Best use for new batch of feathers?

[Prarie Bowyer]

Ok so one of you sent me a sample of Turkey Primaries, you know just a few.

I had no idea they were that big.  I think I need a lesson in preping feathers.  OR, given the size and quantity I could just make a primitive hang glider.

[soy]

I would love to see the glider

[Prarie Bowyer]

Note to self.  DO NOT fly near sun.

[sadiejane]

that hang glider sounds cool.
but if you run outta things to do with all those feathers,
i'd be glad to help ya put em to use....

[bowtarist]

PB, Check out some of the old posts.  A lot of guys "strip" them off the quill, I've never tried it, but some like it and some say they loose their ridgidity.  Others stick a razor blade into a board and split them.  You'll have two separate feathers, keep them separate, they are different.  Once you split three freathers, you have fletching for one left wing and one right wing fletching job. Regardless of whitch wing was cut.  The quill will need to be ground down and some quill removed off the sides.  They sould be good to go.  Good luck and hopfull others will post more ideas for you.  dpgratz  If all else fails, Trial and Error Baby!!     

[sadiejane]

heres a pretty good vid about processing yr own turkey feathers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63s5WpXqWks
i'm one of those folks who has tried pulling the fletching off the quill.
personally prefer this fellas method of splitting with a good sharp knife.
 

[Gus]

You may be able to get more than one fletch from each side of the bigger feathers.
Or you could make Ishi stile fletch... LONG, low slung feathers.

-gus

[Prarie Bowyer]

I was thinking about tangential fletching but now that I look at them I don't want to waste them.  I think I will get two from each feather.

[bowtarist]

I was thinking about tangential fletching but now that I look at them I don't want to waste them.  I think I will get two from each feather.

PB, not sure what "tangential fletching" is, but if it's like eastern woodland indian, w/ 2 feathers folded over, using the whole feather, then usually they use tail or secondary feathers for that.  Anybody else???

[JW_Halverson]

I'm one of those jokers that prefers to "strip" the fletching from the quill.  Yeah, it loses all it's rigidity and flops like a hank of overcooked low quality spaghetti.  But that's why I glue 'em to an arrow shaft!  Puts the rigidity right back into 'em!

Some of the feathers don't strip perfectly and will actually split the quill and then I have to grind them down.  Grinding is just extra work as far as I am concerned. 

[Prarie Bowyer]

Did you guys see the Japaneese bow builder hammering the quils to break them and then peel and sand them? Darn You tube is so big I can't find the video now.

[Prarie Bowyer]

What parts do I need to make this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=e2nQ8HXBQGs

[sadiejane]

What parts do I need to make this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=e2nQ8HXBQGs

how bout this one. i have yet to do this, but have my pops old soldiering iron and will over winter.
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,23329.15.html

[bubby]

you need two bolts, 4 brass nuts, 4 brass washers, some piano wire or feather burner ribbons, a 6 volt battery charger and some wood for the stand, it's really simple, Bub

[Prarie Bowyer]

What parts do I need to make this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=e2nQ8HXBQGs

how bout this one. i have yet to do this, but have my pops old soldiering iron and will over winter.
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,23329.15.html

That is nice!