Used to hate fletching arrows until...

Hackbow · August 10, 2018, 02:23:50 PM

[attachment=1]

...reading somewhere about Gorilla Glue Gel. Total game changer, at least on carbons with a wrap. Might not be the most convenient adhesive to use on woodies you may want to refletch one day. I don't plan on ever using Duco, Fletch Tite or Fletch Tape again.

The GGG goes on the quill easily, with zero dripping. Once attached to the shaft, I let it sit for 15-20 seconds, then rotate the indexer on the Bitz. With all components ready at hand, it took me 2-3 minutes to fletch an arrow. Another few minutes to set up and they were shooting.

The guys getting $150 or more for a dozen arrows are not charging enough for their work, in my opinion, but I'm not gonna pay those prices for something that has a good chance of getting broken or lost in an animal or while stumping. So I had to figure out a way to make decent arrows as cheaply as possible.

Picked up 2 doz shafts for $85 shipped, points, wraps and fletching cost another approx $42 after looking around a bit, footing was free from picking up broken shafts at 3D's or from friends. Grand total = $127 after tax and shipping for components to make 2 doz completed arrows, or about $5.29 each.

The final cost is the icing on the cake, but it's the time saved with the Gorilla Glue gel that makes it fun again for me.

bigbadjon · August 10, 2018, 02:37:54 PM

Make sure when you buy your Gorilla glue it is fresh. I have bought a couple that had been on the shelf so long it dried in the bottle.

styksnstryngs · August 10, 2018, 10:55:19 PM

Please, where did you find 2 dozen cx shafts for that cheap?

styksnstryngs · August 10, 2018, 10:55:49 PM

Never mind, predator II, I see. What size did you use?

awry · August 10, 2018, 11:26:33 PM

Where did the wraps and feathers come from?

Crittergetter · August 10, 2018, 11:47:49 PM

Not only do they look good they fly good too!! Darren put a spanking on me last weekend in McAllester on our first round!!

Hackbow · August 11, 2018, 09:26:29 AM

I know the Predator II's are inexpensive anyway, but I've shot several dozen over the years and they've always performed well, especially if I foot both ends (see attached pic) Maybe some can tell the difference between these and shafts that cost twice or more, but I can't. They are the 4560's, but also say 340 and spec out at .410 deflection according to the charts I found. I bought them off some online site called Wish. Mostly just cheap stuff, but a few nuggets to be found.

I can't remember where I picked up the wraps, but they were from a vendor setup at a 3D shoot a few years back. The fletching I got off big auction site. It was a big bag for cheap. I'm guessing they were rejects from the Gateway camo line because they are all over the place on color. I just needed them to steer an arrow, not necessarily look good doing it.

And I didn't spank Randy, I squeaked by him. He usually whoops up on me.

Roy from Pa · August 11, 2018, 09:32:56 AM

Heck I always whooped Darren at 3d shoots:)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlZFDhHSDag

Hackbow · August 11, 2018, 09:41:45 AM

Yes you did Roy! And the rest of us didn't even mind you shooting from the Cub stakes.

Those were some good times with some of the best folks ever. Didn't know you had video evidence of me. Thankfully I hit foam!

the rifleman · August 11, 2018, 10:25:08 AM

Nothing wrong with the Predators--- great arrow at a great price!

Roy from Pa · August 11, 2018, 12:28:25 PM

Yup we had a lot of fun at SS shoots.

Red Beastmaster · August 12, 2018, 08:17:28 PM

"Heck I always whooped Darren at 3d shoots:)"

Me too!

Roy from Pa · August 12, 2018, 08:22:51 PM

I think everyone did...

Hackbow · August 12, 2018, 08:25:32 PM

I learned a long time ago that my greatest talent was providing a way for others to feel good about themselves. I've embraced that to the fullest. And you're all welcome.

Roy from Pa · August 12, 2018, 08:33:48 PM

Here's another there Hollywood:)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toM44aBtbw0

Hackbow · August 12, 2018, 08:44:06 PM

If I remember right Roy, you won a cinematography Oscar for that short film. That doggone Sloniger can flat out shoot. Always humbling being in his group.

Didn't see the Beastmaster in either of those clips. Must not have been able to make it over the mountain.

Roy from Pa · August 12, 2018, 08:48:06 PM

Ya Tom is a very good shot.

Those manly mountain boys get skeered when the first snowflake hits the pavement..

Red Beastmaster · August 13, 2018, 10:59:48 AM

The manly mt men learned to pick their battles wisely.

I remember a ground hog that kicked Hackbows butt too!