Hello everyone!
I'm hoping someone on here can help me. I picked up some 5 1/2 bananas L.W. that were 60% off and a Bohning jig, with a straight and left handed clamp.
The problem I'm having is the middle of my feather will not touch my arrow, when using the L.W. clamp. I've tried adjusting the clamp, but as soon as I remove it, the middle of the feather pops up.
This is my first time trying to make my own arrows, please help!
You can try pulling the middle of the quill a little proud of flush with the clamp so that it makes contact with the shaft first. Then when you have the clamp all the way down on the shaft, you can take something like a plastic knife, and run it along the quill, pushing down to get the best contact.
I recently switched to fletching tape. Now I don't need the clamp to hold it in place till it dries, I just press it down, and done.
I am not familiar with the jig that you are using, but sounds like skunkhound gave some good advise. Only thing that I can think to add is clean your arrow shafts with acetone really good before gluing.
What type of shaft are you using and also what glue? The shaft and glue combination can make a difference as well. Good Luck!!!
The other thing I'm thinking is if that is a helical clamp, it may not be adjusted to "wrap around" the shaft for the twist. I'm not familiar with the bohning jig, but I do know if my Bitzenburger is not adjusted properly, the middle will not make contact.
Check the clamp after placing the feather in and make sure it's a tight fit. I've seen some clamps that are slightly open, not much in the center and when the clamp/feather is placed on the shaft, the feather isn't flush.
I never push the feather to the quill, always leave a small amount of feather out of the clamp. Not familiar with the your jig, but after you set it up, make sure the back of the feather sits flush, then slowly adjust the arrow until the remaining feather also sits flush.
I'm using wood arrows. I've tried both super glue and duro cement.
Thanks for the advice! I'm going to try going a little strong in the middle...I'll up date you with results tomorrow.