I'm building a feather burner for the St Judes Auction and I will do a build-along here so anyone who wants to build one can. If you don't want to build one go to the 3rd listing page at the auction and bid on this one.
Here is a picture of one someone else built that I am using as a basis.
(http://i.imgur.com/LAKbJ1a.jpg)
As roy said
No pictures, it did not happen
:goldtooth:
Mark I'm in the process of building and will add more pictures when I have them.Here are the materials that will be used to build the burner.
They include
2: 1/4" threaded rod cut to fit
6: 1/4" nuts and washers
2: 1/4" knobs
1: lighted switch
1: knob screw, washer, and T-nut
1: 3/4"X1/8" aluminum flat to be cut to length
1: Electronic transformer
3: Kleen-cut ribbons from 3 Rivers
1: Cord
2: Round connectors
3: Spade connectors
2: Wire nuts to be used as nock holders
1: Box to house parts
(http://i.imgur.com/w2uxTp7.jpg)
The transformer can be ordered here Transformer (http://goo.gl/QrJfc7)
They're cheap and from China so I'd advise ordering several so you have a back up. I've not been able to find any here. The original builder said he has used his for 3 years on the same transformer. But it takes 2-3 weeks to get here so get several.
I'm building the box housing now and will post pictures when done.
I made one years ago but could never find the correct wire. I've tried all sorts but either they move when you put the current through or burn out or don't heat up enough....
Where do you get the wire and whats it called?
Feather burners are the way to go if you can get the right wire!
Mike you can order nichrome wire online or go to 3 rivers and search for feather burner which will bring up the replacement ribbons for the young feather burner. They are made heavier than wire so are harder to shape but they will hold their shape. Being from England you have a different power source than we do so you may have to adapt to use this transformer.
Here is the box/housing roughed in and sealed. Its made with spalted Chinese elm that rmorris cut in his saw mill. I think I need to stick to building bows not boxes though.
(http://i.imgur.com/NhsUsqA.jpg?2)
Looking very good!
I think this needs to go to the "build along forum when finished. It will definitely be a project for me in the future.
cool
So cost will be low.
Awesome
:campfire: :coffee:
Looking forward to following along. :thumbsup:
OK just doing the final finish work but here is the build after the box is built. I Started by cutting a 3/4" wide by 1/8" deep dado across the front. Then drill a hole that the T-nut is driven into from the inside. This will hold the lock knob for the arrow holder's slide adjustment.
(http://i.imgur.com/zGMH7jW.jpg?1)
Use a wood dowel to drive the teeth of the T-nut into the wood.
(http://i.imgur.com/ylm8VAt.jpg?1)
The arrow holder has a 2" wide slot allowing the arrow to be positioned correctly.
(http://i.imgur.com/a649yTj.jpg?1)
Cut a 1" by 1/2" square hole for the switch. (Or match whatever switch you decide to use) I centered the switch on the top.
(http://i.imgur.com/MipKeKh.jpg?1)
Drill holes for the ribbon terminals 1" back from the front and 1 1/2" down from the top.
(http://i.imgur.com/F99FTrT.jpg)
Add nuts and washers to lock the terminal bolts in place.Double nut the terminals on the outside to give clearance for the ribbon.
(http://i.imgur.com/KEWV9Ib.jpg?1)
I attached 2 spacer blocks under the transformer to make room for air circulation.
(http://i.imgur.com/lpyGHRj.jpg)
The wiring will depend on whether you use a lighted switch or one without the light. A jumper wire is attached to the Main cord and the (RED) transformer wire with a wire nut. (If you don't use a lighted switch you do not need the jumper wire.) The other Main cord wire plugs on to the switch. Lastly the remaining (RED) wire from the transformer plugs on to the switch. The 2 white 12V wires from the transformer are attached to the ribbon terminals.
(http://i.imgur.com/8SG4yFD.jpg?1)
Here is the unit put together, on, and the wire hot. I did't spend much time forming the ribbon or setting the clearance. I had an arrow with 4" four fletch that I ran through the burner. You rotate the arrow away from you rather than towards you because or you will have burnt off feathers fall on the next feather to be burnt. Use a fingernail emery board and brush the burnt off the edge of the fletch.
