Quick questions...
When splicing feathers, is it ok to just use fletch tape? Does anyone use glue? How well does the tape hold up?
Thanks.
Adam
I have never done it but have you looked at this thread, it may help :)
http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000090
We use glue ( but I have started using tape on unspliced feathers and they have held so far). Are you cutting right through the feather or are you pealing the membrane back and gluing on to the original spine?
I have used fletch tape on all types of spliced feathers including butt spliced with very good results.
Just mark the clamp where you want the splice, put feathers all the way down in clamp making sure butts are meeting apply tape and put on shaft as you would any other fletch.
Here is another thread...
http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000137
I peel the membrane off the base feather and sand down the smaller piece.
The tape works great for the membrane method. Just make sure your tape is fresh. I had the splices fall off from using old tape.
I used to use the glue method but the tape is by far faster. I put the pieces in a straight fletching clamp when applying the tape.
Glue may work better? But it sure messy and slow.
Messy and slow? You must be doing it wrong. Follow my "How-to" above and you will have some beautiful fletchings in a matter of no time. 30 seconds per feather is no problem. If you are creating a mess, then you might be using way to much glue.
If ANYBODY has any questions, please feel free to contact me. It's so simple, that I was taught over the phone.
I just cut them with a razor and make sure the quill is fitted nice when putting the two pieces together. The feather pieces kind of Velcro or zipper themselves together and work and one piece so then you just do what ever you do with a solid fletch. My process: Cut them all, put two/three pieces together and put that in the clamp. Attach tape - clamp to the arrow. move onto the next. A little glue on the quill tips when finished. Really easy and works fine.