Hi everyone. This is my first post. I looked on the site to see if this question has been asked before but I didn't see anything.
I am new to trad archery. I'm a compound convert and I don't think I'm ever going back! Anyway I have a Bitzenberger fletcher that I have been using for a while and I have a question. I fletch my arrows left helical and when I look at the instructions it says that for helical fletching no adjustments are necessary and that the only time you need to adjust the jig is when you are using a straight jig and want an offset.
Does this mean if I am fletching for left helical that I need to leave the adjustment knobs (L and R) so that the slash on the dial matches up with the slash on the jig?
I am assuming you are talking about the clamp assembly and the knob on it? if so the knob is there so you can adjust the helical more or less aggressively if your new at fletching arrows you might not want to move it, but if your the experimental type like me, make a subtle change and try it. When you have more twist on the arrow it can affect your arrows actual velocity.
Whether to adjust it or not will depend in part on arrow diameter. You'll want to adjust it so the feather/clamp makes good contact along the length of the shaft. Sometimes this requires more offset/helical than the factory setting.
Regardless of what the instructions say, the jig will require adjusting to get the fletch to lay on the shaft correctly. I'll send a PM and we should be able to get you set up pretty quick.
As the above posts have said, X3.
Fletcher will get you set up right.
Yes just some minor adjustments to get the feather to lay on shaft correctly. The clamp gives you the twist or helical. Good for you on your conversion to trad.
Welcome to Tradgang from a fellow tarheel. We have a trad shoot May 31st at Barefoot Traditional Archers. We're in Burlington off 49, south of 40/85.
I have two Bitz jigs. One left and one right. I need to tweak each of them depending on shaft diameter and fletching length. Getting the quill to set well its entire length on the shaft is key.
Welcome to TG. You will gets lots of good advice on this site about fletching and many other topics.