Trad Gang
Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Mike Mecredy on June 11, 2010, 05:51:00 PM
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I bought some fletch tape to try, all I can say is I probably should have bought a strait jacket to go with it becuase it about drove me looney trying to get it to work. :mad: :banghead: :laughing:
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You can't give me the stuff either. Fletch tite or Duco for me.
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Use a straight edged razor and try this:
first, clamp feather
second, apply tape to feather
third, use back of razor (non-cutting edge) to stick the tape onto the feather well
fourth, use the edge of the razor to lift the backing up and just peal it back. It really is VERY simple once you get the hang of it
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I gave it a good go.
I am using Duco or FT Platinum, or Super Glue Gel. Mostly the gel.
Tired of having the feathers crawl around on the shaft.
Killdeer
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i love my fletch tape works great for me .
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Yes, very simple if you follow the directions listed above. I have never had a feather come off when using it.
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I am a recent convert and I was amazed at how well it works and how easy it is to apply. No more glue for me. The trick is to make sure and cut it about 1/8" past the feather and then use and exacto knife to push that little bit onto your feather clamp. The use the needle tip of the exacto blade to lift up the red liner and presto, ready to set on the shaft. Awesome product. JMHO
nocams
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Juan, I am NOT a maladroit. Shouldn't you be watching somebody's tummy?
Killdeer :laughing:
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I like the fletch tape too. Put a drop of glue on each end of the feather after installation and it works great!
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Only problem I've had with it was getting the backing off. Once I figured out how to get it off easily I've never had any problems with it.
Holds as long as any glue and is a lot faster.
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Everything I've heard/read/seen about it is that people either Love it or Hate it!
I Hate it!
IF you can get past the application it does hold well. (In my experience.)
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Works great for me only thing I miss with the glue is getting HIGH.
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I've even used it but don't tell anyone that I fletched up an arrow.
I had trouble with it at 1st but no more than I have with glue of any kind..lol
God bless,Mudd
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I love it and have ever since it came out. I pretty much do the same as NCH's directions above except I press the near side down with my fingernail or a thin knife befor removing clamp and the do the same thing to both sides before moving on to next feather. I also use an exacto knife (or a bodkin - needle tool from fly tieing). I've used it on just about every kind arrow i can think of (even canes - got ribbed about that some - LOL).
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You Cant Beat Saunders NPV Fletching Glue. My Opinion, of Course!!
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Everyone has their own preference- and it's all good. And yes, like anything else, if you've grown accustomed to doing something a certain way, learning to do it a new way can feel awkward at first. But once you get the hang of it, it becomes almost second nature.
I've been using the stuff exclusively since the early 1990s and have never had an issue arise from its use. And I- and I suppose most who prefer it- can fletch AND shoot a 1/2 dozen arrows using a single arrow jig in a half hour or less.
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I have been using the tape for the last six or seven years with zero problems.
I put the feather in the clamp where I want it. Overlap the tape about an 1/8" or more on the front of the feather. Lay the tape down the rest of the feather and stick it down and cut the tape flush at the back of the feather. now push that 1/8" piece down so it sticks to the clamp.
Take a razor exacto knife or razor blade and pop that red backing off the tape at the front. It takes a time or two to get it right but after that it is easy.
Remove the backing and cut the tape off flush at the front of the feather and stick it on the shaft, remove clamp and push the fletch down tight with a thumb nail and you are done.
A drop of glue front and rear if you want to.
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Yes Juan, (Northern Cal, hunter) that's exactly how I did it. I didn't have a problem with getting it on the feather, or getting the backing off, all thet went like a dream, they just don't stick to the arrow. I think it's because I seal my shafts with boiled linseed oil. I've never had a problem with duco or super glue gel. I think I'll stick to those. (Once they let me out of the restaints.)
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It doesn't smell nearly as good as glue either. (kidding, don't call the cops)
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I don't use an exacto knife. I simply roll the 1/8" of extra about a half-dozen times until separates the two layers and then grab and peel. I don't think it is as strong as Duco on woods, but I have not had any come off during stump shooting. I love not having to wait for glue to dry. The other benefit is if I want to replace feathers I just heat them up a little with a heat gun and they peel off clean. I don't think I will go back to glue.
