How important is a fletching jig?

[Eric Garza]

I've been looking at getting a fletching jig.  I wonder if others who make primitive arrows would be willing to offer their opinions as to how important a jig is vs. gluing the feathers on by hand like I've been doing?

Looking forward to hearing from folks.

-Eric

[Pat B]

Eric, I'd say that a fletching jig isn't important with primitive arrows. Obviously, you have been geting along without one. A jig does make it quicker and easier to fletch arrows so the question is do you want to of have the money to spend on a jig?
   I do use a jig most of the time but it was given to me years ago and is probably at least as old as I am.  There are simple methods of tying feathers on with a few hand made items. Check out some of the older posts for pics of these simple methods.    Pat

[Kegan]

Honestly, I don't like jigs. I use them for 3 fletch arrows, but usually just tie fletchings on in either a southeastern two-fletch or tertiary (?) fletch. Just wrap the top and bottom with sinew or thread.

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[Coo-wah-chobee]

                                         Like Pat said..........bob

[jamie]

real easy fletching jig
. piece of leather with a hole in it and three slits where the feathers sit. slide it down the shaft as you tie or wrap the fletcthing. then just slide it off when you are done

[koan]

Jamie thats to simple, theres no way it could work . Actually thats a great idea..gonna try it, thanks.....Brian

[Justin Snyder]

Yea, what Brian said. To easy, wont work.  I have a fletching jig, but I think I will try that idea anyway.  It would sure make it easier to wrap.  Justin

[Trapper]

I know this isnt primitive, but its what I do. I just use superglue and glue my cock feather on first, then the others accordingly , and then trim and wrap. I can probably fletch faster than with a jig. I can do a doz. arrows in about one hour . which is plenty fast enough for me, The only thing I use is the fletching clip too work my feathers in, and I use a dremel tool too take the spine of the feather down with. I dont strip them , that makes them too flemsy for me.      Trapper

[1/2primitive]

I have an article I wrote on hand fletching intended to go to PA, maybe I should finish it up and send it in.
Basically, I 'strip' the feathers and cut a small tail in either end to wrap. I first wrap the back, then spread glue on the inside of the feather, then wrap the fronts.
Hope this helps.
   Sean

[Kegan]

I have an article I wrote on hand fletching intended to go to PA, maybe I should finish it up and send it in.
Basically, I 'strip' the feathers and cut a small tail in either end to wrap. I first wrap the back, then spread glue on the inside of the feather, then wrap the fronts.
Hope this helps.
   Sean

You'd better, that sounds like an awsome article !

[1/2primitive]

All right then, I guess I will! 
    Sean

[Hillbilly]

Never used one. I do use a little leather or cardboard deal like Jamie's pic sometimes.