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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Canyon on October 21, 2012, 11:47:00 AM

Title: Straighten under the fletching
Post by: Canyon on October 21, 2012, 11:47:00 AM
I recently pulled out a big box of old ash doug fir and ramin arrows to use for stumping, squirrels rabbits etc. A large number of these are bent in the middle of the fletching likely caused by how they were stored. I have tried hand straigtening without success.
Any TradGang tricks to get these straight without pulling feathers and using my ACE roller.
Title: Re: Straighten under the fletching
Post by: Keefer on October 21, 2012, 12:00:00 PM
You could possibly try a Hairdryer and heat up the shaft by going up and down at a low heat and try just straightening with the palm of your hands ...Just go opposite direction of the crown or direction it's leaning...Now if it's in the area of the feathers you will need to be extra careful with the heat so the feathers don't ignite...You just may have to refletch but worth a try...
Title: Re: Straighten under the fletching
Post by: Flying Dutchman on October 21, 2012, 03:03:00 PM
Ok, one more time then.....  http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000060
Title: Re: Straighten under the fletching
Post by: Ferris Bugler on October 21, 2012, 03:16:00 PM
Have you tried holding the arrow both directions?  I have had a similar problem with some arrows and it wasn't until I held the fletch end away from me and added palm pressure that I accomplished anything.
Title: Re: Straighten under the fletching
Post by: Canyon on October 21, 2012, 05:53:00 PM
Dutchmen  I know how to use the screwdriver but choose to use the roller instead. Unfortunately the location and pressure I need to get to the grain on these hardwoods will destroy the feathers.... looking for other ideas or techniques.

I haven't tried heat yet but will. Not a real big deal as I plan to loose or destroy all of these over a short period of time hence my reluctance to start stripping feathers.
Title: Re: Straighten under the fletching
Post by: Roadkill on October 21, 2012, 10:52:00 PM
One of those devices we used on Al shafts might work.  Agree a dryer on fletching will probably loosen the adhesion of the glue
Title: Re: Straighten under the fletching
Post by: Flying Dutchman on October 22, 2012, 05:50:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by Canyon:
Dutchmen  I know how to use the screwdriver but choose to use the roller instead. Unfortunately the location and pressure I need to get to the grain on these hardwoods will destroy the feathers.... looking for other ideas or techniques.

I haven't tried heat yet but will. Not a real big deal as I plan to loose or destroy all of these over a short period of time hence my reluctance to start stripping feathers.
Okay, I understood your post wrong. Now I realize it is the place where the fletching is. Personaly I would strip the feathers by heath/knife, straighten the shaft and refletch...
Title: Re: Straighten under the fletching
Post by: Shakes.602 on October 22, 2012, 09:14:00 PM
Try a Heat Gun and Make it Hot as You can Handle it, then lay it on a Flat Surface to cool with a bit of weight on the Bent side. Works like a Charm. I used my Kitchen Countertop as a Cool, Flat Surface. I tried a Hair Drier, but the Heat Gun got it Hotter faster.
Title: Re: Straighten under the fletching
Post by: Overspined on October 22, 2012, 09:29:00 PM
I use a brass hook straightener and just rub it right over the feathers.  It usually does minimal damage.
Title: Re: Straighten under the fletching
Post by: BigBucksnTrucks on October 22, 2012, 09:35:00 PM
Careful with the heat gun, if will probably ruin your fletching.  That part of the arrow will be tough to fix with heat.
Title: Re: Straighten under the fletching
Post by: limbshaker on October 22, 2012, 11:07:00 PM
You might could get something that would fit between the fletchings and straighten by compression. I mean under the same principle as the screwdriver method..just located to between the feathers.. Get ya something kinda rounded on the end. Good luck!    :thumbsup: