Fletching Aluminum Shafts, Need Help

[LostNation_Larry]

I've seen several discussions on this subject and I've personally spoken to Bohning and Easton at the ATA show on this subject.  Bohning is convinced Easton changed their process but Easton denies it.  Here are several options

-Clear arrow wraps.  We stock a 6" clear wrap just for this purpose.
-SSR shaft conditioner from Bohning.  We have used it for 10 years with good results.
-Scrub with something abrasive (0000 steel wool, Scotch Brite, cleanser such as Ajax)  Be sure to rinse clean with HOT water
-Change glue.  I've heard good things about NPV.  You have other suggestions above.

We use the SSR route.  I've had two customers mention an arrow losing feathers so we increased the soak time.  

Hope all this helps.

[Jon Stewart]

Grey Taylor, I have used the same glue Sixby uses since the 70's, Scotch 3 M super strength, It comes in a red and white tube and can be found at Hobby Lobby, walgreens and Joann Fabrics.

I use 120 grit sand paper and place it on the crest end of the arrow and with a back and forth motion pull the nock end thru the sand paper.  This abrades the feather end.  I use rubbing alchohol to clean and then glue the feathers onto the shaft. Some on here will say NO to rubbing alcohol but I have used it of 30 plus years and never had a feather problem.

[Grey Taylor]

I sure appreciate everyone's help on this. There isn't anything like finding out the feathers you fletched are falling off the shafts.
Based on the advice I've received here I've decided to go with cleaning the shaft with an abrasive cleaner and an abrasive pad, rinse with clean hot water and then clean again with denatured alcohol. I'll fletch with the 3M glue. I would have considered the Saunders glue but I only have one archery shop locally and he doesn't carry it. I do have Joanne's, Hobby Lobby, Walgreens, and Ace Hardware somewhat close to me. Someone's got to have that 3M glue on the shelf.
Some of the other suggestions for wraps, prep products, dipping, etc. make good sense but this is the only set of aluminum shafts I intend to do and then it's back to wood. I'd just as soon not get a bunch of products that I'll only use once.

Thanks again,  Guy

[LookMomNoSights]

Been a while since Ive shot aluminum,  but I use to dip mine in clear....just the fletch end, up to the crest graphic.  The glue then sticks nicely to the clear.   The fast route would be wraps.

[yukon chuck]

Cleaning and prep is everything. ScotchBrite pad, BonAmi powdered cleanser, hot water rinse and air dry. That's it. The slight buffing of the pad, and the cleanser that doesn't leave any real residuals behind, make for a good bond.

[GreyGoose]

I seem to be in the minority, but I do like wraps.  I clean with de-natured alcohol before I fletch.

[Caughtandhobble]

I use Platinum Fletch Tite with no problems. Like mentioned above, whether acetone or alcohol is used the surface needs to be rubbed down until it is dry and makes a squeaking sound, then it is ready to glue to.

[rick7]

fletch tape

[yukon chuck]

I have found that alcohol is not as good because there seems to be a residue, although invisible, left behind. This is the same stuff that makes isopropyl alcohol burn dirty in alcohol stoves.

[yukon chuck]

A cleanser like BonAmi is natural and leaves no residue.

[JamesV]

I spray all my shafts with Bull Dog Adhesive Promoter and never have any problem with any fletching glue.

[JamesV]

I spray all my shafts with Bull Dog Adhesive Promoter and never have any problem with any fletching glue.

[Stone Knife]

I did some without wraps all I did was clean the shaft with a scotch brite pad with acetone on it. I have shot those shafts hundreds of times with no feather loss. Used Fletch tite platinum glue.

[Steve D]

Glue wise give NPV by Saunders a try,been using it for years and never had a problem with it. Also as mentioned before scrub shafts with Ajax, it's a winning combo to keep feathers on.

[Wheels2]

Originally posted by Stone Knife:
I did some without wraps all I did was clean the shaft with a scotch brite pad with acetone on it. I have shot those shafts hundreds of times with no feather loss. Used Fletch tite platinum glue.

Same for me as well.  I also use the blue top Gorilla brand super glue but, although it dries quickly, it is a problem to remove fletching for re-fletching.  I have just decided to go back to the Platinum and allow extra drying time.

[dragonheart]

Sixby,

Is this it?

 

[SuperK]

NPV for aluminum.  Works great!

[Flinttim]

I've been having the same problems and have used the 3M stuff but I really like the E6000 adhesive from Walmart. It doesn't get brittle and bonds very well. I occasionally use tape but if the quill of the feather is not dead nuts  at a right angle to the rest  of the fletch the fletch will eventually lay over.

[LostNation_Larry]

Sorry this is so late, but Bohning confessed to a problem at the ATA show in January.  They had a bad run of Platinum Fletch Tite.  If you have any problem with the stuff, call Bohning and read them the code on the tube.  They can tell you if the stuff will work or not.

[JamesV]

Bull Dog adhesive promoter