How I Prefer to Apply Fletch Tape

November 25, 2014, 10:23:00 PM

You always got good stuff, Ryan!

Bisch

Ryan Sanpei · November 26, 2014, 11:34:00 AM

Mahalo Bisch!

reddogge · November 26, 2014, 03:29:00 PM

I loved the little dog and I could tell she was a female from the way she was laying on the ground. Males can't put their back legs out like that.

Rob DiStefano · November 27, 2014, 08:39:00 AM

good vid, ryan - thanx for sharing.

a few comments, as a loooong time tape fletcher (as far back as the early 1970's) ...

i use only bohning fletch tape and find it the best
i clean the shaft AND the fletch quill base with naphtha (lighter fluid) to get rid of any hand oils (oil and the tape glue are totally incompatible and will lessen or loosen or lose the bond!) - naphtha flashes off in seconds
if yer bare fingers touch the shaft or quill during the fletching process, clean those areas with naphtha before progressing!
while laying down the tape, don't touch the tape glue area that will touch and bond the shaft/fletching!
snugging down on the clamp/fletch whilst in the jig is important
making sure that the fletch quill sits *slightly* proud of the clamp (about 1/16"-3/32"), as shown in the video, is super IMPORTANT!
i also used to pull off the arrow and reattach the clamp, but that's really anal overkill
it's a MUST to press down and run a fingernail over the entire fletch and/or base quill - i do this to all feathers once all are fletched and the shaft is pulled off the jig
it's a MUST to put a dot of glue fore and aft of each fletch
it takes about 24 hours for the fletched glue to "cure"

hope some of this helps!

a 4-fletch taped arrow that survived from summer to the following south carolina spring. the bugs ate the vanes, but the quills are still firmly attached to the carbon shaft and had to be scraped off with a sharp knife.

Ryan Sanpei · November 27, 2014, 12:52:00 PM

Richard,
She's our spoiled little brat... :D

Mahalo Rob! I really appreciate your added insight!!!

Maxx Black · November 27, 2014, 01:27:00 PM

Well done Ryan! As usual a in depth well thought out video. I use all the steps that you use in your procedures. Because I shoot wood and don't want the paint or stain destroyed when re fletching, the tape has been an awesome way of fletching. Cold weather to -25C and still no issues. I have had a couple fletch come off but no tape coming loose from arrow . So the step of running scissors to back of fletch was added. . Thanks Ken

Ryan Sanpei · November 28, 2014, 10:18:00 AM

Thank you Ken. I appreciate the info on cold weather!

mike g · November 28, 2014, 10:57:00 AM

Ryan....
If ya don't mind, I'll add one little tip.
Store your tape in the Frig....

Ryan Sanpei · November 28, 2014, 11:58:00 AM

I don't mind at all Mike!