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Old 03-12-2007 | 07:21 AM
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BGfisher
Nontypical Buck
 
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Middletown PA United States
Default RE: what you need to refletch your arrows

If you plan on doing this for any length of time I would suggest the following:

Bitzenberger jig (straight, or left/right helical would be your choice). The Bitz is undeniably the best jig made. They last for decades (mines over 30 years old). One jig can be used for straight or left/right helical just by changing clamps and adjusting the clamp accordingly. Did I say you'll never wear it out????

Fletching---your choice here. That's part of the idea of doing your own. You get to experiment. Vanes, feathers, you name it.

Glue- there are lots on the market. Used pretty much all of them. Superglues are faster setting, but become brittle on the arrow and can be a pain to clean off the shaft. I prefer Fletchtite Platinum. It works pretty well on aluminum or carbon arrows. One tube lasts a long time.

Shaft stripper-- people make them too. Waste of money. I've used knives and all the strippers. Good ole single edged blades for utility knives work as well as anything. You just have to learn how to quide them with your finger and maintain the angle you need to not gouge carbon arrows. It's a learning process.

Shaft cleaners--Scotchbrite for roughing the shaft where the fletching will be applied. Rougher surface gives better adhesion. Solvents-- Acetone or denatured alcohol or 91% alcohol work as well as anything. Do not soak carbon arrows in acetone as it will destroy them. DO NOT use isoprphyl or rubbing alcohol as this had oils in it that leads to poor adhesion.

That's pretty much all you need to get started' Keep it simple.


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