Arrow fletching questions

[MTArrowLauncher]

Hello all,

I am going to attempt to fletch my own arrows for the first time and I have a few questions. They are GT TRAD 3555 with onestringer arrow wraps.

#1. What's better and easier to use for a beginner, glue or fletch tape? And which brand of it?

#2. Where is a good place to get feathers, hopefully they are not too much in case I mess them up. And what if anything do I need to look for feather wise?

Thanks in advance

Fin

[BEN]

I like Bohning Fletch tape....Easy to use; just put a drop of super-glue on the front and back tips of the feather after pressing it on just to help hold the ends in place esp. when arrows find the grass.....

Lots of places to get feathers.....check out the sponsers on here; also, I've had good luck checking our classifieds on here; eso. for beginning---get some small batches, try out different color combos. I prefer chartruese (sp?)----- great visibility in low light.

Make sure you don't mix right and left wing feathers. Use 1 or the other.....won't make much difference......just don't mix on the same arrow.

hope this helps......

[giff]

I would use glue. I found that fletch tape pulls off easily.

3rivers sells feathers

[snag]

I like gluing fletchings to the shaft. I use a finish that Duco glue adheres to beautifully. So it is economical.
For processed feathers Trueflight are good. Might call Nocking Pt. or 3Rivers and talk with them.

[PaddyMac]

I am on my third dozen and I'm an expert already!    I've got 100 4" natural barred shields due via UPS any minute. This is what I've learned so far :

1. See Rob DiStefano's video.  http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000120

2. Do what he does. Lighter fluid. Tape. tip glue. Skip the burning for now.

3. 3 Rivers has a great selection of feathers. I shoot 4 inch shields and they always have them in stock in both solids and barred.

4. Get your wraps at onestringer.com. Best price by far and humongous selection.

5. If you're using a Bitz or Bitz type jig, double check your nock index seating.

6. Don't mix left and right wing.

7. Feathers don't want to go in the jig. There is a tool to tame them, but I've found that if you secure the little devils with one hand you can straighten them out with the other and push them in with the other.    

8. Run your thumb nail down the foot of the quill base to seat the fletching.

9. Use gel cm glue on the tips and don't use too much.

10. Try not to think too much while you're doing it.

   

[Blaino]

I used glue for a long time befor I found fletchint tape a few weeks ago.  I think bohning fletching tape is the cats mewow!

[m midd]

i like super glue for carbon and duco for wood. I have used tape a couple of times and its ok, but i prefer glue..

[ripforce56]

Check out Braveheart Archery if want sheild cuts, great prices and fast shipping! As to glue I use bohning Platinum fletchtite on carbons with wraps!

[MTArrowLauncher]

Ok, I got feathers from my local bow shop and some fletchtite platinum. Already had arrow wraps, so I think im good to go.

Thanks all

Fin

[gto_guy]

I only use tape now.It is so quick and easy.I just don`t have the patience to wait forever for the glue to dry.It would take all day to fletch a dozen without something like the jo jan multifletcher.Be sure if you have a right wing jig to use right wing feathers and vice versa

[Car54]

Make sure you clean your shafts with denatured alcohol 1st.