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I use carbons for the most part and the tape works great. It took a bit of time and practice but now it's a snap. The tape sticks I don't have to worry about glue drying up :)
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Ok for a quick repair and I do keep some around but I stick to glue when fletching up a new batch. Like Killie, they have a tendancy to slide around too much for me. I also like the Saunders NPV when I can get it.
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Mine stick but slide.
!["[dntthnk]"]("graemlins/dntthnk.gif" "\"\"")
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Mike,
Once you figure out how to get the backing off, you won't give it up.
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I've been using it for a few years now too. Never had a problem. I've lost arrows in the grass, found them a year or so later, the the tape still holds. I can do a dozen arrows in no time at all.
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I love the stuff
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I really like the tape. Used it in mo in the heat and humidity and now in AK in the bitter cold. No issues. One added suggestion is after the feather is on the shaft, run your finger down the feather to give it a good hold, then drop of glue at the ends. Initially had the floating feather but no more.
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I like it! I've never had feathers slide with it either. I HATE waiting for glue to dry! The drop at each end seems to dry pretty quickly though. I can do several arrows in the time it used to take for the first fletch to dry with glue.
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I must use to much helical or something because I have had problems with it sliding some. It is a snap going on and I do all the prep and trick everyone says to use. I put glue on both ends, but still had feathers fly right off the shaft shooting in teens to 20's this winter. If they didn't fly off they were just holing on by the ends, and the tape was like cellophane wrap in that cold. It curled right up, pealed off the feather and shaft clean, and had no stick at all in those temps. Made it easy to reuse feathers I must say. I don't have that with glue. This was all on GT trad shafts. I may try it again on some Beman shafts to see if there is a difference shooting then this summer. I don't have problems with glue.
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I'll never use glue again if the tape is available. The instant bond is so convenient, and I have never had one come off even in the hot humid swamp.
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A big selling point about the tape seems to be the "drying" time.
I HATE fletching glues for that reason too. (I've only tried 2 or 3 kinds.)
If you like the "fast" tape, and still want a "fast" glue to anchor the front and back of the feather get the namebrand superglue GEL...it isn't instant but will be set in 10 seconds. You'll get the best of both worlds I suppose.
It's what I use to fletch the entire arrow...love the stuff.
:thumbsup:
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I don't peel very well, so duco and multiple jigs and clamps is where it is at.
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I've tried it a few times and really don't see how its "quicker" at all, for me anyway. Maybe I'm just clumsy or haven't figured out the easy way yet, but it takes me a lot of effort and time just to put the tape on the feather and not have it hanging over a side. It just always seems like I need at least one other hand. Then you've got to cut the tape and figure out how to peel the backing off all without peeling the whole bit of tape off the feather. By the time I get this all done, my nerves are shot.
Quite frankly, in the amount of time it takes me to do the above, I can have a bead of glue ran down a feather, the feather on the shaft, and the glue dried enough to remove the clamp and start on the next one. And of course I'll still be in a relaxed state, instead of all frustrated and full of anxiety.
Don't get me wrong, I think its a great idea and could possibly be a little quicker after you get a real good hang of it, but it just isn't for me.
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Never had a problem with it!
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I liked the ease of it, but my arrows moved on me as well. What jigs are you guys using that love the tape? Mine's a jo jan.
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I use tape and a bitz jig. NO problems as long as I prep the shaft correctly. I use tiny scissors to cut tape and an exacto knife to peel
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I'll admit, fletch-tape is a dandy thing. Used it for two straight years, and loved it. Feathers almost never came off, yet it was easy to remove them without damaging the shaft. The bond was almost instant. Plus, after a few feathers, you get a definate technique down that makes the application so much easier than when you start.
That said, I'm currantly using Loc-tite gel super glue. Almost as quick and just as tough, plus no feather movement whatsoever. No matter what I did, or how I cleaned the shaft/feather, they always moved. Not as bad as some have experianced, just enough to turn a helical fletch into an offset...
