Feathers

[Piddler]

Do any of you have a preference of stripping feathers vs grinding.
Piddler

[Aaron1726]

Hi Piddler, what is your end goal for your fletching?  For me, if I am going to cut feathers with the chopper, then grinding gives me the best result.  But if not, then I like to just strip the feathers from the quill.  That said, I hate grinding/sanding feathers, it's just a stinky messy job.  I've come to like a 2 fletch with no grinding necessary, or a 3 fletch with stripped feathers and cut to shape with scissors.

Hope this helps answer your question.

[Pat B]

I usually grind feathers.I have nothing against stripping I just prefer to grind.  I use a burner to shape the fletching and it works fine with stripped and ground feather.

[Piddler]

Thanks for the replies. Aaron, End goal is just plain three fletch. Just curious if anyone had a significant preference one way or another. I've never tried to chop a stripped feather and stripped a few secondary's yesterday just for a little practice. It made me wonder how they would work in the chopper. I have a feather grinder and choppers. Works well for me. Usually fine sand them a bit when done.
Pat. I have choppers and don't have a burner.
Always try to see what other people do and why. Part of the learning curve as well as just plain curiosity.
Thanks,
Piddler

[burtonridr]

I usually slice with a sharp new utility knife, then I use sand paper to fine tune them. I've never had very good success with stripping. I use the same utility knife with a straight edge to shape the feather.

[JW_Halverson]

One of the tricks I learned with stripping feathers that cut down drastically on the ruined feathers is to steam the feathers first. I think they get too dry here and by running the shaft through a nice strong stream of steam seems to rehydrate the feathers. I get far, far better results with this method.

People told me years ago that stripped feathers are weaker because they no longer have the central shaft of the feather. Well, no. They don't. But they DO gain the shaft of the arrow to make up for it!!!

[burtonridr]

JW thats a great tip! I will have to try stripping again, and try that method 

[WhistlingBadger]

I strip mine, then trim the bottom with embroidery scissors if needed.  I stick them on the arrow full-height then trim them with sharp scissors.

Thanks for the tip, JW--I will definitely try that next time, too.