Fletching

[bigcat93]

Just tried to put together some arrows to shoot this weekend - first time trying to fletch with feathers (maybe it’s the company, wait they were cut etc) but the shaft/arrow contact on a couple was not great, seems like I can’t get a good seal because the bottoms aren’t concave like vanes.

does anyone have issues shooting with vanes off the shelf? Maybe the AAE trad Vanes bridge that gap? Trying not to spend $$$ on feathers

 

[Old squirrel]

I shoot trad vanes off shelf, no problems.

 

[arrow30]

heavy up on your glue a little and press the jig into the shaft a little

 

[Razorbak66]

Trad vanes will work but keep in mind they can be a little flimsy use 3” feathers cheaper than 5” or full length

 

[Heydeerman]

Might need to do a slight adjustment on the jig. You might also try fletching tape.

 

[Razorbak66]

Definitely adjust your jig Zach some brands of feathers are thicker and harder to conform A trick I use to do was borrow wife’s curling iron and get it hot and run the base of feather on it several times to soften it and place on clamp and adjust jig with feather on it starting from back and work to front and adjust accordingly until it fully seats. Once done all feathers will fit

Side note the curling iron makes a full length feather conform easily to make a spiral flu flu

 

[HuumanCreed]

Adjust your jig. Bitzenburger does great job on Trad Vanes. But it needed adjustments for sure.

 

[josh9284]

Another vote for the trade vanes. For me their more durable and fly great of the shelf.

 

[BTaylor]

Just tried to put together some arrows to shoot this weekend - first time trying to fletch with feathers (maybe it’s the company, wait they were cut etc) but the shaft/arrow contact on a couple was not great, seems like I can’t get a good seal because the bottoms aren’t concave like vanes.

does anyone have issues shooting with vanes off the shelf? Maybe the AAE trad Vanes bridge that gap? Trying not to spend $$$ on feathers

They arent working right because of your post count. You need to get off that. I agree with @Razorbak66, put a feather in the clamp, adjust the jig until everything lines up and tape them bad boys up.

 

[Fgirtyman]

Just tried to put together some arrows to shoot this weekend - first time trying to fletch with feathers (maybe it’s the company, wait they were cut etc) but the shaft/arrow contact on a couple was not great, seems like I can’t get a good seal because the bottoms aren’t concave like vanes.

does anyone have issues shooting with vanes off the shelf? Maybe the AAE trad Vanes bridge that gap? Trying not to spend $$$ on feathers

I'm shooting trad vanes off the shelf. Working good! I put slight pressure on both end of the clamp with my fingers a few minutes. Kind of a pain but sticks better on each end. Also a tiny dab on each end of the trads after they come out of the clamp. I been using Bohning Platinum glue. So far so good.

 

[HuumanCreed]

Natural/real feathers are not perfect at the base, most companies get 2-3 fletchings per real feather so some will be narrower and some will be thinner. Especially those old Gateways and Trueflights, they will not look as uniformed as vanes but with enough glues, they will stick just fine due to the feathers having a more textured surfaces. Or this has been my experience after 100+ arrows.

I'm ready for my first traditional 3D course this weekend! Goal is to have at least come home with ONE arrow intact!

 

[Longbowwally]

On Carbon arrows I have used fletching tape for years with a little bead of fletchtite at each end of feather....works well for me....wood or aluminum arrows do what arrow30 said.....