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The tape works for me.I always clean the shaft with alcohol before I start.Make sure the feather has made contact with the shaft before you remove the clamp.I found an arrow that had been in the ground for several months.The feathers were in bad shape but the tape was holdin like day one.
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I've had good luck with the tape. For me the extra time lining up and putting it in place is still way faster than using glue. Also, the tape seems to stand up to more abuse. I was really surprised by that.
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I hated it at first, but now that I have fletched several dozen arrows with it...I love it. I just scrape the red stuff sideways with my thumbnail once the sticky side is on the feather and it comes right off...no problems. I didn't like the way the directions say to do it, because it left a little hanging off, an I had to hassle with cutting it off or it sticking to everything.
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Fletch tape is awesome! No messy glue, just dab a little fletch tite on end of feather. No waiting for glue to set, much quicker once you get the hang of it.
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Regarding the issue of feathers slipping- try this; using a very small (thin) flat blade screw driver press down on the quill in several places along its length BEFORE removing the clamp. After the clamp is removed (open it WIDELY taking care not to bump the fletching), take your thumb nail and run it down the full length of the quill several times making an effort to press straight down.
This technique will ensure that your feathers will not slip no matter how small the diameter of the shaft or how severe the helical twist.
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I recently started using the tape and love it.Haven't had a feather come off since.Best thing since sliced bread in my book.
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I am compulsive.
I ran all kinds of tools and fingers down the lip of the quill as well as directly mashing down the barbs as I ran a finger own its length. I cleaned my aluminum with acetone. I put glue at both ends, different glues, too.
They crawled.
I have used three rolls of fletch tape.
I will give any and all partials away at the next shoot I attend, if I still have any in my possession.
Killdeer
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I didn't have much luck with it either. My feathers kept coming off so, I won't be using it anymore. Duco is the way to go for me. :thumbsup:
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Killdeer,
I think your first few rolls of fletch tape must have went back and told all the other rolls of fletch tape how you have been dissin' them and now they're all funnin' with you. :)
Kidding aside, I'm stumped. I don't Know if one brand is better than another or what? As I mentioned in my first post, everyone has their own preference and it's all good. I think it's noteworthy to mention that most noted arrowsmiths still use glue.
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We always used glue at the archery shop where I worked part time for a number of years. We (already) had the multiple fletching jigs and could have one 1/2 dzn drying while setting up another jig of 6. But at the same time, as I said in my earlier post, I had just the single Bitzenburg at home and I switched to tape there, as soon as it appeared on the market, for my personal and (some) friends arrows. I think I was also fed up with gluing all those feathers/vanes though - LOL
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Well.....there certainly doesn't seem to be any middle ground on this one (just like previous threads on the topic)......you either love it :) ...or hate it :mad:
I happen to be on the "love it" side.......or at least until I ran out of my "stash". I had the paper-backed tape that came in the small plastic case (BTW - does anyone know who actually made that fletching tape?). Best stuff in the world and fletching stayed put.....always!
I have no complaints about the Bohning stuff with red plastic backing as far holding the fletching (yet! - minimal experience). It is a royal pain in as far as how difficult it is to get to separate from the glue. I should not have to require an exacto knife to do that task!!! It almost negates the benefits.
WHO made the paper-backed tape in the plastic case? If it was Bohning, they need some serious feedback on change management.......if it was another company, they need to get off their duffs and get more product in the shops!!!!!
BTW - does anyone have any of the old tape with paper-backing???? If you hate it, send it my way!
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If you don't have finger nails it would be more difficult. One trick I do is tap the end of the tape to the jig then it bends over and it is easier to separate the backing.
I love the stuff and see no reason to go back to slow messy glue.
Leg
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I found it is like tying a new knot,all thumbs at first.I like the ease of replacing feathers,much easier removal and a LOT less work getting the arrow ready to refletch.I even repaired a friends arrow at a shoot a few weeks back.Replaced a damaged feather just by eyeballing it no jig.If you are not satisfied peel it off retape, stick it on again all in less than five minutes.Try that with glue.My advice,use what you are comfortable with but don't be tentative to try new techniques.
