Trad Gang

Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Killdeer on July 20, 2012, 10:26:00 AM

Title: Merc and Bohning, Plus Bitzenburger
Post by: Killdeer on July 20, 2012, 10:26:00 AM
This is for folks who fletch with a Bitz, and use Mercury or Bohning Classic index nocks.

I modify every batch of these nocks that go through my Bitz. The indexes are too big, and drag on the nock receiver housing, which puts a gouge in the nock index. I am tired of reducing these with an emery board, and am considering taking the Dremel to the housing orifice to enlarge it.

Anybody been there, done that, or found another fix?

Is anybody here involved with the manufacture of these nocks, and would consider reducing the size of the index, maybe to that of the old three-lined speed nocks of the 'sixties?

Killdeer   :dunno:
Title: Re: Merc and Bohning, Plus Bitzenburger
Post by: LBR on July 20, 2012, 10:29:00 AM
I use a Bitz, used to use Mercs, use BC's now...don't have that problem.  Maybe a different (older?  newer? ) model Bitz?
Title: Re: Merc and Bohning, Plus Bitzenburger
Post by: Fletcher on July 20, 2012, 10:32:00 AM
I open all of mine up with a 1/2 inch drill bit or taper reamer.  I big rattail file works, too.  The jig body is cast aluminum and drills/files easily.  Just remove the indexer and tape over the stop holes to keep the balls in and the chips out.
Title: Re: Merc and Bohning, Plus Bitzenburger
Post by: hayslope on July 20, 2012, 10:35:00 AM
Been there!!!  Some of the industrious types here will come up with a cure for that issue I'm sure.
Title: Re: Merc and Bohning, Plus Bitzenburger
Post by: deaddoc4444 on July 20, 2012, 10:40:00 AM
I have  seen the same problem and I file with the emery board  or old points file   to reduce  after fletching .  I usually put a small mark on the index to make sure its in all the same depth then reduce after the fletching  Just my way and  I just kep doing it   EXCEPT  that recently   I am back to the JO JAN   and getting as good an arrow  and no problem with the index  ( actually liking  the   helical  from the JO JAN  better than the Bitz )
Title: Re: Merc and Bohning, Plus Bitzenburger
Post by: Killdeer on July 20, 2012, 10:42:00 AM
My primary Bitz is from the mid to late eighties, and the rest I picked up used. They all appear to be of the same vintage.

Killdeer
Title: Re: Merc and Bohning, Plus Bitzenburger
Post by: Bud B. on July 20, 2012, 10:42:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by Fletcher:
I open all of mine up with a 1/2 inch drill bit or taper reamer.  I big rattail file works, too.  The jig body is cast aluminum and drills/files easily.  Just remove the indexer and tape over the stop holes to keep the balls in and the chips out.
eggzachary  ;)
Title: Re: Merc and Bohning, Plus Bitzenburger
Post by: Hobow on July 20, 2012, 10:52:00 AM
I either use a Nirk nock to fletch and glue on a Mercury or Bohning Classic afterwards or I take a knife and trim the index tab down so it's about 1/32" tall before they go in the jig.

I have wanted to drill the jig, just haven't yet...
Title: Re: Merc and Bohning, Plus Bitzenburger
Post by: Shortlongbow on July 20, 2012, 11:35:00 AM
I was just thinking about this very issue. I may ream my bitz out someday. Or start filing the index down. I have always just lived with the little gouge it makes in the index.
Title: Re: Merc and Bohning, Plus Bitzenburger
Post by: Kelly on July 20, 2012, 12:10:00 PM
Enlarging the Bitz is the only sure cure all I know of. That said, has the Mercury nock change cause I never had a problem with them, only the Bohning.

Kathy;

How many of the 3 line index nocks you want?

Thanks, Kelly
Title: Re: Merc and Bohning, Plus Bitzenburger
Post by: Killdeer on July 20, 2012, 01:03:00 PM
I am noting all of the suggestions and am thanking you all for your responses.

Kelly, the Mercs I have (recent, frosted, stamped size) have the same huge wing as the Bohnings. I cannot figure why they think we sensitive trad guys need something so obtrusive. I am not saying to go to what Stotler puts on theirs, but those old speed nocks with the low longitudinal bar are perfect for me.

Kelly, I may get back to you on those nocks!
Killdeer
Title: Re: Merc and Bohning, Plus Bitzenburger
Post by: iohkus on July 20, 2012, 03:24:00 PM
Just measured my Bitz. Looks like you could go as big as 1/2". I think the cleanest hole could be made with progressive reamers, if own some or could borrow.
Title: Re: Merc and Bohning, Plus Bitzenburger
Post by: Killdeer on July 20, 2012, 03:25:00 PM
I have a buddy who is a Master Machinist.    :bigsmyl:
Killdeer
Title: Re: Merc and Bohning, Plus Bitzenburger
Post by: magnus on July 20, 2012, 03:35:00 PM
A rat tail file worked good for me. Didn't take long at all.
Title: Re: Merc and Bohning, Plus Bitzenburger
Post by: snag on July 20, 2012, 04:25:00 PM
Another suggestion...might try the BearPaw nocks. They have a low profile index that won't touch the rim of the jig. They have more of a snap-on groove but the ends are very flexible. I find that they release from the string really nicely. Just another thought. If you wanted to try some I'll send a few to check out.
Title: Re: Merc and Bohning, Plus Bitzenburger
Post by: magnus on July 20, 2012, 04:27:00 PM
I might have to check those out David. Good tip.
Title: Re: Merc and Bohning, Plus Bitzenburger
Post by: iohkus on July 20, 2012, 10:08:00 PM
Just checked them out..........those DO look nice!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Merc and Bohning, Plus Bitzenburger
Post by: snag on July 21, 2012, 01:07:00 AM
I just glued some on some tapered shafts. The line from the shaft to the nock is perfect. Really likin' these.
Title: Re: Merc and Bohning, Plus Bitzenburger
Post by: Bud B. on July 21, 2012, 01:11:00 PM
Does a TG sponsor sell the Bearpaw nocks? If so, who?
Title: Re: Merc and Bohning, Plus Bitzenburger
Post by: iohkus on July 21, 2012, 01:23:00 PM
Kustom King