Well, I see a few posts here and there asking how hard if it to fletch your own arrows. I'm laid up on the couch sick, bored, and I just got some new arrows, so I figured it would be a great opportunity to do a write up.
First of all, you need to get yourself a fletching jig. I HIGHLY recommend getting a Bitzenburger. You'll only have to buy one in your life. It's constructed out of alumminum, so it's built to last. They are more expensive than other jigs on the market but it's worth the money.
Next plan of action is gathering all of the materials you will need. You will need the jig, arrows, fletchings, a good glue (I really like AAE Fastset gel or FasFletch) both are really good glues and Q-Tips (I was out, so I used a paper towel).
After that you want to place the arrow into the nock reciever, with the flat portion of the knob facing upwards.
Next you want to adjust the jig, to how you are wanting to fletch your arrows. I am a fan of using a right helical. That's the method I'm going to be using here. Adjust the top knob, a few degrees to the right.
The next step is to place the vane in the clamp, remember to put the back end of the vane on the same mark everytime. After getting the vane situated like you want to, it's time to apply the glue. You want to go sparingly, so you don't have alot of excess (I have problems with this
).
After applying the glue to the vane, place the clamp on the magnet, that is on the jig. After putting it on the magnet, ease the clamp and the vane down onto the arrow shaft. Press and hold tightly. I'm using FastFletch here, so I only hold it tight for about 5 seconds.
After holding it tightly, take the paper towel, or the Q-Tips and clean off the excess glue from around the vane.
Rotate the knob to the left and repeat the steps.
Here is the finished product.
So you want to learn how to fletch your own arrows?
