OT-Fletching jig

[marlinman93]

This isn't a gun, or a gun tool, but thought some here might be bow hunters or bow shooters.
Anyway. A number of years ago I purchased a used Martin compound, and got a bunch of arrows with it. Some great, and some needing attention. I priced having them re-fletched, and it was stupid high. Then priced materials, and a jig. Materials were cheap, but jigs weren't on my tight budget. So I built one after seeing how they worked. Had to fletch six damaged arrows today, so got the old homemade jig out again, and it still works as good as ever!
It's a chunk of scrap wood, four clothespins, and a couple pieces of thin sheetmetal. Screw and glue two clothespins to the base. One at the end, and the other about 4" away. Then put an arrow in the clothespins, and use the point to mark a spot on the cardboard. After marking the cardboard, open the hole up large enough to get clearance around the arrow. Take a good arrow and put it in the clothespins, and use half of another clothespin ground thin, to make an indicator that fits in the arrow's nock. Turn the odd color feather straight up, and make a mark on the cardboard to match the indicator in the nock. Move to the other #2-#3 positions, and mark them also. Then mix up some 5 minute epoxy and put a clothespin on the edge of the two pieces of sheetmetal. Mark around the clothespin on both sides, cover the area with epoxy, and put the clothespin back on. It's done!
After stripping the arrow's feathers, clean them, and put a feather in the sheetmetal holder. Position it to #1, and test fit the holder. Cut a notch in the cardboard for the holder to sit in, which holds it straight up. Now you can mark the holder with a felt pen to make sure all feathers sit in the same spot, and begin gluing them in place. Takes about 2 minutes for each to set up, and then turn the indicator in the nock to #2, and repeat. Then to #3 and repeat. I put a small extra drop of adhesive on the front of each feather, and a wrap of arrow tape ahead of that.










Did 6 arrows today and the homemade jig goes back in my storage cabinet, until the next time I need it again. Way cheaper than buying a jig, or paying a shop to fix my arrows!

[cshold]

Most of the guys I know have been switching over to shrink on fletching.

[M. M. Wright]

OK! I can make one of those. Might even make it a bit more permanent but I can see yours gets things done.

Thanks, MM

[2571]

Most of the guys I know have been switching over to shrink on fletching.

Gave up the bow when I go t too old to climb.

Tell us more about shrink. Does the vanes shrink independently or as a one piece

This is a neat fetching jig!

[marlinman93]

Most of the guys I know have been switching over to shrink on fletching.

Shrink fit fletching works very well, but the cost is exhorbitant. Considering most feathers are about .36-.60 cents for three, and shrink fit fletching are about $3.50-$5.00 each. Start doing 6-12 arrows, and it adds up quickly.

[marlinman93]

OK! I can make one of those. Might even make it a bit more permanent but I can see yours gets things done.

Thanks, MM

I always planned to replace the cardboard with a piece of flexible plastic material, to make it more permanent. So far it hasn't worn out, so until it does, it's still there! Looks cheap and tacky, but it works.

[marlinman93]

Most of the guys I know have been switching over to shrink on fletching.

Gave up the bow when I go t too old to climb.

Tell us more about shrink. Does the vanes shrink independently or as a one piece

On shrink fit, the tube portion in the center of the vanes is the only shrink material, so the feathers don't shrink. The tube center also has an adhesive applied to it, so when the arrow is dipped in boiling water, it activates as it shrinks, to make it permanent. Need to be very careful not to bump the fletching, as it can rotate before it sets up. Also need to be aware of time in the boiling water, as nocks are epoxied on, and plastic. Too long in the water can make them let go, or deform the nock.

[Malamute]

Great idea, saved for reference.

I haven't shot a bow in some time, hoping I can again when healed up. I have some shafts I need to complete though, and a few repairs.

I've also recently become enamored of medieval crossbows. They only require two fletchings, an appropriate jig would be simple to come up with.

http://www.crossbows.net/CuMine/thumbnails.php?album=11

[cshold]

Most of the guys I know have been switching over to shrink on fletching.

Shrink fit fletching works very well, but the cost is exhorbitant. Considering most feathers are about .36-.60 cents for three, and shrink fit fletching are about $3.50-$5.00 each. Start doing 6-12 arrows, and it adds up quickly.

The price of convenience, speed of installation and perfect vain spacing every time