I've fletched alum arrows before without any problem, but my brother just bought some of the pre-finished woodies from 3rivers.
I've read before that you should clean them before fletching but as lazy as I am I just glued one of them up without any cleaning.

While he was shooting one of the feathers came off.

What should I do to keep the feathers on there?
Any and all info is appreciated.
Thanks
Bakes

One word Use fletch tape . That stuff will end all your problems . Been useing it for years aint had a fedder fall off yet .

If your arrows were finished with laquer you can fletch with Duco cement.  I never had any problems with feathers coming off when using this technique.  On the other hand, if they are finished with some sort of oil-based finish you will need to wipe them down with alcohol or acetone before fletching because the oil will tend to defeat the adhesive.

John

I have the same arrows you do, I used Duco cement with bitz Jig hard Left helicoil fletch Left wing feathers 5"  Not a one has even hinted at coming off.  One thing I do is apply a small dab of Duco front and back of feather and run a small glue seem up the offside of feather. I did not clean mine either,  Ken

I use 3Rivers finished shafts as well and use FletchTite with a dab on the leading and trailing ends. Have not had a problem yet even with some arrows ending up in some BAD places.

Goat tuff glue - I don't use anything but that anymore.

fletch-tape

Bakes... the answer is as simple as a chunk of 0000 steel wool. Most finishes "glaze" when cured and that glaze can cause problems with adhesion.

By rubbing the fletching area thoroughly with the steel wool, you remove the glaze and any adhesive will stick better.

Might as well do the entire shaft as it will only improve the look of the finished product.

I you want them to shine just paste wax after fletching.
   

I should have tried the steel wool myself.

The last dozen i fletched i used goat tuff.

I tried the fletch tape to no avail.

Charlie:
Do you know why steel wool does not get rusty? Because it has oil in it to prevent rust. So yes your taking off a glaze and adding oil film!!

3 Rivers uses Gasket lacquer so fletch with Duco.
Bob

Ok then use a Scotchbrite pad.  :D  

My steel wool will rust in a heart beat around here.

I am Still a Big Fan of Saunders NPV Fletching Glue!! Fletched a LOT of Arrows, and havent Lost that First Feather!!

Zach, if you need help sometime let me know.  I am always looking for an excuse to cruise up the shoreline on my motorcycle.  I could come up and give you a hand sometime.  Let me know.  

Tim