new to fletching

bklyn215 · 09-09-2006, 08:47 PM

i like to know what do i need to get started i know arrow shafts and vanes but never did this before what kind of fletcher and how does it work

Rob/PA Bowyer · 09-09-2006, 08:54 PM

I have a Bitzenberger fletcher and have read many people on here have them as well. Another good one for multiple fletching at a time is the JoJan.

It's not difficult. You place the fletch in the clamp, add glue and place the clamp on the arrow shaft. Repeat for each fletch until complete. Next arrow do the same thing.

mobow · 09-10-2006, 01:07 AM

The Bitz is by far the best jig on the market. But with it comes a price. For half the money I have a Grayling, and it works just as well. Get the jig of your choice, there are many to choose from. JoJan, Bohning and several others. You'll need the fletching of choice, and your glue of choice. The only comment I'll say on glue is use a cyanoacrylate. Pine Ridge, Bohning Quantum XT, Goat Tuff, stuff like that. I've used Fletch Tite, and I just don't like it. Not a very good bond. Anywho, that's really about it. It's pretty darn simple, but don't be upset when you mess the first one or two up. It takes a little practice, but it's not difficult in the least.

bagem · 09-10-2006, 06:50 AM

I have been using the Arizona, which fletches all 3 feathers at the same time. It works well, but my pro shop guy pointed out that it doesn't put as much helical curve on the feather as the bitz. For what that's worth.

Rob/PA Bowyer · 09-10-2006, 09:49 AM

bagem brings up more to comment on. Helical. Yes helical is a great aid and a good way to fletch an arrow to optimize spin compared to straight. I'd recommend buying a jig like the Bitz with a straight clamp. This allows you to adjust the jig to fletch with an offset. (Offset fletch lays across the shaft at an angle/Helical wraps around the shaft) With a straight clamp and offsetting the jig, you can control rest clearance if shooting through a shoot through rest, if your using a drop away, that isn't an issue.

As Rick James pointed out in another thread and I concurred, Offset will do the exact same job as a helical, but you have more control over the fletching variations that are sometimes needed.