Arrow crester

[deerhunter_w]

I have the itch to try my hand at arrow creating. What's everyone using? I have seen multiple YouTube video's on dyi setups, and the spinrite. What's everyone's opinion? Does the dyi modles work as good as the store modles?

Jeff

[Rough Run]

I wasted months building do-it-yourself cresters with a hodge podge of parts and materials.
And while they worked, they were not smooth and they were clunky to use.  I gave up the quest and bought a SpinRite a few months ago.  To say I love it would be a big understatement.  Huge difference, well worth it for me.

[Orion]

I have a Bohning, which I bought used.  It's serviceable, but a Spin Rite is far superior. If you're dabbling, a Bohning might be the way to go.  If you get serious about it, you'll end up with a Spin Rite. 

[Charlie Lamb]

How true the arrow shaft spins in the crestor depends on how straight it is... perfectly straight like a brand new aluminum will spin perfect in about anything. The benefit of crestor's like the spinrite (not sure there are really any crestors that are really like the spinrite) is that it makes up for slight inconsistency in shaft straightness. For perfect crest lines down to the thinnest on wooden arrows you'll want the Spinrite.

[deerhunter_w]

Thanks guys. I was afraid you were going to say that.  . Guess I'll have to bite the bullet.


Jeff

[deerhunter_w]

In another question. If your going to Crest say wood grain carbons is there anything special you need to do?

Jeff

[STICKBENDER98]

Spinrite is the way to go, I had the power cord go bad,  (my fault was messing with my generator and forgot it was plugged in.) after a couple emails and some trouble shooting, I had a new power cord/transformer at my door at no cost!!! Great customer service!!! As far as the wood grain carbons, make sure they are clean, wipe down with a good carbon prep, or 99% alcohol and dip with desired paints, then crest. Good luck, and becareful this is an addicting hobby!

Jason

[Zwickey-Fever]

Do yourself a favor and buy a Spinrite. It will save you a lot of aggravation and headaches. You will also need some room to  do some arrow-smithing. If you're making up some woodies I would go with Surewood shafts. Surewood shafts has some helpful advice on their website in regards to building woodies. Best of luck.

[bigbadjon]

I myself use a Philips Pro Crester but they are hard to come by. I had a spinrite but it is way too slow for me. The new Bohning one with the variable speed would be mylick ifI had to buya new one.

[M60gunner]

I have three, the Bohning Jr., good for aluminum and carbons, the Phillips, works great on woods that are not real straight. Uses "O" rings for drive belts. Had issues getting new ones when ols ones stretched. I have a Spinrite as well. Use it almost always. Great customer service as well. I also use mine to spray paint the cap on the shafts. He has a YouTube video showing a how to.

[the rifleman]

I use a homemade one my buddy fashioned from a car window motor.  Works great.  Part of my trad journey is trying to make use of what i have and making my own things. 

[Slickhead]

Its your call but
you can make very attractive arrows with a homemade rig
Save your money for things you cant make yourself

as far a crester goes Ive made some nice arrows using a variable drill

[M60gunner]

If you decide to go DIY try and find a good chuck. Many, many moons ago I made a crester using an old copy machine motor, some wood "V" blocks and surgical tubing. I was following a build along ina book by C R Learn. Bow hunters Digest? Anyway you take a not perfectly straight wood shaft and tubing not really stiff enough to support the shaft and I ended up with some pretty wavy cresting. Kids thought it was cool but I wasn't impressed.
Bohning used to sell a chuck for their Jr Crestor that works well. It was an upgrade. Not sure if they are still available.

[TealCoin]

My .02...

Go with the DIY route.  I picked up an old sewing machine motor for near nothing ($10 or so).  A few pieces of scrap wood and some tubing and you're all set.  Sure makes it more enjoyable knowing you created the tool.  And... you practice and don't like it, well you're not out $$$...  Always a use for a motor and the wood was scrap to begin with. 

FYI - those sewing machine motors work amazing for bubble blowers with a small fan behind them

[deerhunter_w]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Still debating. I'll figure something out.

Jeff

[Terry Lightle]

Spinrite is all I will sell or use!
Terry

[trad_bowhunter1965]

I have only used the Spinrite and it work awesome.

[Gdpolk]

I used a homemade one. It did fine. That said after a batch of several dozen I decided that I'd rather pay Gary at D&M to do my work. If I change my mind on that again I'll spring for a Spin Rite, though I doubt I will. It just took a LOT of time to prep, paint, crest, seal, and tune shafts then turn around and splice feathers and burn them down. With the prices Garry charges, he is GIVING AWAY his labor and his quality is superb. I'd rather just pay him and spend my time hunting or loving on my wife and dog.

[hitman]

Spinrite for sure! 

[flyguysc]