I'm going to start building some of my own arrows and need a fletching jig that allows the flexibility to locate a 5 inch feather a specific distance from the valley of the nock (as per when a feather to nose is used as an anchor point).
Can anyone make a recommendation for a jig that allows this?
Hard to say not knowing what the specified distance is but my Bitz allows some flexibility and it's 35 years old +- and I wouldn't use anything else.The clamp is indexed so once you getter like you want you can easily repeat. That said there are some other good models.
Just measured my Bitzenburger, can get a maximim of 1 13/16" between end of fletch and valley of nock. :thumbsup:
jo jan and bitzenburger are the best, depends on other thing too.like are you going to glue, use jo jan, if tape bitz, 4 feathers 90 degress bitz, x shape jo jan, cost jo jan is less $.the farther from nock more heical in the feather, i think ? I would recomend a bitzenburger if it is your first jig.
BPE pro is what I use. I am using 4" feathers right now but looks like plenty of room for your 5" as well
Bohning. Yes, the cheap red plastic one! Best value for money jig there is.
I like to use the Jo-Jan. I started with their Mono Fletcher. Well made and easy to use.
I have the Jo-Jan multi fletcher. The time it saves is well worth the money in my opinion. You're going to enjoy making your own arrows and will want to make a bunch if you get hooked like the rest of us. If you can't get the multi fletcher and want just a one at a time jig, then I would suggest a Bitzenberger. Cadillac of fletching jigs in my opinion.
if you are going to fletch all your own in the future, i'd recommend the Jo Jan multi-fletch. you can do 6 at a time. 3 or 4 fletch and plenty of room to play with.
btw... they do have 90 degree inserts for 4 fletch available. kirk
:biglaugh: We posted at the same time
I would recommend the Grayling fletching jig. Its also marketed as the Martin J-8 Fletcher (3Rivers catalog).
If you do a search for Grayling Jig, you'll find a lot of good info, plus a video.
I purchased a Bitzenberger first, but the indexer was very spongy. The Grayling was a lot easier to set up.
I'm far from an expert on Fletching, but I've been well pleased with the Grayling.
Bitz for maybe 30 years
One thing I discovered, is the Grayling will do anything the Bitz does.
At about half the price.
Thanks for the input guys. Anyone have experience with the Arizona EZ fltech? Can you adjust the distance of the fletch from the nock valley?
I have two Bitz jigs, a relatively new one and one that is at least 50 years old. Both will be fletching arrows long after I'm gone.
I've got a bunch of bitz's., but rarely use them after buying 6 bpe pros! Cheaper light weight and much more adjustable than a bitz. It has its quirks. The support end can be a tad sharp imho. Other than that I think they're perfection!
Bitz's are tanks. That I believe leads people to believe they are the best and at one time I would have agreed. They were my first jigs and i keep them in the backup box in case i'd get a big order or fell behind when i was doing arrows as a side gig. The nock holders too small destroying the large index on bohning classics leading too inconsistencies in fletching and having to replace nocks. And the lack of micro adjustments leaves this jig in a acceptable range (close) but not perfection acrossed a broad range of shaft diameters makes setting jigs up a pain at times. There are ways of working with this on the Fletcher's end, but why deal with it when another jig can adjust for it at a cheaper cost to the fletcher? This answer depend on how far you want to take it, what's consistent enough?
Jo Jan's though nice for speed lack the quality control to wArrent this purchase. It's unfortunate as this jig has been around as long as bitz (under a different name) and only after machining gets it consistent from one end to the other. A machinist buddy has reworked a few of them and so far none are on from one end to the other when he gets them. In a game where consistency rules the gold, the lack of it with this jig keeps it off my go roster!
They are the only three I would consider forking money over for and of them I own both old a new bitz's and the bpe pros.
On that note....
If you're doing a special arrow you could easily mock something up with a big binder clamp and wood scraps. Really you're imagination is limitless.
i nalso shoot the feather to nose double anchor system-ala:Rick Welch.
check out his site and see what he reccomends.
i use my bitz- and they work really well for me- 5" fletch's and lots of space for my schnoz.
but the nock holder will not take the indexer nocks.
wayne