I started trying to strip my own feathers instead of having grinding them. But when I pull the two halves apart (pinching the quill on the side you don't want) the side you want comes out all pulled apart and messy....?

If your feathers are too dry they will do that. Place them in a plastic bag with a moist towel in it for a day or 2.
Also, the technique is quite simple but until you get a hang of it it seems impossible.     Pat

Ferret has a tutorial on this as well.

Maybe that's it, they are too dry? I followed Ferret's tutorial. But I found that I had to pull on the feather with such tension that the side I want to make the fletching from would separate in several areas. The quill would separate fine with a nice rounded surface...but the feather would pull apart.

I've had much better luck by stripping just a little bit, t hen moving down and getting another grip...maybe 1/2 at a time or so.  I've been stripping feathers that have been stored for 2 or 3 years with no problems.  I ruined a lot of them when I first started, by trying to strip the entire length at once.  

Only takes a few seconds longer per feather, and very seldom does one get ruined.

Where is Ferret's tutorial? I want to try stripping. Grinding is too messy, and I havn't the patience or time to figure it out fully, or to buy one of those kits.
I'd rather do it the old fashioned way.

Bakes

stripping feathers is like riding a bike.... once you get the hang of it ...you're fine...but you have to stumble thru a dozen or so before you start getting real nice clean strips... adding moisture should really help... its amazing how your shaft gives the feather needed spine to make the feather stiff after its fletched... not as messy as grinding for sure.

http://groups.msn.com/ferretsarcherywebpage/abowyersknot.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=757

This is the address to Ferret's many tutorials. Thanks Ferret!

I don't have a vaccuum system. Grinding gets pretty messy. I also like the rounded surface when you strip them...should fit the shafts perfect!

I miss Mickey's pictures and posts.
Thanks for the link.