All, Just got the stuff to completely build my carbon arrows and could use a little guidance on adhesives. Seems like alot of people like to use hot melt for the permanant installation. I need to bare shaft tune my bow which is new to find the correct length so Im looking for advice for some temporay glue to use, just so the insert doesnt stay in the target (using those SS halfouts that come with GT traditional classic arrows). I was thinking just a tiny bit of fletch tite and I should be able to twist it to break free as I start to cut the arrow down a little bit at a time. I am going to use a lighter piece of foam instead of my bag target to get the true attitude of the arrow so if worse comes to worse, I can break the foam apart to get my insert.
would a little scotch tape be good?
Low temp hot melt. I think Big Jim carries it and it is supposed to work well with carbons.
Otherwise, maybe a small amount of barge cement, or use a target thin enough you can push the arrow through and pull it out of the back side. I think scotch tape would exceed the tolerance of the insert/shaft match up.
You could try placing a plastic grocery bag over the insert and then press it into the shaft, allowing the plastic to act as a shim. It will tear off easily enough and should pull out when necessary. It may or may not work.
And you can always trim at the nock end, rather than the insert end when bareshafting and trimming the shaft.
Low temp hot melt. I have had great luck with it holding the points and it is easy to manipulate later.
Big Jim's melt and you can cut from the nock end.
I also cut them from the nock end works well .
Big Jim's is great! I just use a little bit when tuning--in an out insert removal is a breeze. When I'm done tuning I scuff the insert with sandpaper, the inside of the carbon arrow with a round file, clean with alcohol and glue up with the hot melt. I avoid cutting from the nock end only because I usually tune with the cap wrap or painted wrap on the arrow. For tuning the cheap hobby lobby glue sticks work well for temporary bond--but go with Big Jim's for permanent.
great input, thanks all
Big Jims Quick Stick hot melt for all inserts! I have been using it for years, and have yet to lose a single insert in a target. And yet, I can easily remove an insert any time I want to.
Bisch
I use scotch tape.
Okay so a little update. I did try the clear scotch tape and it worked like a champ!! after several cuts, got down to 28" with arrows sticking in perfectly straight (125 gr tips, 75 gr inserts, 500# 10.2 gpi GT trad classic). taped some 5" feathers on and total arrow is 514gr or 10.93 per pound (47# on my bear grizzly. Now to find some Big Jims and finish the arrows:)
Good for you. Like mentioned its easier to pull the nock and cut from that end. Also another vote for Big Jim's hot melt and proper pre-glue preparation is most useful. Denatured alcohol works well to clean surfaces for me, not isopropyl alcohol.
XXX Big Jim's glue.
I wrap the insert with Teflon tape until it is good and tight when inserting the insert. When ready to remove, I pull point and insert with pliers. I also use Big Jims adhesive melt for permanent installation.