Why I don't like 5 1/2 inch high shields

[jbb]

I normally shoot regular 5 inch shield feathers.  I got the bright idea a couple nights ago to fletch up a batch of arrows with 5 1/2 inch high shield feathers to see how they would fly.  OUCH!  That extra feather height put a couple nice cuts on my finger.  Looks like I need to order some more five inch feathers because I don't want to change my grip.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

just cut down the hight of them.

[jbb]

Well I guess cutting them down might be the cheaper way to go...  Maybe I will hold off on either option for a few days; I should be getting a second bow soon. maybe I can shoot them through that one without any problem.  

I never thought I would end up getting more accidental cuts from feathers than from broadheads.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

You know the BH's are sharp, But you don't think about the feathers till it's to late....

[Gil]

You can try rotating the nocks also.

Gil

[Ron LaClair]

Jeff, you shouldn't be getting feather cuts from the 5 1/2" shields. Cuts are usually caused by the leading edge of the quill. Run your finger up the shaft to the feather and feel if there's any ridge there. If there is you can trim it down smooth with a very sharp knife.

If your right handed and shooting RW feathers there may be a problem with feather clearance. Turn your arrow cock feather in and see if it makes a difference. You should be shooting LW if your right handed.

[jbb]

What you say makes sense Ron, and that has me thinking:  do you think tight nocks might be causing the problem?  I haven't had a chance to fit them to the string yet, and they are pretty tight. I got anxious to start shooting and see how they fiew.

[mike g]

As Ron mentioned, Cock feather in will help, and when thet break in they wont be as bad....
    Put a Bandade on your finger that will help also....

[R.W.]

Had the same problem with cutting my knuckle with the fletching.
Turned the cock feather in, against the riser, and started wrapping the leading edge of the fletching with waxed dental floss.
Don't get a cut knuckle anymore, and the fletches don't get pulled away from the shaft, when they pass through my target butt.  

[Allan Hundeby]

Originally posted by Ron LaClair:
If your right handed and shooting RW feathers  

I don't understand why this would make a difference.  Can you explain it, please, Ron?

[30coupe]

You could also put a dab of glue on the end of the quill. I use Duco cement for this and haven't cut a finger since.

[702plmo]

I second what 30coupe said.

[B M A]

I always trim the leading edge & dab with glue on arrows I build.  I shoot off my hand with my selfbows and have never been cut.
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Brock Wardle
 www.bullmtnarchery.com
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Go for it now. The future is promised to no one.
***Wayne Dyer***

[Henkel]

Allan; My guess is, that you will hellical R and L different , and the quill point in or out

[Allan Hundeby]

Right, but I still don't understand how that affects an arrow in paradox.