feel" thing. However, once you get the feel or hang of it, using the the Bitzenburger is "easy". I would also suggest for the first-time fletcher to go with a straight-clamp and just off-set your fletching (follow the RW/LF rules of course) a little. You'll get good arrow flight and I found it much easier to have early success vs. using the helical clamp. Good luck!