ORIGINAL: LBR
You can leave a burn mark on the shaft with the burner if you aren't careful. I don't know of a way you can get a consistent burn without the feather being on the shaft first. And they stink!
I prefer a chopper myself--the Vario is great. Probably going to start using 4-4" feathers since feathers have shrunk--can't get two good 5" cuts anymore.
Chad
Make a simple jig like I suggested and you can burn all the feathers you want and never touch a shaft. the popsicle stick serves as the shaft and the shorter feather template holds the feather in place. Works wonders.