I want to fletch my own arrows

ISHOOTSHARPSTIX · 01-05-2004, 03:59 PM

I have always gone to the not-to-local archery shop to buy my arrows and to have them re-flectched. I shoot carbon express 300's, dipped and feathered (4 inch). What do I need to fletch my own arrows? To dip'em? Can I attain the same precision and quality as the archery shop or is the cost to do so prohibitive?

TreePhantom · 01-05-2004, 05:14 PM

I can't help you w/ the dipping, but I have a Bitzenburger jig. It's awesome, but not necessary if you don't have the $ (highly recommended though). The Grayling fletcher is also an option. Check places on the web, you can get great deals on feathers. 91% isopropyl alcohol. Dull knive. Glue (i use Fletch-Tite, others scorn at the sound of it). If you want to save time, get cheap super glue. Be cautious though, S.glue gets very brittle and feathers can "crack" off.

JeffB · 01-05-2004, 05:18 PM

You can purchase the standard CX arrows pre-dipped from the factory. We have them @ the shop, and IIRC they sell for a bit more than the 3D Selects.

Also, you can use one of the cheaper and easier to apply "wraps" to give a "dipped" look. However, IME they are not nearly as durable as a good coat of wierd dream inducing Bohning laquers

Arthur P · 01-06-2004, 08:14 AM

To do the dipping isn't too expensive. Buy the lacquer and a crown dip tube (the short one) for about $30-35 and go for it. The cresting machine... now that's where you can run into some money, from $100-150. Unless you've got a low rpm motor, a rheostat and scrap lumber and spare time on your hands to make one. Go check out the prices on dip tubes, lacquers and cresting kits at 3 Rivers.

www.3riversarchery.com

You can get a fletching jig from dang near any dealer. I like the Bitzenberger but I've fletched many, many dozens of arrows on a JoJan.

As to whether you'll get the 'precision and quality' of what the pro shop turns out, that's very dependent on a number of factors. How good is the guy at the pro shop? How good are you or, at least, how good are you capable of getting? Like everything else, you get better with practice.

Then, some of the arrow wraps Jeff mentioned really do look pretty sharp...

PA Hardwoods · 01-06-2004, 09:06 AM

I've found some great deals on feathers on Ebay, much cheaper than buying them from bass pro or cabelas. I personally like arrow wraps as opposed to dipping. I currently make and design my own arrowwraps. They take much less time to apply and in my opinion they help your fletching stick better. I have made and sold custom arrowwraps to a few of the members on this message board. You can have them designed any way you want with just about any colors you can think of. I sell them for $15 for the first dozen and $10 for each additional dozen of each design you want made. They are made of the same vinyl that is used to letter vehicles, and only weigh in the neighborhood of 10 grains a piece. If you what to find out more or see some samples of work i've done you can contact me at customarrowwraps@yahoo.com

ISHOOTSHARPSTIX · 01-06-2004, 11:10 AM

Thanks for the info guys. It has helped me move to the next level of questions.
When looking at the various jigs, there is an option to order right, left, or straight. Which do I order and why? I am a right-hander if that matters. Ordering feathers also presents options: Parabolic or Shield, RW or LW. Again, which do I want and why? Lastly, in my web-travels looking at the various jigs I have come across an Arizona E-Z Fletch. How does it compare to the Bitzenburger?

Carphunter · 01-06-2004, 11:18 AM

I've used an Arizona EZ on my XX75's for quite some time now. It has worked great (I just used their Left Helical model).

Only trick to it is to make sure you got it set so it's indexed for your rest (first batch of arrows I made, I accidently spun the internal holder that keeps it indexed. It turned into a good learning experience since I got to refletch 8 arrows right away

)

I don't know yet if I buy carbons for my new bow if I'll stick with the Arizona line, or try something else...

bobo21 · 01-06-2004, 12:31 PM

The arizona EZ fletcher works great. Their new line uses a more durable plastic than some of there older models. The good thing is you can re-fletch and arrow just about anywhere.

Arthur P · 01-06-2004, 03:32 PM

Right wing feathers must be matched to right wing clamps. Left wing feathers must be matched to left wing clamps. I do not like using straight clamps with feathers.

Anyway, first thing to do is check the dealers around you and find out which feather is most available locally. There seems to be some regional differences. Around my neck of the woods, most all the dealers have right wing feathers and no left wing. Other places have left wing feathers but no right wing. If you have a left wing clamp and live where all you can get is right wing, then you're S.O.L. if you get in a situation where you need feathers quick.

Match your clamp to what you can get your hands on in an emergency.

Parabolic or shield... doesn't matter as far as performance or accuracy. It's what appeals to your eye. I like the look of shield cut so I use shield cut. I've used parabolic and bannana cuts too and wouldn't hesitate to fletch up with them at any time.

Arizona EZ-fletch is a totally different beast. I've never used one so I can't make a comparison. But a Bitz simply cannot be beat for durability, versatility and precision.