I have cut up all of my extra feathers to make arrows for my 3 yr old and since he goes through arrows pretty quickly stump shootin with me I need a sourse for some inexpensive feathers. Possibly some cut offs.
I was using 3 and 4 inch on the kid arrows, but that gets pricey. From here on out I'm going to get full length and try to take three or even four out per feather. Will cut profile with a temlate and scissors. Simpler than busting out the burner!
I use full length and a chopper to get 3 per long feather.
Still pricey.
I adjust the chopper to make just about 3 inch.
Thanks guys the full lenght feather idea comes out to about $7.00 a dozen and finished arrow cost with pine dowels about $1.50 which ain't too bad.
My boys shoot wood for 3D but carbons for stumping. Paint them bright colors and they are hard to lose and definatly won't break. You can also cut Onestringer clear wraps just long enough to go under the feather for pretty cheap to ease in re fletching.
Rob
Chris, I have a bag full of cut off pieces that you can have if you want them. They are left over from when I was splicing my fletchings. They are all sizes and colors, most are artificial barred.
If you want them send me your mailing address and I'll get them out to you soon.
Chris, If you still need feathers send me a PM.
I also buy full length feathers and chop or burn them for my arrows, which leaves a lot of shorter feathers for my kids arrows.
One lesson I learned with grandson...vanes. I installed a Bear Weatherest and fletched up his arrows with 2" vanes. They last longer and take a beating and kids don't care what they shoot cause their having fun. Plus, vanes come in wide variety of colors and are cheap.
There is a thread in the DYI forum on how to make arrows for under $1 each.