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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Archer Dave on February 06, 2015, 01:27:00 PM

Title: Homemade Arrow Wraps
Post by: Archer Dave on February 06, 2015, 01:27:00 PM
I have never tried arrow wraps, but wanted to use them on my new GT Trads with Gorilla Super Glue to attach my fletching. This glues works really well as it is much quicker then other glues and seems to hold up well. Only problem is super glues is really hard to remove, and I don't want to sand and scrape them in the future and ruin the wood grain finish.

Being frugal, or cheap if you will   :D   , I didn't want to add another $10 on wraps to fletch these.

So I decided to do a little experiment and make my own arrow wraps. All I did was take some heavy duty Scotch packing tape and put several layers on a piece of chip board and them cut it to roughly 4-1/2" x 1-1/8". These can the be pulled off and rolled onto the shafts where the fletching will be.

Since the tape is glossy, I rubbed the tape down with steel wool to give it a matte finish and help the fletching to stick.

Here is a photo after about 60 shots. You can just barely see the tape. I like this feature, as they are hard to see unless you look closely at them.

(http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r58/GreebeDBS/Mobile%20Uploads/photo.jpg)  

I put a drop of the super glue at each end of the tape seam, and put one of the feathers over the rest of the seam.

So far they seem to be holding up well. We will see how they last in the long run.

Give them a shot and see what you think. Hard to beat for the price.

Dave
Title: Re: Homemade Arrow Wraps
Post by: bsv on February 06, 2015, 01:55:00 PM
Great Idea######
Title: Re: Homemade Arrow Wraps
Post by: Msbow on February 06, 2015, 02:03:00 PM
That is a good idea!! I'll try that out and see how they do. Have you tried any other types of tape?
Title: Re: Homemade Arrow Wraps
Post by: Snow Crow on February 06, 2015, 02:15:00 PM
Another cheap idea is adhesive backed shelf liner.  Wallyworld has 20" by 20' rolls for around $5.  Cut to desired length and width and you can get dozens of wraps per roll.  Sticks well to carbon prepped with rubbing alcohol.
Title: Re: Homemade Arrow Wraps
Post by: Archer Dave on February 06, 2015, 02:29:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Msbow:
That is a good idea!! I'll try that out and see how they do. Have you tried any other types of tape?
This is the only tape I have tried. It is much heavier than normal packing tape and quite durable.
Title: Re: Homemade Arrow Wraps
Post by: Archer Dave on February 06, 2015, 02:30:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Snow Crow:
Another cheap idea is adhesive backed shelf liner.  Wallyworld has 20" by 20' rolls for around $5.  Cut to desired length and width and you can get dozens of wraps per roll.  Sticks well to carbon prepped with rubbing alcohol.
Interesting idea. You don't have problems with it coming loose? I have not had much luck with that stuff staying on shelving is why I ask.
Title: Re: Homemade Arrow Wraps
Post by: wingnut on February 06, 2015, 02:43:00 PM
I'd try soaking the taped shaft in water for a bit and see if the glue comes loose.  I know that packing tape comes off after it gets wet.

Mike
Title: Re: Homemade Arrow Wraps
Post by: Archer Dave on February 06, 2015, 02:49:00 PM
Thanks I will test them to see how water resistant they are.
Title: Re: Homemade Arrow Wraps
Post by: Keefer on February 06, 2015, 03:58:00 PM
Great idea but I have found the cheapest Arrow Wraps I have ever found are "Onestringer's" I can buy 8 dozen mix and match dozen's of their solid wraps for $25.00 to my door and I had them in just 3 days most times..I like the fact you are trying to use what's available and I didn't know if you have heard of Onestringers wraps? I buy the 10" long ones and cut them to whatever length I desire and use the leftovers as a cresting or use on kids arrows..
Title: Re: Homemade Arrow Wraps
Post by: M60gunner on February 07, 2015, 11:11:00 AM
I like using local stuff from local retailers also. But I will wait to see results of your tests. Would like to use something like that to protect cresting.
Title: Re: Homemade Arrow Wraps
Post by: Roy from Pa on February 07, 2015, 01:45:00 PM
I buy the adhesive backed shelf liner at wal mart, and I bought a cheap paper cutter. Makes perfect wraps...
Title: Re: Homemade Arrow Wraps
Post by: Moon on February 07, 2015, 03:41:00 PM
I use white shelf line from Lowe's.  10'x12" for $2.99 and you can make all the wraps you want.
Title: Re: Homemade Arrow Wraps
Post by: Moon on February 07, 2015, 03:43:00 PM
I meant to write white vinyl shelf liner.
Title: Re: Homemade Arrow Wraps
Post by: monsterbuck on February 08, 2015, 02:05:00 AM
That's a good idea moon. I'll have to try that. Thanks. God bless.
Title: Re: Homemade Arrow Wraps
Post by: JamesV on February 08, 2015, 10:39:00 AM
Hobby Lobby has dozens of different colors/patterns of tape that could be used for wraps. Vinyl wall covering makes a good wrap, use titebond III  to install and finish with wipe-on polly before fletching.

James
Title: Re: Homemade Arrow Wraps
Post by: doeboy on February 09, 2015, 12:04:00 PM
Contact a local Vinyl sign maker in your area, give him dimensions and he can make them for you super cheap. Or ask to buy some material from him and cut your own.
Title: Re: Homemade Arrow Wraps
Post by: Snow Crow on February 09, 2015, 03:36:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Archer Dave:
 
QuoteOriginally posted by Snow Crow:
Another cheap idea is adhesive backed shelf liner.  Wallyworld has 20" by 20' rolls for around $5.  Cut to desired length and width and you can get dozens of wraps per roll.  Sticks well to carbon prepped with rubbing alcohol.
Interesting idea. You don't have problems with it coming loose? I have not had much luck with that stuff staying on shelving is why I ask. [/b]
Archer Dave,

For me the trick is the alcohol prep; it still seems to stick better to itself than to the arrow shaft, so I cut mine wide enough to go around the shaft 1 1/2 times for ample overlap and good stick.
Title: Re: Homemade Arrow Wraps
Post by: warden415 on February 10, 2015, 11:09:00 PM
I also agree you can't beat Onestringer  quality and price. You get them quick and he will make them different  lengths and custom  diameter  for whatever arrow you use. Highly recommended