Two feather fletch

[shootrj2003]

Saw an old post by “ Randman” on a two feather fletch for primitive bows,I am intrigued by the method he showed,is he still around on here? This appeared to be ,basically just two feathers layed length wise quill forward and fastened ,one layed on each side of the arrow with the other feather end just unattached ,pretty simple.i am “going native” and would eventually like to hunt with and knap flint tips .

[Aaron1726]

Never tried it that way, but this thread has how I do mine, for reference.  But seems like everyone does it a bit different.
 
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,71905.0.html

[shootrj2003]

Well,that’s what it appeared like to me,a fellow name Randman” on here did it and up to yesterday I never knew of those super cool methods of fletching yours too now .I just ordered a dozen arrows from Silver Birch in Milford Pa. Near me I had 6 to be fletched and 6 to be left bare and I’ll try that way using my own Turkey feathers I’ve been looking to use for something.i also have a feral goose flocke here and wing feathers are easily found laying around.right now I am fletching carbons until the woods get here.i am using Gateways 4” in yellow and gray.

[shootrj2003]

Can artificial sinew be used or must it real real sinew,artifial sinew must be tied Ffor in some way as it does not dry and harden like real sinew,is there a source of real sinew?

[Aaron1726]

My 2 cents...

Don't waste your time with artificial sinew except maybe just to learn with.  You still have to knot it and it starts fraying and getting nasty after a few dozen shots.  I've tried coating the wraps with super glue, but that doesn't last either.

If you don't have sinew, cotton thread works pretty good, small enough thread that you can keep the wrap smooth, and then a thin coat of super glue over top to finish.  It will be tough and waterproof. 

Real sinew is the best in my opinion.  You can waterproof it with super glue or better yet a varnish made with pine pitch and alcohol.  This will be a really strong attachment and holds up great to a lot of shooting.

If you don't have your own sinew from deer or otherwise, I've been able to get some from etsy, but it's become pretty expensive.  Best bet is to get it from someone who hunts, or I've heard that processing places will hook you up if you don't mind doing the dirty work of cutting the leg sinew out.

Best of luck with your arrow building.  This place is great, I've learned a ton from reading through the old posts, too.

[shootrj2003]

Just as soon get the real stuff,I use artificial sinew for a lot of leatherwork in traditonal muzzleloading equipment and leather and other crafts ,I found sources of real sinew very quickly once I had a need thanks

[bjrogg]

I agree with Aaron. Real sinew works the best as it shrinks nice and tight so fletch stays tight. I waterproof with superglue to.

I really like two fletch.

Bjrogg

[JW_Halverson]

Ok, real sinew is gonna be the coolest and in some ways the easiest to deal with. But if all you have is artificial sinew, then use it!

Step 1) Split the fake stuff down. It usually comes in 5 or 7 strand configuration and splitting it down will mean less mass and less "hump" where you wrap down the fletch

Step 2) As you are laying it down, stretch it so tight you are afraid it is going to cut into your fingers.

Step 3) Once it is laid down, there is no absolute need to tie it off or slip it back under the previous several wraps. Instead, use your thumbnail to burnish it down tight to the shaft.

Step 4) Use a small amount of regular super glue on the artificial sinew and a fingertip to smooth it down. A few minutes later when the glue has cured, add a second layer. The CA glue burns up the wax and seals everything down HARD. Sometimes I will get a loose bit that has lifted and now presents a burr. Sand if off with 300 grit sandpaper and another little brush with superglue.

This is the technique I am using on movie prop Native arrows because I know come he!! or high water, rain or shine, the adhesive is not going to lift. And it looks pretty close to historically correct.