fletching LW feather with RW clamp
Has anyone ever tried fletching left-wing feathers using a right-wing helical clamp? Were the results disastrous?
I know you're not supposed to mistmatch the orientation of the feather/clamp, but I recently got a bunch of free LW feathers and I wondered if I could make due with my existing equipment.
I know you're not supposed to mistmatch the orientation of the feather/clamp, but I recently got a bunch of free LW feathers and I wondered if I could make due with my existing equipment.
Justin,
Do you have any straight clamps? That might make it easier.
Technically, all that goes wrong when using the wrong clamp is that the fletching behaves inefficiently. It will still shoot consistently but it does not take advantage of the rough and smooth sides of the feathers. It will still produce drag.
Do you have any straight clamps? That might make it easier.
Technically, all that goes wrong when using the wrong clamp is that the fletching behaves inefficiently. It will still shoot consistently but it does not take advantage of the rough and smooth sides of the feathers. It will still produce drag.
Unfortunately, I don't have straight clamps.
Your point is well taken. In addition, I did some additional forum skimming --- supposedly using LW feathers with a RW clamp will cause the feather to fold awkwardly as opposed to standing up.
I'll order some RW feathers.
Your point is well taken. In addition, I did some additional forum skimming --- supposedly using LW feathers with a RW clamp will cause the feather to fold awkwardly as opposed to standing up.
I'll order some RW feathers.
There is one other alternative. Most fletchers in the past (more than 100 years ago) did not use clamps at all. If you place the feather between two plastic rulers and clip them together with a couple of large paper clips, you can use super glue to attach them to the shaft. You must mark the shaft first so you know where to put the feathers. Then you hold the feather against the shaft until the glue dries in a few seconds.
Alternately, if you are using a slower setting glue or even hide glue, you can put the glue on the shaft and temporarily tie the feathers in place with a length of thread. This is a very mediaeval technique.
Alternately, if you are using a slower setting glue or even hide glue, you can put the glue on the shaft and temporarily tie the feathers in place with a length of thread. This is a very mediaeval technique.
I must admit I have used dental floss and fletch glue for running repairs at the range and afield. Must try the super glue trick next time I knock up
a few new arrows.
a few new arrows.