i have been looking into jigs i want to be able to fletch 3 fletch hunting arrows and flu flus i have store bought that came with 6 fletchs but dont know if i need that many i have seen some with 4 and the ones i bought have lost fletching and i dont notice a difference what does the gang think ? the cost of the jig and added fletching is a factor for me so i want to make an educated disision thanks -ron

They'll both work. 4 fletch flu-flu will go a little further than 6.
Most fletching jigs can do 3 and 4 fletch. If you want to do 6 fletch just fletch for 3 and then turn the arrow 180 degrees in the jig and fletch again. The feathers will get a little tangled up with the clamp but it's doable.
Ta-da! 6 fletch.

Guy

Not sure what your searching for.

The Jo-Jan I have can do 3-fletch or 4-fletch.  If you wanted to do 6-fletch you could do the first 3 like a normal 3-fletch flip the nock 180 degrees and do it again to make a 6-fletch.

I'm sure the Biztenburger can do the same thing.


If just making your own flu-flus is the main concern you may try the spiral-wrap method.  I've never done them, but they look awesome and only use 1 or 2 full-lengths (Instead of 4 or 6).

i had no idea i could do 180 degree turn and start over thanks guys big help

i have 6 fletch the 3-4 didnt shut it down fast enough for me i dont like walking out 90 yrds to get em when shooting arials.      

Ron,I have found an easier way to do 6 fletch is to start as you normally would and fletch your 1st feather, then remove the arrow from the jig. With the arrow removed, rotate the nock indexer of the jig two spaces, and place the arrow back into the jig for the next feather. This way you are not fighting the jig with the feathers (as you will if you fletch all 3 first, and then rotate the arrow 180*). Continue the fletch 1-remove-rotate 2-fletch 1 remove-rotate 2 the whole way around...Again, I have found that to be quite a bit easier.

Jeff Copper beat me to it and saved me some typing, LOL! His method works great, especially with a Bitzenburger....you're not fighting that 5th fletching when doing the 6th.

Get a good fletching jig and some fletches, you'll be money ahead in the long run and you can then do your own re-fletching too.

Just got a BearPaw jig and I am very happy with it.  It does 3-4-or 6 fletch with just a push of a slide no tools needed.  Its also very well priced.

When I do 6 fletch... I do 3, when done put cock feather and index together. Pull arrow out and turn 180 Deg. slide back on index and fletch 3 again..


This works Great with straight jig little off set.

Just a little FYI.  I have compared the flight distance of 4 and 6 fletch flu-flus and the difference is so minimal (56# Slammer) as to not warrant the extra time and materials needed for 6 fletch.  Average difference was only about 10 yards when shooting at ariel targets.

hey mitch how far did ur fluflu's go ? on average.

it also may have to do with how heavy your arrows are. and not all bows are made the same. some cast further than others. in that case you might need the extra resistance. i use 2315s with 125 in front. and my bow is pretty snappy.

my three and four fletch were put about 80-90yrds. the six dropped at like 45-50 .

My experience is that a spiral wrapped flu-flu stops arrows the fastest.  I don't see lots of differences with 4 or six fletch when doing them that way.

QuoteOriginally posted by StanM:
My experience is that a spiral wrapped flu-flu stops arrows the fastest.  I don't see lots of differences with 4 or six fletch when doing them that way.

I've had the same experience as Stan.  The spiral really puts the brakes on my arrows!

Spiral wrapped is the way to go. One full length feather is all you need.

so is there a special clamp or jig needed for spiral fletching ?
thanks agian guys i really appreciate all the info  

How to forum Guru has a thread.

fletching tape works well for spiral wrap method.then just wrap around evenly with about 3/8 inch spacing,has wored for me.or reuse some old srrows and put flu flu feathers in between your other normal feathers.you can use regular jig set at 120 degrees.just have line up inbetween other feathers

Ron, here's the link to Guru's how to.  

http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000092

From experience and trial.  If you want to make a spiral flu flu do two things.  And the results are awesome.  First, put the fletch tape on the shaft like you want it and put the feather to the tape.  Second, if you take your feather and wet the quill, spiral it around another shaft holding it in place with cloths pins on each end, and let dry.  I will lay right down on the shafts perfect.  Just remember to spiral the tape on the shaft for a left or right wing......not saying how I found that out.