I have had the problems with Cyano-acrylate gels on feathers that you mention, but feathers aren't harder than vanes just different. I went shopping last summer and picked up as many different types of glues as I could find and tried them on my feathers; a somewhat expensive proposition mind you, but I use super glue for all types of things anyway. The ones that I didin't like for fletching were used around the house on things the kids break regularly and others went with me on hunting and fishing trips to seal up cuts I always seem to get on my hands (works better than a band-aid).
Anyway, I found that, for me, I like the Krazy Glue Advanced Formula the best. Many people like the gels because they don't run, but I find them messy and slower to dry; this glue is
not a gel. However I also find it does not run as much as others. The applicator in the KGAD bottle is of a design the helps prevent running and is better than most at preventing clogging after use. One thing that this glue seems to do is
slightlysoak into the feather base. I was concerned this might make the feather brittle and fall off, but it does not. Once the feathers are on there, they are not coming off. In fact, I've never have had one come off since using it. Also as a note, I use wraps, and each feather dries in about a minute at room temperature (70 degrees or above). Give it a try, it works very well.
fletching feathers
