Feather Grinding

cedarshaft · January 14, 2009, 04:16:00 PM

I met a man at Denton Hill who lives somewhere in central or western PA, and processes turkey feathers for fletching. I used him once before and his work and price was good. I have misplaced his business card [seems I am always misplacing things now days], and have many left and right wing feathers I want to get done. Is there anyone out there that may know who I am referring to and might have his name and number? Any help will be appreciated.

ishiwannabe · January 14, 2009, 04:40:00 PM

I have two full sets of primaries myself...
I will be checking back. Im sure someone knows.

Orion · January 14, 2009, 05:02:00 PM

Check the sponsor classifieds. There's a person there who does it.

wapitimike1 · January 14, 2009, 05:25:00 PM

Get a drum sander. make a clamp and do it up.

Eric Krewson · January 15, 2009, 09:17:00 AM

http://www.customfeathers.com/

mooseman76 · January 15, 2009, 09:26:00 AM

I saw a post once about splitting the feathers. Does this accomplish the same thing as grinding? There is also an article on doing it yourself in the new TBM. Doesn't look too hard...Mike

acolobowhunter · January 15, 2009, 04:15:00 PM

I have been making my own for a long time. As mentioned go to the hardward store and get a drum grinder. I mounted mine in a drill press. I also made a wood clamp ( 2x4 split) to hold the feather, but found I could do just as well holding the feather by hand. I split the feather quill with an exaco knife, then grind the base flat. Next I grind the fat end of the quill sides until they are the same width the full length. Decide what length you want and cut it with the exacto knife, apply fletching tape and glue the tip afterwards onto the shaft. Finally I run them through my Youngs feather burner and they are done. It is a nice project when the weather is bad out and you can't be shooting. Make up several feathers and have them ready to put on the shafts ahead of time. I dye the cock feathers with the powder dye from 3 Rivers. DON"T DO THIS IN THE HOUSE. If you spill any it will stain everything and your wife will kill you!!!!

Charlie Lamb · January 15, 2009, 06:47:00 PM

Like Eric Krewson posted. David Mitchel at Custome feathers. Great to work with and high quality product.

Orion · January 15, 2009, 07:22:00 PM

Yep. That's who I was referring to.

cedarshaft · January 15, 2009, 08:10:00 PM

Thanks to all that responded. Custom Feather seems to be one to try. Also, I might just try to do some myself. Have a drill press and a dual sander. I've read about putting the feather between 2 pieces of metal similar to a fletching jig to maintain better control.

RAU · January 15, 2009, 09:07:00 PM

Go to Dean Torges site
www.bowyersedge.com

Go to articles and click on the one called "The grinding truth" Its got all kinds of good info on processing feathers along with plans for a clamp.

Bakes168 · January 15, 2009, 10:30:00 PM

Split your own feathers, I've it to be much easier,cleaner, and works very well.

Go here, I found this VERY helpful.

http://groups.msn.com/ferretsarcherywebpage/strippingturkeyfeathers.msnw

Zack