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What do I need to...

Kansasdeerslayer

Kansasdeerslayer

PMA Member
fletch my own arrows. I am tired of paying the pro shop to do it. I need recommendations on what all I need. I don't care about the cost of the set-up, I just want quality. What are you guys using?

Also what do I need to cut arrows to proper length?
 
Step 1: Buy yourself a Bitzenburger fletching jig. It will be the only jig you'll ever need and you can hand it down to your kids and grandkids. A Bitz will cost you about $65-70 bucks, but well worth the money!
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You can buy arrow shafts cut to length from most suppliers and many will even glue in the inserts in you want. That's what I do and it eliminates me having to buy and maintain an arrow saw. You can order fletching from any archery shop or online (Blazer, regular vanes, feathers...whatever you prefer). Then get some good glue like Goat Tuff and go to work. It's so easy that you won't believe you ever used to pay someone to do it for you. And you have absolutely control over the quality, which is a major plus!
 
Spend the money and buy the bitzenburger right off.
Then you have to decide whether you want a right or left helical or just a straight with offset.

I offset my helicals as much as they will go and I use......................
left helical. Does it make a difference some say it does some say it doesnt, I just think it is personal preference and I dont like to do what a majority of people are doing in their set-ups
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You can either use feathers, vanes (4" or 2") I would personally recommend you to blazers if you already havent tried them. Very durable.

Alot of people use Goat Tuff, I had sticking issues and switched to Pine Ridge Fletching glue and had no problem.

You will also need denatured alcohol for cleaning the shafts especially the inside after you cut them to your length for better insert adhesion

Cutting arrows, my buddy bought a Cabelas arrow saw and works awesome.

When cutting arrows make sure you are cutting them to long for a weak spine or to short for a overly stiff spine, remember a little stiff is better then a little weak
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For example, I have a 29.5" draw and shoot 28" arrows, Im about a inch or so past my rest.

Good luck and it is a lot of fun.

If you have a buddy close to you it is a lot cheaper, I bought the clamps and he bought the saw and we borrow each others stuff all the time.
 
Thanks guys. And one more request... links to websites that you like to buy your supplies from.

I was planning on trying out some blazers, but don't have a clue about what size to use, or about left/right helical or straight.
 
Blazer's only come in 2", then the next issue is what color of blazer you want.

I bought all my stuff off of www.keystonecountrystore.com.
(If you decide to buy a clamp from the above you buy the base and the clamp seperate. Not as a unit. Just a FYI)

But do some shopping around, might be able to find some stuff real cheap in the archerytalk.com classified or even on here.

Check cabelas, or bass pro also

Most people that see shoot blazers will shoot a right helical or straight fletch with a couple degree's of offset.

But if you dont want to shoot what everyone else is shooting then go with left helical
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I still use normal fletch tite, though the stuff recommended for carbon/graphite arrows. Goat Tuff expands slightly after it dries and can cause headaches such as arrow splitting (using it on the inserts) and just plain messy.

But... it doesn't come loose!
 
I'll chime in as well - Bitzenburger is the only way to go. The more arrows you fletch the more efficient you will become at doing it. On side note, if not mentioned, I like to put just a drop on the front of the vane to keep it from peeling back. Especially if you are shooting a WB or if your fletchings sometimes bury into the target. I also immediately wipe off any excess glue along the edge of the fletching - it really cleans it up. Good luck with it and have fun!!!!
 
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I'll chime in as well - Bitzenburger is the only way to go. The more arrows you fletch the more efficient you will become at doing it. On side note, if not mentioned, I like to put just a drop on the front of the vane to keep it from peeling back. Especially if you are shooting a WB or if your fletchings sometimes bury into the target. I also immediately wipe off any excess glue along the edge of the fletching - it really cleans it up. Good luck with it and have fun!!!!

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Ditto

A Q-tip works good to get any excess glue off. I've been using Bohning Quantum XT glue, it's not the cheapest but it's extremely tough and not super runny.
 
I am using a Jo-jan and fletch tite platinum. I used to fletch for a shop. have tried all the glues. The all sucked besides fletch tite.

By the way, blazers come in both 1.5 and 2" go with 2" if you want to shoot broadheads.
 
Another thing dont try to wipe off glue with the wraps it will smudge your colors unless your quick like a cat!
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Well I went and got me a bunch if goodies tonight at Cabela's. I got the Bitzenburger right helical jig. Also got some 2" blazers and some 3.125 Quickspins. Figured I try half dozen of each. Also bought a dozen 5575 pro hunters. When I got home tonight I went back and read some old posts and now I am questioning whether or not I should have went with the 3555's and a straight clamp for the 2" blazers. What do you all think? I'm shooting a switchback at 62 lbs. 26in draw. Already had the arrows cut(25.25in.) so I can't return them. I've been shooting Axis 500's with great success and was going to buy more tonight but they didn't have any so I decided to try the Gold Tips. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
 
5575 should shoot pretty well in that set up. I shoot a similar poundage but with 29" arrows and the 5575s have been flying great for me. I don't think you'll have any problems with them.

I have a right helical clamp on by Bitzenburger and use it to put on 2" Blazers. If anything, I think putting them on with a helical helps. It certainly doesn't hurt anything.

Sounds like you've got a good set-up.
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Should I use any offset? I forgot to mention I use a Whisker Biscuit. From some other post folks thought that may affect things a little.
 
Well I think I got it figured out. Here's my first 2 arrows wrapped in KBA attire. I couldn't have done it without all you guys' help. We'll see how they fly in the morning. I need to get to bed.

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Looks GREAT!!!!!!!!!!

Play with the offsets etc....

It is a lot better knowing that if you knock a vane off all you have to do is go inside and fletch it up, instead of compiling enough to take them to a shop to do.

After you get your cock vane situated with your nock (if that matters with your setup) they should fly just fine.
 
What everybody said, a Bitzenberger and get a zip strip for removing fletches and wraps. The Zip strip is a great product and removes fletches and wraps with ease. I use Bohning Fletchtite Platinum and always use wraps. I too just buy my arrows cut so I don't have to buy an expensive cutoff saw. So easy a caveman can do it
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Well I think I got it figured out. Here's my first 2 arrows wrapped in KBA attire. I couldn't have done it without all you guys' help. We'll see how they fly in the morning. I need to get to bed.

03-17-07004.jpg


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Your arrows look great!!!!
 
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