Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Arrows => Topic started by: alwayslookin on January 26, 2015, 01:12:28 pm

Title: newbie
Post by: alwayslookin on January 26, 2015, 01:12:28 pm

Hey guys I've never made a arrow yet and it's about time I start. I was gonna start out not so primitive. I planned on just buying some wood shafts, nocks,  feathers and such so I have something to shoot for now while I work on some others. Question is is buying a fletching tool necessary or not? I planned in just gluing on my feathers. Also do I need to glue and wrap the ends or can I just glue?

Title: Re: newbie
Post by: JoJoDapyro on January 26, 2015, 01:21:36 pm

I hand fletch all of mine. It takes time. I do wrap my ends for 2 reasons. To ensure the feather stays where I put it, and to build a ramp so the feather doesn't tear my hand up.

Title: Re: newbie
Post by: alwayslookin on January 26, 2015, 01:34:43 pm

What do you prefer for that? Sinew?

Title: Re: newbie
Post by: JoJoDapyro on January 26, 2015, 01:43:11 pm

I started with Sinew, and really liked it. I now use fly tying thread. You can get it in just about any color, it is cheap, and it is really strong.

Title: Re: newbie
Post by: Pat B on January 26, 2015, 01:50:06 pm

Same with me. I always wrap the forward end of the fletch for the same reasons as Joe.  I di use  fletch jig because I have one. There are a few build alongs for building fletching jigs, from very simple to more complicated, if you do a search.

Title: Re: newbie
Post by: alwayslookin on January 26, 2015, 02:45:35 pm

Thanks guys. Do you put some sort of super glue or adhesive over the wraps when done?

Title: Re: newbie
Post by: JoJoDapyro on January 26, 2015, 02:51:35 pm

Locktite professional super glue. Expensive but worth the price.

Title: Re: newbie
Post by: alwayslookin on January 26, 2015, 03:10:15 pm

Awesome thanks for the speedy replies fellas ;)

Title: Re: newbie
Post by: alwayslookin on January 26, 2015, 03:26:09 pm

OK one more thing I see all sorts of sizes of fly tying thread what do you use?

Title: Re: newbie
Post by: JoJoDapyro on January 26, 2015, 05:06:58 pm

 :-\ The small Nylon. Around here it is like $2 a spool. Smaller than dental floss.

Title: Re: newbie
Post by: alwayslookin on January 26, 2015, 08:54:45 pm

OK I'll just go with a smaller diameter. Reason I asked is I looked it up and they had all sorts of diameters and didn't wanna order it and then get it and be too large or small.

Title: Re: newbie
Post by: Pat B on January 26, 2015, 11:36:44 pm

Any strong sewing thread would work. When I'm not using sinew I use silk thread I get from 3Rivers but you could probably get silk thread from any good sewing shop.

Title: Re: newbie
Post by: Springbuck on January 30, 2015, 08:47:47 pm

  Pick apart an old silk tie and use small clusters of threads held with glue.  You won't get long stuff, but 10" is pretty easy to work with at a time.

 Also, there are several styles of fletching "jigs" made out there that literally take minutes.  My favorite it to punch a hole in the middle of a 2" square of thick leather, then take an old 3 blade broadhead, sharpen, and push it throught the hole.  Viola'  Perfect 120 degree feather spacing.  making one out of wood is super easy, too, but getting it to mount them helical is tougher.