This may sound crazy, but what brand of chopper do you fellas prefer? I am only wanting 2 cuts.. parabolic and shield.. LW would be what I want, but I wouldn't be opposed to having one of each.
What are y'all opinions?
I don't even know what brand mine is.
I use the Lil Chopper.
The little chopper is good
The vario-clipper that Herb's archery sold was the best...not sure if you can still get them anywhere or not.
Little Chopper from 3 Rivers Archery for me.
I have a little chopper but burning is my preferred method. The cost of four choppers puts you close to the cost of a burner and allows unlimited choices.
There is that smell though :biglaugh:
#5 with the Lil Chopper, from 3Rivers.
Vario from Herb's Archery. The orginal ones are not made any more but Herb has them made. Also the new cutters fit the older model. I like it because it captures the quill. Also it has less slop in the cutter unit. I used have issues with my Lil Choopers especially when chopping spliced feathers.
The is also the BearPaw chopper. I think Kustom King has them, a sponser. Looks to have same idea as Vario. I was going to get one to try but not on my "A" list.
The vario clipper was absolutely the best.
Think Herb makes his own now.
I also use a burner.
For those who use the Li'l Chopper (and I'm one), there was an article some time back somewhere (how's that for vague?) about how to make it sturdier and remove some slop. The wire that runs through both sides was replaced with two machine screws through the hole in each side. Enlarge the holes just enough to fit the bolt used.
I have a couple Lil Choppers and always had pretty good results. Now I use a burner for almost everything. Unlimited shapes and sizes
Vario Clipper, for the reasons stated. It does make a nice clean cut, but wears out about as fast as the cheaper models. You eventually have to whack it twice, and then harder and harder to get all the quills cut. I suppose I could look into getting a replacement blade, but I think the groove that forms in the base has something to do with it too.
Lil choppers...
I've only used the lil'chopper.
It works.
The vario clipper is built again in Germany!
Unfortunately, the page is only partially in English
Vario Clipper Eternal Archery (http://www.eternal-archery.de/us/index.html)
Lil Chopper is all I've used.
I thought about going to the Vario but when they became unavailable I lost faith in them.
The Lil Chopper has a learning curve but I've got them figured out now and rarely have any issues.
Guy
Lil Chopper for me. I never felt the need to look for another brand.
We use and sell Lil Chopper
Terry
I have 5 Lil choppers. Don't care for them much they get real sloppy after extended use and two of the top (striking) boards broke so I replaced them with hardwood boards. I have 5 or them because I picked some up in a trade. I would look to other makes if I were to purchase any more.
Herb's feather chopper.
Sam
Herb's is the best out there.
Here is a suggestion for Lil Chopper users. I had problems with the front edge of the feather turning when I chopped and getting a bit of a hump on the front of the feather. If you have that issue, here is what to do--don't chop the front, leading end of the feather. Rather slide the feather down toward the front edge of the cutting blade until it just barely touches but not far enough for it to actually cut the leading edge. Since I started doing that I have no more funky bumps on the leading edge of my feathers. Don't have the issue on the trailing end.
I use Little Chopper as well.
Just used my little chopper tonight. Fletching arrows for my son right now.
Where do you get "Herbs chopper"
Herb'sarchery.com
I chop all of my feathers with the Lil' Chopper from 3Rivers. I own way more of those choppers than any one person should have. There are a couple little tricks with them to get perfect cuts,but they work great for the price.