Carbon Arrow inserts

Reddog · July 09, 2016, 10:20:00 AM

Probably a dumb question here.

Once you cut a carbon arrow to the length that you want how do you insert the inserts? I used to heat up aluminium arrows and the insert and add Hot Melt and then slide it in. With carbon arrows do you just heat up the insert and add the Hot Melt to it and then slide it in the carbon arrow?

Thanks,

Dan

McDave · July 09, 2016, 10:27:00 AM

I don't know of anyone who uses hot melt on carbon arrows. (Now watch as 100 people reply that they do). I use Insert Iron, sold by 3 Rivers. Others use Super Glue or various forms of epoxy. None of these require heating.

I also like to use a glue that is easy to remove. To do that, I heat the point and pull the insert out with pliers or a vise. You have to be much more careful of heating carbon than aluminum, of course, or you will ruin it. Just heat the point a little bit, being careful not to heat the shaft directly. Pull on the point, then repeat as needed until it pulls out.

July 09, 2016, 10:59:00 AM

You are behind the times McDave! Big Jim's Quick Stick hot melt is the only glue I use for inserts on my carbon arrows. I have tried just about all the other glues, and nothing beats the Big Jim hot melt, esp when you are using expensive brass inserts that need to be recycled when the arrow is damaged. I have been using that glue for 3yrs now, and have not lost a single insert, and removal is a cinch with never ruining a shaft!

To the OP, yes, you heat the insert, dab it in the glue, and then insert it into the shaft.

If you are using a hot melt like FerruleTite or craft store hot melt, it is likely that it will not bond well, and you will lose inserts in targets.

Bisch

Bladepeek · July 09, 2016, 11:15:00 AM

Bisch got it right! Big Jim's melts at such a low temp I can hold the point in my fingers while heating the insert to melt the glue. Stuff sticks like crazy too. I have yet to have one pull out on me.

Epoxy the insert in and you can only remove it by destroying the shaft. Super glue is fast, and can be removed by heating the point, but you have to get it hotter than the Big Jim's glue.

MnFn · July 09, 2016, 11:28:00 AM

Bisch X3. Works very well. I use for my woodies as well. Good stuff.

M60gunner · July 09, 2016, 11:38:00 AM

Do not forget to clean inside of carbon shaft. I use acetone and a rifle bore brush to ruff up inside of shaft. Then clean out with a clean towel and acetone.

katman · July 09, 2016, 12:04:00 PM

Bisch x4, once insert is installed I dip the tip in a glass of water to speed cooling.

McDave · July 09, 2016, 12:22:00 PM

Only 96 to go, and it will fulfill my prediction!

Car54 · July 09, 2016, 12:59:00 PM

Make that 95...BigJim hot melt!

Gooserbat · July 09, 2016, 01:50:00 PM

I don't use Big Jims even though I'm sure it's great stuff. I use Bohning cool blue hot melt with great results.

Next time I need some i might as well try Big Jim's.

doug77 · July 09, 2016, 02:14:00 PM

94

bulldog18 · July 09, 2016, 08:46:00 PM

Big Jim's is the hot melt I use as well.

Orion · July 09, 2016, 09:28:00 PM

Make that 92. I use hot melt as well.

Reddog · July 09, 2016, 10:49:00 PM

Thanks guys. I appreciate it. I am behind the times as well (by about 20 years) and have some catching up to do. I will order the Big Jims hot melt

Carpdaddy · July 09, 2016, 11:41:00 PM

Big Jims X ???

highlow · July 10, 2016, 01:19:00 PM

Don't feel bad Dave. I'm sure you're a nice guy but just a little misinformed. Give the hot melt a try. You might like it. Heck of a lot easier when removal is needed. For what it's worth, I've also left some points in targets using epoxy.

McDave · July 10, 2016, 02:12:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by highlow:
Don't feel bad Dave. I'm sure you're a nice guy but just a little misinformed. Give the hot melt a try. You might like it. Heck of a lot easier when removal is needed. For what it's worth, I've also left some points in targets using epoxy.

When I started using carbons, quite a few years ago, I initially used the same hot melt I used for aluminum. After losing quite a few points in targets, I started experimenting with various other types of adhesives, and eventually ended up using Insert Iron when it came out. I've been generally happy with that, and haven't lost many points in targets since I started using it. It is also relatively easy to remove the insert from the shaft by applying a little heat to the point. The only complaints I have are that it is a little pricey, and has a long drying time. Neither of these are significant enough to make me want to switch, as I don't use that much of it, so the price/use is pretty insignificant, and when I repair an arrow it generally goes in the bucket with the spares where it will probably sit for a long time anyway.

However, I appreciate all the information about Big Jim's hot melt for carbons, and since I like to try new things, I will probably give it a try one of these days. At the very least, I will include it in my recommendations to people in the future.

One question: if it has such a low melting point that you can hold the point and insert in your fingers while you heat it up and put it on, do you think it would ever get hot enough in use that it would melt from friction and/or a hot day?

July 10, 2016, 02:37:00 PM

I have never held the insert while applying the glue. I use a torch and heat the glue till it just starts to melt, while also heating the insert a little. I screw a field point in the insert and hold onto it while heating the insert. I then dab the insert in the glue and install in the shaft (I use the large stick that does NOT go in a glue gun). I even use this glue on my HIT inserts in my FMJ shafts. I then dip the end of the shaft into a cup of water to cool everything down. As stated earlier, been using it for about 3 yrs, and have yet to lose a single insert.

Bisch

kennym · July 10, 2016, 02:39:00 PM

Dang, I just ordered stuff from Big Jim!!

Possum Head · July 10, 2016, 03:51:00 PM

Hey, McDave you're a Prophet and Big Jim's gettin filthy rich!