Hi - I got a Bitz fletcher RH helical clamp but I can't seem to get the feathers (Trueflight 5" shield) to lay flat on the shaft.  Front and back end are no problem.  No matter what amount of tuning they just don't seem to lie flat. I saw a post elsewhere where this seemed to be common.  Any suggestions?

cjw.  When you put the feather into the clamp, take and pull the quill out away from the bottom of the clamp a bit.  As you ease the clamp down, this will allow the quill to push back up into the clamp but stay in contack with the shaft.  Try a couple without the glue frist, and you will find it does lay down better.

I filed on my clamp at the front and back to allow the middle part of the fletch to contact the shaft. It worked great for me.

cjw, like stringstretcher, I do the same. I keep my pocketknife handy and run the back of the blade between the clamp and quill down the full length of the fletch. takes about 3 seconds and gives me about and 1/8" cushion. As you push the fletch and clamp down on the shaft it will set.
Fred

If you're using skinny carbon arrows, you can't put as much helical on the fletch as you would with a thicker shaft.  Adjust the clamp orientation so it rests a little straighter/less offset on the shaft.  Also, be sure you're using right wing feathers in a right wing clamp.

Excellent thx I'll try that today, I thought I was crazy for a bit...

Carl ;-)

The above advice is good.  Using the Bitz is not quite as easy for a first-time fletcher, as GFA wrote about (for me anyway) or as simple as the accompanying manual in the box would lead you to believe.  To me, it is more of a "feel" thing.  However, once you get the feel or hang of it, using the the Bitzenburger is "easy".  I would also suggest for the first-time fletcher to go with a straight-clamp and just off-set your fletching (follow the RW/LF rules of course) a little.  You'll get good arrow flight and I found it much easier to have early success vs. using the helical clamp.  Good luck!

Great stuff previous:

I just run my finger nail down the quill after it is in there and it pulls it out a bit...then I fletch...gives you the cushion - no extra tools needed either.

Also make sure there is no glue on the clamp...if there are spots clean them off or it won't fit right either.

Jer Bear

Finished one arrow and it works like a charm!! thx guys!