I picked up used Youngs feather burner and had a couple of questions.
One, I wasn't able to google up any copies of the directions. I've already burned some feathers, so it isn't rocket science...BUT anyone by any chance have a PDF of the directions they could email me...or maybe go to the trouble of scanning a copy?
Two, I noticed 3 Rivers has a replacement Nock Holder as well as the wires. What goes bad with the nock holder? Maybe it is the same hardened white stuff that is inside my nock holder.
Also, on one side, the nichrome wire holder has a little bent metal arm...what's that for?
I suppose the instructions would answer a lot of these questions. Thanks! :readit: Steve
I don't know what could do wrong with the nock holders, but I have one of the old ones make out of glass, so I suppose it could break.
As far as the wires, they don't wear out as far as I can tell. I have some from the 70's that I am still using. Don't have any instructions, but I'm sure someone here will turn up a copy. dino
Instructions? 'Course I got instructions! They are in a safe place, though, and would require some digging. :(
Killdeer~paper management gone amok!
Maybe you could PM Littlefeather, I hear he's an expert on those gizmos.
The nock holders can deform from the heat. The white stuff could be there to help line up the shaft to the wire.
The Young burner I have is old and has a glass nock holder. I bought extra ribbons to make different fletch styles. I still have the original ribbon too. I think the bent metal part is a support and to insure good contact between the tightening nut and the ribbon. Pat
4runr,
I like my garage and don't want to burn it down, or else I'd use littlefeather's plans....LOL.
Those metal arms help transfer the heat to the wire. They cut better when they're HOT!
Hey Todd!! nice to show yourself here!!
I've got an "older than dirt" Young feather burner that has never had the little "L" shaped arm.
It's never gotten hot enough to suit me either... gets the job done, but it's a slow process.
Where can I get that piece?
:confused:
Stephen....If'n ya got a Fax machine....PM me your fax # and I'll copy and fax ya a set of destruction's...........vance
The little "L" shaped hootie is called a "GUIDE ARM"
It says " To reduce ribbon heat remove guide arm. This may be necessary when trimming small sized feathers."
Iron Bull, may have to PM you my Dad's fax number. He always said I needed a fax machine, I always said we scan and email....guess my 86 year old Dad was right. If I don't run across a set, I'll let you know....thanks! Steve
If your wire isn't getting red hot you can clean the contact points to bare metal where the nuts secure the wire and it will heat up correctly.
I don't want to hijack the thread but I need to ask if you think the burner is better than a chopper.
I have both and they both have their place. I like the burner best because I can make the style of fletchings that I want with it. Pat
yes ........ you can make any size or shape you want
I don't know if it is better, but certainly more flexible at the styles you can make for next to nothing once you get the burner. Got mine used for $35 so it is a good deal. Also don't have to worry about left or right wing.
One other benefit, I picked up a dozen flu-flus with a bow and I don't use many. Had been hand trimming the feathers, now they are all even with the burner.
Can't wait to see it up for all my wild turkey feathers.
Stone Knife,
Unless you want to be able to have unlimited feather shapes a feather burner is not really worth the cost or the messy process. That being said, I use mine quite a bit because most of my feathers are full length and I have my own shape I like to use that was called "Indian" by John Dodge. I cut my own style of shield that I like better than the factory cut feathers too.
I DO have an extra burner that I haven't gotten around to listing in the classifieds. You can send me a PM if you might be interested.
todd smith
Now this is really splitting hairs, but another advantage a burner has over a chopper is the consistency of the cut. Chopped feathers, even "store bought" aren't always exactly the same height/length. We're talking extremely small differences here, but, since the feathers are burned after they're on the shaft, each feather is identical to the other. So with a burner you won't have uneven feathers making extra noise or throwing your arrow off (LOL).
Hey Charlie,
I use a nail on the opposite side of mine. I figured that if a metal piece on one side is good, one on each side is better!
Try that, it should work just fine.
Todd... I was thinking about doing that very thing, but electricity certainly isn't my strong suit.
Got a piece of 1/8" key stock at the hardware store and made my own "thingy". It helped a lot, but the wire still doesn't burn red.
I'll give the extra piece a try tomorrow.
Thanks! :thumbsup:
Hey Charlie, when working with an electrical apparatus never touch two things at the same time, and don't stand in water :scared: and you'll do just fine
There goes working on it in the shower! ;)