Trad Gang

I am going to start fletching carbon arrows.  I plan to use the tape.  I have read some stuff about wraps being a good idea on carbons to make application and clean-up with glued on feathers easy.  Does the same apply to fletch tape or is that a lot easier to get off a carbon shaft?

Don't have any experience with the tape on wraps or carbons.  Have used the tape for several years now with excellet results on cedar and alumunum - don't see why it wouldn't work on the wraps or directly on the carbons.  Good luck.
Craig

for carbons I use flethtite and with a good fletching remover tool you get almost all the glue off and whats left 120 grit sand paper works.

I use fletch tape on my wraps with carbon arrows. Works great with wraps from onestringer.

I've used the wrap's and the tape without a problem. I prefer aluminum but it work's on everything equally well. I would not do it any other way it's just to easy!! Jason

I've fletched hundreds of carbons with fletch tape. I've never used the wraps, but they are very easy to re-fletch if the need be.
                                   James

It´s no problem to get the Fletch Tape off the shaft.
Just rub over it with your thumb and it will come off.

Stefan

fletch tape works GREAT, no matter whether the shaft is cap wrapped or not.

One thing I do is ; when I refletch, I heat the tape slightly with a blow dryer. It will come right off. DB

Sounds like the tape will be the thing for me with one clamp.  Sounds fast and easy on and off.  I think I will just use them on shafts with out wraps for now.  

When using tape on the wraps can you get the tape off and save the wrap when doing fletch replacement or repair?

A lot of people put a dab of glue on the front end of the feather after taping it - this helps when you shoot through targets or under grass/leaves. I'm not sure how this would work with wraps, but I've always done it when taping straight onto the carbons and it works great.

If sliced bread hadn't been invented, people would be saying that, "this here thing is the best thing since fletch tape."

I've picked the taped feathers off and used the wrap again a number of times. The wraps do get boogered up a little, especially if you use a big drop of glue on the front and rear of the feathers.

xtrema312, I have a question for the thread, but I don't want to hijack you.

Let me know if it's ok.

Go for it Pepper.  I have all I need.

With the tape i dont use wraps because it makes refletching hard, you have to replace the wrap also. If you clean the carbon shaft with alcohol (a must) then the tape will work great and you can make fletching repairs with no trouble.

I use a little acetone on the shaft before I apply the feathers using fletching tape. A dab of crazy glue at each end of the feather and viola! Done. Works great.

Is there an easy way to fletch with the tape ?
I seem to be all thumbs and seem to have to use a
lot more tape then cut off after.If this has been
discussed elsewhere please point me in the right direction.

tape works great for me, with or without wraps.

This may help you.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdkgDOvai-Q

Any preference for tape type?  I have found Bohning and Bearpaw so far.

QuoteOriginally posted by the elf:
Is there an easy way to fletch with the tape ?
I seem to be all thumbs and seem to have to use a
lot more tape then cut off after.If this has been
discussed elsewhere please point me in the right direction.

I found this to be the ticket:
1) wipe down the shaft with acetone and don't touch the area where the feathers will go
2) put the feather in the jig
3) apply the tape to the feather and cut the tape at the end.
4) run the dull back of a razor blade along the tape to stick it to the feather well
5) use the edge of the razor to get between the tape glue and the backing and lift the backing off
6) lower the jig onto the shaft evenly so that the entire feather makes contact with the shaft at once and gently press the jig against the shaft
7)open the jig jaws and lift it clean off the feather with no jerking or side to side movements
8) run your finger along the entire feather to ensure that the glue on the tape is making positive contact between the shaft and feather at all points
9) drop a small dab of crazy glue at both ends of the feather
10)repeat with remaining feathers.

That should do it. I have had no problems and have shot clean through carpet and other nasties without the feathers coming off of the bare carbon, no wraps needed.

Hope this helps.    :thumbsup:

Thanks--step #5 is where I have the most problems.

I use white wraps for the reason that I can see'um when I'm stump shoot'in, they work great for that!! Jason

QuoteOriginally posted by Butch Speer:
If sliced bread hadn't been invented, people would be saying that, "this here thing is the best thing since fletch tape."

:biglaugh:  I liked that.

I am having difficulty pulling the tape off the roll, it stretches, and pulls away from the backing in spots.
What am I doing wrong?

Sounds like you have a bad roll.  Never saw that happen myself, and I've used lots of rolls of Bohnning and Bearpaw.

I love the tape, it saves me hours of tedious work. I use it both with and w/out wraps, just make sure your shaft is clean!

I too LOVE fletch tape! It is indeed the best thing since sliced breat.

I picked up an "exact-o-knife" at the local hobby store and this is a great help in getting the backing off the tape once it is on the feather.

Bohning has worked great.

fletch tape works awesome just dont forget dot of glue at each end and they stick awesome to arrow wraps id you use them also....ps arrow wraps arent that tough to get off if you want to refletch

I found that if you keep the tape in a zip-lock, stored in the fridge between uses, it'll last a long time.  When you take it out to use, it's like you just opened the pack.
Been using it for several years now.  It even works on river cane!

For me tape only way to go and onestringer wraps as well.