How do you fletch your arrows?

[Arthur Herrmann]

I have bought myself 100 5 1/2" shield highback fletchings from Three Rivers Archery. The fletchings are slightly curved along the length. I can't put them on the shafts too quickly, and need to revise my technique.

I would like to know if all fletchings are slightly curved, where you buy them, and how you put them on.

[JackCrafty]

I think Three Rivers has videos on Youtube that show how to use their fletching jigs.  There are also lots of threads (in various forums) on this topic.

As for me, I'm very primitive.  I buy whole wings, remove the feathers, grind them by hand (with help from a dremmel tool), lash them on with thread or sinew, and trim with scissors or razor blade.  No jigs, no glue along the quill, no clamps, no feather chopper, and no fancy nothin'.

[George Tsoukalas]

I don't understand the question but my site may help you.
Jawge
http://mysite.verizon.net/georgeandjoni/simplearrow.html

[sailordad]

As for me, I'm very primitive.  I buy whole wings, remove the feathers, grind them by hand (with help from a dremmel tool),

i think its cool ya do it by hand,but i wouldnt say thats primitive when you use a dremmel.

i dont think you would find a dremmel mark on otzies(? i think the speeling may be right) arrows.so maybe not so primitive as it would be handmade.

but heck i like the idea of being done by hand. i am currently working on my own handmade arrows. i dont plan on using any  power tools at all,unless you count a pocket knife and elbow grease as a power tool.

                                                                           peace,
                                                                                 tim

[JackCrafty]

You're right Sailordad, the dremmel is not primitive at all....but the results LOOK primitive.  Does that count? 

[Justin Snyder]

The curve is caused by the natural shape of the feather.  If it is right wing or left will determine if it curves left or right.  It also determines which way the arrow will spin and which way you need to apply them if you add any helicoil.  You can buy a fletching jig or just keep practicing by hand. You will get the hang of it and it will go faster with time.  Justin

[sailordad]

well i guess ifn no one sees you using it and they look primitive,well thats all that really matters

                                                 peace brother,
                                                              tim

[alfadee]

i put my feathers onto a duct tape and cut them with scissors. on the duct tape you can draw the shape on the feather very easily.
then i glue them on the shaft by hand.
with a little training you can glue them as straight as with a fletching tool

david

[1/2primitive]

I fletch by hand, it takes practice, but after a while it gets easier.
    Sean

[nugget]

I  fletch most of mine by hand. I Have started to Use the eastern 2 fletch . I like it,no glue just tie them on with a little helical . works and lokks great.

[son of massey]

   Its not as tough to fletch all by hand as it may seem at first, it just takes some getting used to.   A few wraps around the rear end of the first feather holds it in place, then a few wraps around the next, and so forth, lets you get them in place pretty easily.   The just wind around the fletching making sure the feathers stay more or less evenly spaced.
   you dont have to buy anything, really.   i just keep my eyes open for goose feathers earlier in the summer and turkey a little later in the year, a feather here or there really does accumulate pretty well.   You can strip them by hand-the feather part peels off pretty easily from the core and it is ready to go.   The only purchased thing that i like to use is dental floss or sewing thread for the binding.   practice fletching a dowel rod a few times, you will get a system for all the little stuff by the 6-10th time, after a dozen or two your arrows will have perfectly nice looking fletching and you can start to embellish a little bit.   done be scared off though-the first one-four or so that you do will be a really frustrating, difficult task-but it gets better. SOM

[Arthur Herrmann]

Kegan has showed me his 5 minute no jig fletching technigue, and it is my favorite. My best time is 6 min 40 sec! I am able to wrap the back ones, then pull the feathers straight, then wrap the front. I have even put a helical twist on some of them.

They fly great! Now I just need to learn how to shoot correctly and improve my aim!

Thanks everyone.

[1/2primitive]

I have also tried the Eastern woodland two fletch, as mentioned before. Fletching this way, I have made an arrow in 15 minutes. From raw dowel shaft/materials to finished arrow. I have not gotten it to fly well for me, but I'm determined to get it to work.
     Sean

[Pat B]

I put a good helical on the 2 fletch and it seems to help. I found that a quarter turn(90deg) works well for the 2 fletch.
Sean, Are you laying the feathers up side down on the shaft(back of feather on shaft). That makes them fly better.   Pat

[Stonedog]

I use a Bitzenburger....primitive or not....it makes it easy, fairly quick and work awesome to boot!