Feather Splice How-to...Motor City Machete style

[T-D]

Mike,
Thanks for taking the time put this together.  

[Hawkeye]

One other thing that works well to give more precision to the shape of your fletching is to cut the quill to length with scissors before putting it in the chopper.  

If your chopper blade j-u-s-t clears the quill without needing to cut it, the job on the barbs of the feather looks "factory smooth".  No trimming of a "bump" should be needed.

[T Mowery]

Guy's,Whats the Trick to getting the Membrane to come off the Quill so cleanly? Mine always tend to bring Up, some of the White Pith with it.What am I doing wrong? Thanks!

[agtex42]

My method is as follows:

1. Place the feather in front of you with the base resting on a flat surface and the back of the feather to your left.  

2. Use your left hand to hold the rear of the feather in place and grasp the "frills" just above the membrane with your right hand.

3. While maintaining pressure with your left hand pull the frills toward the front of the feather with your right hand.  Don't pull straight up, but rather up and to the right.  

The Membrane should lift cleanly off the base within 1/4" of where you started your pull.  Continue to pull the membrane off in 2-3" increments and reset your left hand as necessary to keep the base from breaking.

I've found that the black dyed feathers are a little harder to work with (a bit more brittle) but for the most part this method works quickly and cleanly.

[Mike Vines]

Could be the feathers too.  I only use Truflight and natural turkey feathers.

[T Mowery]

Thanks Mike,That's what Im having trouble with,Black Truflight's!I'll keep practicing!

[Mike Vines]

Just put these together for a 1/2 dozen I'm going to donate to an archery club banquet.  This will be the cock, and then 2 traditional barred for the hens.

   

[T-D]

I can't get the link to work.

[Bud B.]

Try this one below Todd.

 

Originally posted by Mike Vines:
Just put these together for a 1/2 dozen I'm going to donate to an archery club banquet.  This will be the cock, and then 2 traditional barred for the hens.

   http://i846.photobucket.com/albums/ab28/miklvines/Tradgang/1215121849.jpg  

[Mike Vines]

There, just fixed it

[hardwaymike]

Those look great Mike. Hope i will have my stuff in time to make some pretty stumpin arrows for the bunny stomp. Wish me luck,lol Btw I haven't forgot that email,lol, just waiting for santa to bring a new keyboard. Mike

[Mike Vines]

Don't worry Mike.  No rush.  I think I'm going to put your tip on the back burner and head to Wyoming next year.  I do look forward to hearing from you though.  Any problems, gjve me a call.  As long as work doesn't get in the way, I will see you at the bunny stomp.

[ti-guy]

[Drewster]

Mike, I've been wondering how this is done.  Now you have my creative juices flowing.  Thanks a bunch!

[Mike Vines]

Well get practicing and get an entry in to the National arrow contest.  It will be this coming February.  Any questions about it, just ask.

[T-D]

Thanks Mike!

[Shedrock]

Nice, thanks!

[lad]

thanks.  great thread

[Richie]

Those are great

[pcappy08]

Going to have to try this