I will add several more coats of finish and it will be ready to do a dozen arrows in no time at all.
HINT 1: BEFORE TRYING TO SHAPE THE RIBBON PUT IT ON THE BURNER AND HEAT IT RED HOT FOR A BIT WHICH MAKES IT EASIER TO SHAPE.
HINT 2: CUT A FEATHER SHAPE OUT OF MASONITE OR SIMILAR 1/8"-1/4" THICK MATERIAL THE FORM THE RIBBON AROUND IT.
(http://i.imgur.com/W3ZxKfr.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/EQ8TwUb.jpg)
There you go either make your own or better yet bid on this one for St Judes. :archer:
thank you that is an awesome build a long
well that's just grand, ben! i'm sure gonna enjoy adding yer fine burner to my growing collection, when i win it on the st judes auction. ;)
An Aussie said something that should have been so obvious I shook my head and why didn't I think of that. Stand the box so the arrow holder is upright then the arrow will set in it perfectly. Duh of course.
Great job ben
I might build one my self
Very nice, Ben.
So Galen, you would make it so the arrow is vertical?
At least that is what I think you meant.
Nice job! :)
Sorry Kenny i didn't explain that very well. The arrow holder would be on top and the arrow would lay across it horizontally. That way once the nock is in the holder the shaft would set down into the V notch and you wouldn't have to hold the arrow in place.
Sweet! Going to add that to my Future Projects list.
Thanks for posting it.
Ah, my Young has it like the one shown. It works well, and you can see where the ribbon is burning. You have to move at the right speed or it will discolor the arrow finish a bit.
I'm thinking it might not be good to put the arrow holder on top because the burned off feathers would land on top of the box.
QuoteOriginally posted by kennym:
Ah, my Young has it like the one shown. It works well, and you can see where the ribbon is burning. You have to move at the right speed or it will discolor the arrow finish a bit.
Or, plumb set it afire if the glue isn't fully cured :eek:
Thanks for the tutorial BenBow. After examination and hearing what Kenny M's question I think I will build mine in a vertical position. I have limited bench space in my shop and I can't see why it wouldn't work as well as horizontal. It will take a few mod's but I can't see why it won't work. Thanks,
JOHN
I have a young burner and it's completely satisfactory, but I still feel the urge to build one of these :)
QuoteOriginally posted by monterey:
I have a young burner and it's completely satisfactory, but I still feel the urge to build one of these :)
Me too! LOL
Galen, you're right, don't want feathers piling up on the box!!
Yeah, the young works fine so this one ought to as well. I can see the older grandson getting one of these for Christmas. He is starting to make his own arrows and would be thrilled to have one.
See this is why I love this place!
Great thread! Thanks!
With a little box making skill someone could turn out heirloom quality feather burners. Nice build along I see one in my future.
Hi Galen,
Nice Build A Long! You don't state what the size of the box is, but I have seen and picked up several Higher End Cigar boxes that are approximately the size and shape of the box you are showing! Most of this size are made of really nice looking woods and have wall thickness of 3/8' or 1/2". So I think they would be a good option and save a good bit of work! I have used them for making "mini" practice amps for guitars. So to all interested, check out your local Cigar Stores!
Harry
Cool idea since I have to make myself one.
A thought I had regarding this is using a car battery charger with a foot switch.
Trouble is, all the new battery chargers I'm seeing have all kinds of fancy electronic control gizmos that would make them useless for this.
I've been scouring garage sales for an old school charger and asking anyone I know to keep looking for one.
Fingers crossed.
I tried the using a car battery charger and it didn't work out so well. I ended up using an old PC power supply. I have instructions on how to convert one into a usable power supply for whatever you want in a word doc but don't know how I would attach it in here. The 12V worked great for my burner.It does not look nearly as nice as this one but is functional. I used stainless steel fishing leader for the hot wire. I am planning on making another for my brother. I'll try and remember to take some pictures when I do and post them up.