Fletching question

Kip · 11-18-2002, 12:58 PM

Let me know if you get sick of questions. <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
For building arrows, you can get feathers pre-cut, or full length feathers. I see that you can get feather choppers, and feather burners. I am told that you use the burner for arrows that are already fletched. Here's my question. What length are the full length? Do you cut the feather to length first, then glue on to the arrow, and then burn? This may sound stupid, but if you glue a 7" feather on the arrow shaft, and then burn it to 5", wont there be a mess where 2" worth the feather was burned off, and just the quill is left? Give me some guidance here, I need lots. <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

JRW · 11-18-2002, 01:26 PM

<font color=red>"What length are the full length?"</font id=red>

About 10".

<font color=red>"Do you cut the feather to length first, then glue on to the arrow, and then burn?"</font id=red>

Yes.

JRW

Kip · 11-18-2002, 01:36 PM

Thanks JRW.

Everytime I see your name, I picture that buck you just shot. Very nice buck.

LBR · 11-18-2002, 06:05 PM

Yep--what JRW said. One thing you might want to keep in mind--although burners are very versitile (just bend the wire to the shape/size you want), they also STINK (literally)! Just burn a feather to get an idea of how your house will smell if you use it inside (might also want to get a place to sleep lined up too, 'cause your wife is gonna' kick you out if you do it in the house). Choppers take a little getting used to, but I prefer them over the burner.

Keep them questions coming!

Chad

Long Bows Rule!

pat daily · 11-18-2002, 06:09 PM

what he said.

as far as the people that I know who cut own fletch they prefer the lilchopper or buy precut. the burner(smells bad, stinks, can't use in the house)but you can make your own original shapes with the burner.

From my own experience I am not really saving that much money by chopping full length feathers to my shapes. if you shoot 5" or longer feathers you can only get one prime fletch per feather. BUT if you shoot shorter you can get 2 or you can get a 3-4" fletch out of the left over from a 5". The leftovers make good beginner arrows for kids or flu-flus. I cut my own because I make some supersplice fletches, but you can supersplice with precut feathers also. It is all a matter of how much you want to do, as far as saving money goes I do not think it saves that much, but it sure is fun to shoot an arrow that you made from SOMEWHAT RAW materials.

THE ONLY STUPID QUESTION IS ONE NOT ASKED.

Kip · 11-19-2002, 01:49 AM

Thanks guys. I know I can always get good advice here. I lined up a place to stay if I decide to burn my own feathers. <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

Also, does anyone know where I can get some books on arrow building, and also bow building? I am limited on my capabilities on the internet, I have webtv. <img src=icon_smile_sad.gif border=0 align=middle>
We dont have a good sporting goods store around here where I can just go buy them. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Kip

Bill Schoenig · 11-19-2002, 07:19 AM

AH !! I love the smell of burnt feathers in the morning

My wife dos'ent mind the smell as long as I'm making HER arrows

Bill S. (Billstick)

pat daily · 11-19-2002, 08:06 AM

the best video i have seen on arrow building is from 3 Rivers, the books that i have found to be of most use are the traditional bowyers bible series for anything you want to know how to make archery wise.

Kip · 11-19-2002, 12:00 PM

Thanks Pat, I got a 3Rivers catalog last week. Im trying to figure out a way to get an order below $1000. <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> I will order the tape, and the "bibles" soon.

Bill, funny you mention the smell of the feathers. I have a friend that said "I really miss the smell of those feathers burning". I guess it must be an aquired smell. <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>