The accelerator is definately not needed, especially if you use the AAE vanes, but from my experience it really has helped in speeding up the process and getting a superior bond. The first time I used the accelerator it wasn't even being marketed for arrow making. I happened to have some left over from building radio controlled airplanes and I thought....maybe this will help...
When I realized how effective it was I should have started selling Jimimac's Arrow Cure....but alas.............day late and a dollar short.......again