Just scored a Bitzenburger Fletchmaster with LW clamp for $50. Its used, but everyone says theyre bullet proof. Now Ill need to hit 3rivers for some fletch tape and fletchings for some 2117 Eastons I have.
Any tips regarding fletching? Ive read quite a bit on here, but always looking for more.
Also, anyone noticed how left wing arrows loosen off the field points, or is it just my imagination?
It's really hard to do wrong, you'll be just fine. They seem to loosen with both wing feathers.
Right wing does the same, believe it. Save yourself some grief and use Saunders glue for fletching and avoid Fletch Tite Platinum.
Just put some string wax on the threads of your field points and that problem disappears. One thing I will say is don't over tighten the adjustment bolts. They are a little short and will strip the threads from the base (Aluminum). I drilled and tapped mine and put in longer bolts. X2 on the Saunders NPV glue. Don't get in a hurry and give glue time to set.
God luck, John
I rally like the fletch tape
Yes, left wing feathers have a tendency to loosen screw-in points if you don't put some wax on the threads, a rubber washer behind the point, or some other means to keep the point from unscrewing. Have never had it happen with right wing fletching.
No matter what glue/tape you choose clean those shafts first. I use an old standby, comet cleanser and scrub pad with hot water. Don't touch with your hands after.
Good luck, post a pic with your first finished arrows.
best thing i found for gluing inserts and fletchings on gold tip carbons is gorilla glue. have never had an issue. tried a bunch of different "specially made for fletching" glues and they all sucked compared to the simple blue lid gorilla super glue. I had inserts pull out in many 3D and bag targets until i switched. haven't pulled one out since. just my two cents.
You will have fun and just take your time. As for the points coming loose with left wing before you pull or as you pull your arrows just twist the arrows to the right.
Use fletch tap, with just a dab of glue at the front and back of the quill. Gluing feathers takes longer for glue to set and it makes a mess that has to be cleaned off at re-fletching time. I don't buy fletch cement anymore because I use so little that it goes bad. Just a dot of superglue at the front of the quill is all I use with tape.
I've shot R/W for 20 years and yes, my screw in field points still work loose.
You'll love the fletching tape. Just some advice...use Bohning fletch tape. I've tried the other brand and it's not half as good as the Bohning brand. Put a dab of glue on the front and back of each feather and you'll be good to go.
As said before, a Comet type cleanser to clean shafts. I've been doing this for 50+ years and now use tape.
I shoot right wing & have heads loosening all the time. But it's nothing to worry about within hunting ranges. Sometimes, they'll buzz in all the way into a nice tight group with the quiet ones. For hunting, I just wax the threads of the broadhead to keep them quiet. Never had a waxed head come loose enough to rattle.
Once you get the method down, fletching is almost automatic. I used to do it as a kid. Started again last year & it was like riding a bike.
I too use the blue lid Gorilla Super Glue. Nothing better in my opinion - not a fan of fletch tape at all.