Feather Cutter??

[bowtarist]

I'm thinking about trying to aquire a feather cutter, maybe like the lil' chopper.  Just wondering what you all thought the best style was?  I kinda figured on a traditional cut because it looks like I could trim that cut if I wanted and get either a shield cut or a parobolic cut.  Does it work that way or not?  Maybe someone has a better idea for me here too.  If anybody's got good ideas, you all do.  Thanks for any help.   

dpgratz

[Pat B]

I have used feather choppers but prefer to burn my feathers instead of chopping. I can get a more consistant fletching this way. You can also make up different styles of fletching just by shaping other heat ribbons(available at 3Rivers for about $1.50)  Feather burners(Young) are pretty expensive but you can make one with an electric soldering gun.

[bowtarist]

Ahh, just the info I'm looking for.  I've got several old soldering guns I no longer use.  How do you go about that?  Is there a link on here somewhere from the past?  Thanks Pat.

[mullet]

 I have a brand new burner still in the box. I haven't used it yet because it seems to be quicker to just grab a chopper and bang away. You just have to be sure your feathers are in there straight.

[Pat B]

I have seen a link somewhere but can't remember where. My be here of on TradGang. The soldering gun is already set up with a resister so it is safe to use for a feather burner.

[bowtarist]

Pat, I'll look for it.

Mullett, what style do you cut?

Thanks guys, dpg

[mullet]

 I like the Traditional and P&Y.

[osage outlaw]

I made a burner out of some scrap 1x board, some carriage bolts, and some ribbons from 3rivers.  I use a car battery charger to provide the juice to heat the wire.  It works great, and only cost a couple of bucks for the ribbons.

[frankg]

Found a pretty easy one like osage outlaw described.

http://www.bambooarrow.com/burner.html

[neuse]

I have a little chopper P&Y cut, it takes a little bit to learn how to use it with consistent results, but I like the P&Y shape.
I just ordered another P&Y and Barracuda cutter from Herb Haines who sells Vario clipper, supposed to be better than the Little Chopper.
I have a burner but have a terrible time doing a good job with it.

[bowtarist]

Thanks for the info guys.  Anybody know how to get ahold of Herb?  I'm pretty intrigued now.  Probably end up w/ one of each.    Thanks again, dpgratz

[neuse]

Google Herb Haines Archery.

[Eric Krewson]

I have used both little chopper and Vario chopper. If you are going to chop a few feathers I would stick with the little chopper for less than $20, It does a pretty good job once you learn how to keep your feather in the same place every time you chop.

If you plan on chopping a lot of feathers the Vario is the way to go but they are expensive. I think I payed over $80 for mine. It chops a very even fletching and has a slot to hold the quill of a feather in position while you chop.

If you decide you want another shape for your Vario you can order just the cutter head to fit your base. I have a 5 1/2" shield for me and a 4" shield for my wife's arrows.

[PeteC]

I built one of the feather burners you can find on-line. Less than 5 bucks for parts.I power it with my battery charger set on 6 volts.It works great, and has for years. God Bless

[bowtarist]

I built one of the feather burners you can find on-line. Less than 5 bucks for parts.I power it with my battery charger set on 6 volts.It works great, and has for years. God Bless

Pete, where on-line?

Thanks for the replys guys.