Arrow Fletching Question

[TMain]

New to arrow fletching and find that some of the 5" feather are a bit shorter. My gut tells me it is better to align the arrows evenly towards the nock versus having the feathers aligned towards the point. Appreciate your input.

[fletcherfor2]

New to arrow fletching and find that some of the 5" feather are a bit shorter. My gut tells me it is better to align the arrows evenly towards the nock versus having the feathers aligned towards the point. Appreciate your input.

I align the rear end of the feather in the jig clip. I don't pay any attention to the length of the front end in the clip.

[huntinpool]

I align the rear end of the feather in the jig clip. I don't pay any attention to the length of the front end in the clip.

X - 2 They are usaully within an 1/8 " the back of the feather is what I have measured out to touch the tip of my nose at full draw. Not touching and something is out of line.

[rubydog]

What they said... What feathers are you using? I find the problem very rare with Trueflight feathers.

[bbs383ci]

same here line the back up and let her fly

[TMain]

Gateway Feathers

[rubydog]

Give Trueflight a try. The fletch is ground closer to the quill whereby having less pith. When glued down you will have a more durable feather due to the fact that if you skid an arrow across the ground the fletch wont peel back. FWIW

[fletcherfor2]

Give Trueflight a try. The fletch is ground closer to the quill whereby having less pith. When glued down you will have a more durable feather due to the fact that if you skid an arrow across the ground the fletch wont peel back. FWIW

Question Terry,

I bought a video on arrow making when I ordered the equipment and started making my own a few years ago. In the video they said to use a razor blade to cut the leading edge of the feather and through the quill (is this the pith?) after the glue dries at a very low angle to the shaft. Their rational was to lessen the chance of the quill going into your hand if you miss-fired (badly).

I have always done so (because the video said to). I also apply a drop of glue to the leading and trailing edge of the feather (after the glue dries and after further tapering the leading edge) and then smear the drop smooth. I also use Trueflight feathers. Is this additional tapering necessary or advantageous?

At the very least I figure it decreases the drag on the arrow flight and gets me an additional 2 fps in speed.

It also tends to negate the difference in feather length that TMain is concerned about.

[Night Wing]

I align the rear end of the feather in the jig clip. I don't pay any attention to the length of the front end in the clip.

I do the same. I also use Gateway feathers.

[TMain]

Fletcherfor2 to me it makes sense to put a drop of glue on the tip and trailing edge however I am new to this so defer to the experts on the forum.

[fletcherfor2]

Fletcherfor2 to me it makes sense to put a drop of glue on the tip and trailing edge however I am new to this so defer to the experts on the forum.

I take it your name is Terry too? I was asking Terry Dunn (Rubydog). Thanks though.

What I'm asking is in re: to the benefit (or not) of further tapering the leading edge.

[TMain]

Yes I am Terry also. I defer to the "real expert" Terry.

[Deb]

TMain-pm sent.

[rubydog]

Question Terry,

I bought a video on arrow making when I ordered the equipment and started making my own a few years ago. In the video they said to use a razor blade to cut the leading edge of the feather and through the quill (is this the pith?) after the glue dries at a very low angle to the shaft. Their rational was to lessen the chance of the quill going into your hand if you miss-fired (badly).

I have always done so (because the video said to). I also apply a drop of glue to the leading and trailing edge of the feather (after the glue dries and after further tapering the leading edge) and then smear the drop smooth. I also use Trueflight feathers. Is this additional tapering necessary or advantageous?

At the very least I figure it decreases the drag on the arrow flight and gets me an additional 2 fps in speed.

It also tends to negate the difference in feather length that TMain is concerned about.

If you were to turn the feather over and look at the surface that is to be glued directly to the shaft it will be white and look and feel kind of like styro foam. That is the pith. The thicker the pith the weaker the fletch. This due to the fact that the pith is the weakest link in the chain so to speak. The closer the feather is ground to the actual quill the stonger the bond. Here are my findings on the quality of feathers based on how they are ground and consistency. #1 Trueflight #2 AMG #3 Gateway.. I do understand that some will disagree with me purely based on what they buy and used. Now to answer your question. If you are using Trueflight feathers and making sure your feathers are "seated" good when glued there is no need for the extra steps. I do however recommend you continue to tip the leading edge with glue. I hope this helps.

The other,

Terry

[fletcherfor2]

Thank you Mr. Dunn.

I'll probably continue to shave the leading edge though because I just hate change. Remember my hole having glove?