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I tried every method mentioned on here and the front and back of my feathers could still slide side to side no matter what ;) It may be good enough for some, but it definitely does not hold as well as a top-quality glue.
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I've used the tape for years and obviously like it. I had a difficult time with it at first ,,, until I watched a kid do it. :saywhat: Then I perfected his technique a bit and here I are.
one tip to keep the tape from sliding; once fletched, place that arrows in front of an air conditioner to cool it off, then repress the feather down. They seem to stay in place better.
I doan think it works as good with helical fletches.
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I just started fletching my own arrows recently and tried the tape.I haven't had a feather fall off yet.Also I've only fletched gold tips and easton carbons.It is however a little slower than glueing for me.
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I had issues with the fletch coming off after a few dozen shots. Maybe the tape didn't like my wraps, but I don't know.
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I like Fletch tape. I use a Jojan fletching jig with maximum helical. I place the feather in the clamp, apply the tape, cut it the exact length with scissors and the run the back of the blade a few times over the red backing before lifting it off. I place the clamp on the the jig, pressing firmly. I've used the tape on carbon, aluminum and wood with no problems.
Jerry
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I kind of wonder how many that like the tape use a lot of helical. Also what shaft type, wrap or not, and prep system for the shaft.
So far I only use them on carbon, no wrap, and have used alcohol to clean. I get the curl mostly at the back of the feather and winter blow off. I just got some acetone to see if that does the trick and makes for better stick.
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Some things I've found about fletching tape:
I do like the tape for testing the fletching clamp position on my jig, and for flu-flus that have cap dip and cresting (I shoot a lot of flu-flus and the feathers get worn so it's not hard to renew the fletches when they're taped)
If a fletching base isn't ground absolutely square, I've found them to 'lean' a tad when using tape.
Glue lets a fletch lay into the shaft and set up nice and perpendicular.
Also - when using helical, a fletching wants to 'slide' sideways a bit as it settles into position and this sliding cannot occur when using tape. I won't use tape for good hunting arrows.
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love me some fletch tape. Once you figure out how to get the backing off, it is the best thing since sliced bread.
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for me, it's too stupid easy to use fletch tape and i've completely switched over. there is a knack to using it, but once acquired you wouldn't even dream of going back to the goop. i should do a video on how i tape fletch ... soon ... eventually ... maybe ... (where does all the time go????). :dunno:
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The first time I used it, I thought I can never use this stuff. However after decideing I will not let it defeat me I figured it out and would never use glue again. Send it to me and I will be happy to use it. The one downside of it is that it is expensive and no one carries it locally so I have to order it and pay shipping also.
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If I did a video on using it it would have to be rated "R" for stong language and violence.
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When I found tape I sold all but one of my Bitz's and my Jo Jan multifletch as single stage was just as fast since I didn't need any drying time.Love tape am never going back to glue!!!!!
As far as glue goes Saunders NVP is the best there is and would be my go to glue if tape wasn't available. Frank
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In the South Texas heat fletch tape can be a problem. Ive tried and retried it. No luck. Its neat and clean but by the time I can remove the backing I would of fletched a dozen arrows with glue. I use goat tuff and it dries fast sometimes too fast.
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My strong language and violence does not occur while using it. I am pretty good with my hands, indeed, adroit. Yes, I put the damn feather in the clamp, apply the tape, rub the plastic till it is warm and cuddly on the quill, remove the plastic, clamp to the shaft, rub everything that I can reach, and go to the next. Pull the arrow from the jig, and rub down the quills some more. Why can't I get MY quills rubbed like that? :mad:
My cussing starts when I pull an arrow out of the quiver and see that a feather's insistence on crawling has unseated the drop of glue at both ends of the fletch, dragging it kicking and screaming to wherever it decides to camp for the nonce. Or it is leaning like a lovestruck drunk at the feather next door, which of course, is leaning as far away as it can from the oafish lout it finds itself neighboring.
