Bitz magnet

jdemoya · June 08, 2009, 01:01:00 PM

A friend gave me a straight Bitz clamp, but it does not have the magnet. Where can I find a magnet for it? I have not been able to connect with the company.

The jig I use has a L clamp. Do I need a straight nock indexer to use the straight clamp? Thanks all.

God bless,

Jose

Fletcher · June 08, 2009, 02:04:00 PM

Actually Jose, the magnet is on the jig body. The strip on the clamp is just steel. It's kinda hard to measure but looks to be about .050 inch. I would think you could shape a piece of strap and epoxy it on.

There isn't much difference between a standard and a left indexer. All Bitz jigs used to come with the standard indexer and yours may have it; the flat will not have any stamp on it. If you do have the L indexer, you can still use the straight clamp but your fletching will be clocked around the shaft a few degrees. It really won't hurt anything and may not even be noticeable. I'd give it a try before buying a new indexer.

Let us know what you find out.

Doc Nock · June 08, 2009, 04:04:00 PM

Fletcher,

Is it possible Jose ended up being given a Esterbrook clamp? I had that happen. They're nothing more than a old office supply looking clamp and 2 metal parts to hold the feather soldered together.

Someone who should know told me that company was the forerunner of today's Bitz. They have NO place for a magnet. I used to have an Esterbrook clamp and jig and some older gent who collects such memorabilia just had to have it...

Now I still have a Esterbrook straight clamp I bought used advertised as a Bitz, and doesn't work with a Bitz jig.

Fletcher · June 08, 2009, 10:43:00 PM

When you start dealing with unknown and old stuff, anything is possible. I have an early Bitz jig with the old Esterbrook clamp, but it is a left helical and has a bracket soldered to the clamp to give the offset when attached to the magnets. The magnets are still in the jig body, tho.

jdemoya · June 08, 2009, 11:00:00 PM

Fletcher, you are right. I realized what you said before you answered, but I could not edit my post. I meant the magnet plate. I think I will follow your advice.

My indexer does have the letter L on it. I will do a dry run with my straight clamp using tape, a small piece on front and back and see how it looks.

Thanks again.

God bless,

Jose

I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of
taking care of them.
Thomas Jefferson

Doc Nock · June 09, 2009, 09:00:00 AM

For the life of me, I can't remember how that old Esterbrook jig and clamp was configured. Been a while back I got that and then re-sold to someone who really loved the old stuff and I felt they should have it.

When I got this straight Esterbrook clamp in the mail, there was no magnet... there is no place to even put one that would be flat and fit the newer style Bitz Dial-o-Fletch jig.

Nice piece of history, though.

Dave Worden · June 11, 2009, 02:59:00 PM

Jose, call Bitzenburger. I've had no trouble reaching them on the phone and they've been extremely helpful. I'm sure they can answer all your questions and probably provide the steel plate you need. Don't give up on contacting them!!

jdemoya · June 11, 2009, 10:56:00 PM

Thanks all.

God bless,

Jose

My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.
Thomas Jefferson