I got some of this tape it works real good but I have one hell of a time splitting it . Is there an easy way to do this.thanks ED
I don't know if there is an easier way. Sometimes I get frustrated trying to split it also, but the stuff certainly works well.
Ed, I use fletch tape all the time now. One of the tricks I use is that once I have the tape on the feather in the clamp and it is cut on both ends I use an "exacto knife" to start the peeling at one end. The small thin blade works perfectly for splitting the sticky part from the backing.
Hope this helps!
thanks Ill give it a try
Ed, I've used the tape since its birth several times. What has worked for me is cuticle scissors.
Great for cutting, trimming, and peeling the film off.
Oh, forgot to mention, after applying the tape to quill, press the tape with the outside edge of the scissors, up and down the length of the feather.
This seem to help the film lift from the adhesive.
Steve
I usa a large safety pin.
I place the feather in a Bitz clamp, apply the tape,then cut the tape about 1/16" long. To seperate the tape / backing I rake the extension of the tape with the back of a pocket knife or pair of scissors. This will seprate the two so the backing can be peeled off.
This stuff works well but I still prefer Duco for woodies w/ a urethane / varnish type finish.
I use a very thin pocket knife.
I do what myshootinstinks said, cut the tape just a little long at the back of the feather. I just use my fingernail to apply pressure up and down the quill to set the tape, then rake my fingernail on the extension - the sticky part barely grabs the clamp and the backing sticks straight out.
Cutting the tape about a 1/16th inch longer than the quill side works great..but instead of trying to peel the backing off, just press the extra length onto the backside of the feather, as if you were trying to get it to stick to the rearmost part of the feather barbs. The sticky side will stick and the red film will come away on it's own. YOu will have to look closely as it will appear as if nothing happened. Just look for the clear adhesive on the very back side of the feather and you know you did it right......clear as mud?
So imagine the quill is the long side of the letter L just flip the last 1/16th up like the short side of the L behind the fletch and the adhesive sticks to it allowing the stiffer red backing to pop off. Grab it and peel the red backing away
I use an exacto knife, and try to grab it from the side, works well.
I do pretty much the same thing as Norseman suggested. It works for me too!
What Norseman said. Works great.
thanks everyone for your help
I've never tried this product. I'm going by Bass Pro this morning, I'll look for it. I have to fletch up a dozen Legacy's for my son.
I leave the tape about 1/16" to 1/8" long on one end, then pinch it down hard with my thumbnail against the clamp, which will make the red backing pop up. Strip the red backing then snip the tape flush and apply.
Bass Pro didn't sell the tape. I just bought two "rolls" from Bohning for about $10 each. Supposed to do 3.5 dozen arrows per roll. I hope I like it. I'll be fletching 2016 Legacys for my son and 1916's for myself. First I cut the swage off, squared up and glued Easton Uni-Bushings so I can use push-in nocks for ease of feather clearance adjustment.
Place feather in clamp, apply tape, use the dull edge (back) of a straight razor to rub the tape onto the feather well, use the sharp edge to lift the backing off of the tape. BAM!
What Noresman said plus I use the knurled handle of the exacto knife to roll up and down on the tape...this seems to release the backing a little better and give a better adhesion to the feather
i usually put it on and leave about a inch extra. then i just kinda twist it up so it comes apart... then cut that extra stuff off so it dnt look so sloppy
Who makes the tape that has paper backing and comes in a small plastic case? That stuff is the best!
I bought two rolls of the Bohning when I was down to the last 12" and tried it on three arrows. I had to get my wife to help figure out how to get the plastic backing to separate. She eventually tried a small exacto knife....at least it work.....but I still struggle, even with the exact.
That tape with the paper backing was the best.....anyone know if it's still made (and more important - who sells it)?