Or it has fallen off in front of the rugged Bunny Hunters of Albany. With all that futzing around making sure the tape has stuck, I may as well have used the glue, and saved myself some embarrassment.
Killdeer
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"Oafish Lout" Oh man Killie I'm from Kentucky I'm gonna have to look that one up. You are killing me girl. :biglaugh:
Yep super glue gel is faster and holds better, don't understood the tape craze. But what do I know???
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I only put a drop of glue at the front of the fletch. It seems to keep it tighter to the shaft and ended the separation anxieties. I think when it is shot it helps to keep pushing the fletch tighter to the shaft. Just a thought.
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:dunno:
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this is almost comical. The division is deep, and no middle ground. I, myself, am on the "love it" side. Rarely have a problem with it. Some times I may get one that just gives me problems, but I believe it is usually a hygiene thing (likely oil from my hands on the shaft or wrap). As to it holding up, I have feather failures (quill stays attached to the shaft and feather tears off the quill) rather than the tape failing. I have used it on bare carbons (cleaned), and One-Stringer's wraps over wood arrow shafts. I shoot a long feather (5"+) with a heavy helical on my woods, and have also used it on 4" on my carbons. Man, I do not like glue.
No problems here. :archer2:
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I've never lost a feather with fletch tape, but I have watched them lay over in hot weather.
If I have to dot the ends with glue, I will just use glue for the whole job. Glue doesn't move.
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I hate tape, impact tough gorilla glue for me, dries fast and also works great on inserts, even brass. No need to put a drop on each end either with this stuff.
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Man I love my fletch tape also! No more glue on the hands and if a feather gets worn out it's much easier to scrape the tape off than it was to scrape the glues off.
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Well I got acetone now to do prep in place of alcohol. My back end of the feather still crawls. I don't think it stays long enough for the glue dots to dry. I don't see how you can keep the things in place with a good helical. I would have to glue the back end and keep it in the clamp until it dries. What is the point of that? I don't know, maybe I have a bad roll. It would work great with straight or offset vanes.
I also have used gateway and AMG. Maybe you need Truflight for real nice grinds and minimum base material to keep them in place.
Tape is fast and easy for me, but so is glue, and I don't see a mess issue with glue. I think my next tube will get the super gel. Sounds like the best of both worlds.
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I can't believe this went for 5 pages, that's a record for a topic I started.
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After the messing around with glue and bifocals to see if its a smooth and even flow...never again
! It's fletching tape for me. Just don't do it real early in the morning unless you can thread a needle when you wake up.
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"love it", fletching tape has done away with the wife yelling about glue getting glue on the kitchen table.
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Originally posted by xtrema312:
I also have used gateway and AMG. Maybe you need Truflight for real nice grinds and minimum base material to keep them in place [/QB]
I found the same thing.Seems to depend on the feather grind
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I use a dental pick (old ones are free from my dentist) to wet out the adhesive to the feather. Just use the rounded portion and push the tape onto the feather. Then I use the pick end to grab the red release tape. Works well for me. I do add a drop of glue to each end of the feather. Using fletch tape really speeds up my arrow building since I only have one jig.
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It takes a couple of arrows to get the hang of it, but once you get a little system down it's real simple. The hardest part is getting the top layer off the tape once it's on the feather so that you can stick it to the arrow. Remember to leave just a touch of tape longer than the feather when you cut it off; this makes it easier to remove the top layer. I can't believe anyone uses anything else anymore.
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It's funny how everyone's mileage varies so much. My worst fletching experience involved Duco. I made up some woodies and shot them all summer without a hitch. Then I backpacked 8 miles up into the mountains for an elk hunt and about the second day my arrows started shedding feathers like my golden retriever sheds hair. Very weird and very disconcerting! It sure made me run back to Bohning fletch-tite pretty quick. I do have a couple of recently purchased rolls of tape and some wraps and I'm going to give it a go.
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I have had fletch tape fail in hot weather and will never trust it again!
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I've noticed in the heat and humidity the feather seem to move around a bit on the shaft. I'm back to Beyond Bond glue from 3Rivers.