Dodger2 Report post Posted July 21, 2006 I'm trying to fletch my own arrows and I'm having some problems. I'm practicing on some old arrows and at first I tried some wraps. I let them dry for a full day and then I was able to just pull the fletching off. So I tried without a wrap, and same thing. I'm cleaning my arrows with 91% isopropyl alcohol, should I try something else? I'm using Fletch-Tite Platinum or should I use something else? Should I run a small amount of adhesive down the sides of each fletch after they are glued to the shaft? Sorry for all the questions, its just another frustration I'm having while waiting for the draw results... Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
coues addict Report post Posted July 21, 2006 dodger2 The alchohol is ok. I haven`t tried the new fletchtite platinum so I really don`t know about it. You may be using to much glue. It doesn`t take much!. I use tim`s goat tuff and it works very well. vanes and inserts. When I apply the glue I spread a small bead on the vane and then I smooth it out with the tip of the glue bottle. never had any real problems. After I remove the arrow from the fletching jig I apply one drop to the front of each vane. seems to help them hang in there a little longer on 3d targets. Hope this helps Rich Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Rabbit Report post Posted July 21, 2006 Matt, I do not know what type of vanes you are using. When using FlexFletch vanes, we had to clean the base of the vane with MEK or acetone, otherwise they stuck poorly. The AAE Plastifletch Elite vanes are prepped on the base for use with their fastset gel super glue. You might give the base of the vanes a quick scrub with denatured alcohol to remove any possible mold release. Doug~RR Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dodger2 Report post Posted July 21, 2006 I'm trying a 2nd batch right now. I'm using Blazer vanes and the package says they don't need to be prepped. I tried one with a wrap and one w/o. I also added a bead of adhesive on the front and back of each fletch and along the edges. I think the first batch I didn't use enough adhesive. When I pulled them off, only about 1/2 of edge fletch had glue (and it was spotty). I used a little more this time. I'm using old arrows that are broken, etc. so its not like I'm ruining a dozen of new ones. Thanks guys for the help. I'm trying to keep my thoughts on something other than the draw right now... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
runningbird Report post Posted July 21, 2006 I just want to add that you should check the alignment of the fletching jig. try w/o glue and make sure you have even contact the lenth of the vane. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DesertBull Report post Posted July 21, 2006 It helps if you rough up the arrow a little with some extra fine steel wool. Gives the glue something to latch onto. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
4Falls Report post Posted July 22, 2006 Also dont use the alcohol. Ive had the same problem in the past, quit using alcohol to clean the shaft and the problem stopped. Just shave off any old vanes and glue wash with soap and water, dry completly and roughen up shaft with steel wool or light sandpaper. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dodger2 Report post Posted July 22, 2006 Thanks for the advice. The 2nd batch is holding up pretty good. I think I wasn't using enough glue...I like the wraps, only because they look cool, but if they don't work then I won't use them. I'll try sanding the shafts a little bit and see what that does. Thanks again! That's why I like this site. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mulie hunter Report post Posted July 23, 2006 Hopefully one day I'll try and fletch my own arrows again ,this post has given me new hope, my earlier attempts didn't work to well, for now though it's the pro shop. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dodger2 Report post Posted July 23, 2006 So what do you think... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
coues krazy Report post Posted July 23, 2006 Using wraps will help alot. I use the same ones , and have not had any problems with vanes falling off. You will also be able to see your arrow flight alot better. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bowhunter4life Report post Posted July 23, 2006 those turned out sweet ! how are they flying ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
standman Report post Posted July 23, 2006 Check out this thread from another forum. I use this method with my blazer vanes and gold tip arrows and it has worked great. No problems what so ever with vanes sticking. I am also using the bohning platnium glue. http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/showthread.p...ght=spray+video Brian Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dodger2 Report post Posted July 23, 2006 bowhunter... Those are just some of my "practice" arrows and that is actually the "other" end of some old arrows. I'm still practicing. I'm still trying to decide on a new arrow. Standman... I definitely will have to try that. Looks pretty simple. I guess I'll have to sacrifice some more of my older arrows. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HEADACHE Report post Posted July 25, 2006 Also if you are using any type of "quick set" or "super-glue" kind of adhesive, you need to just dip your shafts into plain water and then air dry them. . . . for sticky/chemical/alcohol based glues, you need to use a solvent. And remember to keep your fingers off of the glue-edge on your fletching. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
