Fletching Frustrations

[thetoolman]

Last year I decided to take up the task of fletching my own arrows for several reasons, but one was being able to customize my arrows for my liking. I tried the Blazer wraps with the Blazer vanes and I had problems with the fletchings falling off. Did some research and this was a common thing with Blazers though I had been using them for the past 5-6 years.

After some research I came up with the idea of spraying the arrows with Lacquer then fletching. I just wanted something with a little more visibility. I have tried it a couple times and it seems the lacquer is cracking/chipping around the fletching causing it fall off after just a few shots. Looks like I am going back to just fletching on the bare shaft. Its cheaper anyway until I lose an arrow.

 

[TNReb]

I'm no pro by any means.. but I tried the NAP QuikFetch wraps.. the ones you just stick in boiling water. So far I love them. They're holding up nicely. They may way a few grains more than standard vanes, but I could care less.

 

[upatree]

The vanes have a release agent to get them out of the mold. clean the bottom of the vanes with alcohol and a rag and the shaft. wont come off then. good luck

 

[thetoolman]

I'm no pro by any means.. but I tried the NAP QuikFetch wraps.. the ones you just stick in boiling water. So far I love them. They're holding up nicely. They may way a few grains more than standard vanes, but I could care less.

Tried the blazer version of those last year and couldn't get them to group or tune properly. After a week I took them off and there was still water under the wraps. When I first tried them I though "these are great" then I was dissapointed to spend 40 bucks to have to strip them all back down. Bohning does have excellent customer service though.

I made the switch to the fusion vanes after the blazers wouldn't stick, the fusions have no problem with adhesion, just the lacquer I was trying to use isn't sticking to the arrow so I will either go back to bare shafts or may try another batch of wraps, just looking for a cheap alternative to getting a little more visibility when looking for an arrow in the woods.

 

[ratsnakeboogy]

I use a wrap, Fusion vanes, and loc-tite gel and never had one come off. One arrow has been through 3 deer with no fletching loss. Works for me.

 

[TNDeerGuy]

Last year I decided to take up the task of fletching my own arrows for several reasons, but one was being able to customize my arrows for my liking. I tried the Blazer wraps with the Blazer vanes and I had problems with the fletchings falling off. Did some research and this was a common thing with Blazers though I had been using them for the past 5-6 years.

After some research I came up with the idea of spraying the arrows with Lacquer then fletching. I just wanted something with a little more visibility. I have tried it a couple times and it seems the lacquer is cracking/chipping around the fletching causing it fall off after just a few shots. Looks like I am going back to just fletching on the bare shaft. Its cheaper anyway until I lose an arrow.

What type of glue are you using, and when the fletching comes off is it pulling the paint off with it leaving behind the bareshaft seen through a rectangular hole in the paint?

 

[Woodchuck]

I use a wrap, Fusion vanes, and loc-tite gel and never had one come off. One arrow has been through 3 deer with no fletching loss. Works for me.

Ditto except I use Blazers.

 

[thetoolman]

Last year I decided to take up the task of fletching my own arrows for several reasons, but one was being able to customize my arrows for my liking. I tried the Blazer wraps with the Blazer vanes and I had problems with the fletchings falling off. Did some research and this was a common thing with Blazers though I had been using them for the past 5-6 years.

After some research I came up with the idea of spraying the arrows with Lacquer then fletching. I just wanted something with a little more visibility. I have tried it a couple times and it seems the lacquer is cracking/chipping around the fletching causing it fall off after just a few shots. Looks like I am going back to just fletching on the bare shaft. Its cheaper anyway until I lose an arrow.

What type of glue are you using, and when the fletching comes off is it pulling the paint off with it leaving behind the bareshaft seen through a rectangular hole in the paint?

Using the loc tite ultra gel. The impact resistant formula and yes it is pulling the paint down to the bare shaft. I tried light sanding and it held better but still pop off after 8-10 shots. May try the wraps again, any particular recommendations? Shooting the Easton FMJ.

 

[TNDeerGuy]

Last year I decided to take up the task of fletching my own arrows for several reasons, but one was being able to customize my arrows for my liking. I tried the Blazer wraps with the Blazer vanes and I had problems with the fletchings falling off. Did some research and this was a common thing with Blazers though I had been using them for the past 5-6 years.

After some research I came up with the idea of spraying the arrows with Lacquer then fletching. I just wanted something with a little more visibility. I have tried it a couple times and it seems the lacquer is cracking/chipping around the fletching causing it fall off after just a few shots. Looks like I am going back to just fletching on the bare shaft. Its cheaper anyway until I lose an arrow.

What type of glue are you using, and when the fletching comes off is it pulling the paint off with it leaving behind the bareshaft seen through a rectangular hole in the paint?

Using the loc tite ultra gel. The impact resistant formula and yes it is pulling the paint down to the bare shaft. I tried light sanding and it held better but still pop off after 8-10 shots. May try the wraps again, any particular recommendations? Shooting the Easton FMJ.

I use the Easton Epics, all of which are crested. You are having a prep problem or a glue problem, or a combo of both. I've crested dozens of arrows with laquer paint and by trial and error early on, and talking to people that have done it for years, this what you need to do for it to be trouble free. Lightly scuff the surface of the arrow with fine sandpaper, green scotch brite pad or steel wool. Then clean with acetone, DO NOT USE ALCOHOL....too many people use alcohol and it leaves behind a residue and will absolutely lead to adhesion problems on crested arrows and can cause problems on non-crested arrows as well. When I clean with acetone, I dip the arrow down into the can, then wipe it and then wipe it again with an acetone soaked papertowel or rag�it evaporates quickly, so wipe quickly. Next, stop using loctite glue when cresting because there is a chemical in it that can breakdown the paint�I also use loctite gel, but only on my non-crested arrows. Start using Gorilla glue impact formula, wal-mart has the small tubes which are much easier to work with for a couple of bucks. Honestly, it sounds like you're having more of a prep problem than anything because of the paint pulling up in a perfect rectangle but it is still on the fletching, but using any other glue other than that gorilla glue can get your frustration level up....trust me, I know. Hope this helps, and let me know how it works out.

 

[Shed Hunter]

I think it may just be the fletching. All but one arrow I got from you has had the fletching fall off. I had them redone and one fell off after about 30 shots and another is coming loose.

The bow is still shooting great btw

 

[93civEJ1]

I'm no pro by any means.. but I tried the NAP QuikFetch wraps.. the ones you just stick in boiling water. So far I love them. They're holding up nicely. They may way a few grains more than standard vanes, but I could care less.

this is what ill be using when its time for me to do new fletchings.

 

[thetoolman]

I think it may just be the fletching. All but one arrow I got from you has had the fletching fall off. I had them redone and one fell off after about 30 shots and another is coming loose.

The bow is still shooting great btw

I hate to hear that MC. Those fletchings I gave you were the first Blazers I used and I never had any trouble with them coming off, only the new Flo Yellows are the ones I had trouble with. Do you know what kind of glue was used on the re-fletch? Glad to know the bow is shooting great, just hate you are having problems with the fletchings. I have a few more suggestions from a couple people on here I am going to try and I will let you know what finally works.