I am currently using a Grayling fletching jig to fletch my arrows. I am trying to fletch Beman ICS hunter 400 arrows. I am having two problems.

1. I can' t seem to get the fletchings to stick completely along the entire length of the arrow. I am using Bohning 4" vanes. I have tried the right and left helical and at many different offsets. I was wondering if a Bitzenburger jig is alot better. The grayling jig just seems to allow the vane to stick up on one side or the other. I have to press very hard to get the vane to come into complete contact with the arrow.

2. What type of glue should I use. I am using AAE fastset gel. I have used this on aluminum with no problems. I have recently used this on my carbons and everyonce in a while I have a vane fall off. I have cleaned the shaft and vane with Isopropyl alcohol. I have also tried Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) and acetone on the shaft.

Any help would be nice. I have never had problems until I started to use carbons. It is like the smaller diameter shaft makes one side of vane not come in contact with the shaft. I thought I could press hard enough on the jig and get them to stick but that is not working out well.

Prob 2 first.... IF you are using the fastset gel, DON' T wipe the base of the vane. The vanes USUALLY have a chemical on them to make them adhere better with AAE fastset. I know AAE vanes have this chemical on the base.

Prob. 1. IF your vanes are not setting perfectly on the arrow the entire lenght that means you have either too much or too little offset applied. I would place the vane in the clamp but have a little space between the base and the clamp edge. Then place vane on the arrow and adjust the jig until the vane base rest on the the arrow the entire length.

DON' T get discouraged. It takes some patience and a little trial and error to get it perfect.

ENJOY. It is supposed to be fun.[8D]

Are you cleaning the shaft first? I use a fine sandpaper (220) and lightly sand the fletch area and then wipe with alcohol. I use the slower setting fletch-tite glue and rarely have a vane come off unless it' s zipping through a pig.

Btomlin,

I have wiped the vanes with alcohol and without the alcohol and have the same results. I don' t think the Bohning vanes have the added adhesive.

Justhunt,

I have thought about the sandpaper but used some steel wool instead. It did not do much for texture. I am cleaning the shafts. With multiple solvents. I think I might try a glue like yours.

All I use to clean the carbons I do is clean them with a wet rag, then when they' re dry fletch them.
You' re right that bohning vanes don' t have the activator for a fast set up.
You should be able to get the jig set so the base of the vane contacts the shaft for it' s full length.
The only other thing I can think of is that the alcohol you' re using may be rubbing alcohol that has an oil in it.