Darn Bitzenburger

[Iowabowhunter]

I was fletching up some of my wife's arrows for her compound, for some reason when I put the last vane on her arrow it was parallel with the 1st vane??? That happened a few different times, I am using fletching tape so it isn't a huge deal to take it off but it is getting very frustrating! Any idea's as to what I am doing wrong? The bitz was purchased used, not sure if that makes any difference. Says it is a right clamp

[Ric O'Shay]

Make certain you have a small amount of lube in the index part. I've had mine get dry and fail the properly index to the next setting.

Danny

[moebow]

Are you sure that you have it set for three fletch?  The Bitz can be set for three or four and if on four, you may be be getting the vanes set at 90* instead of 120*.

If you are sure you have it set for 3 fletch, be sure the indexer is settling into the detents as you rotate it.

[JimB]

First,you have to make sure that the indexer is solidly in position before you start,not between clicks.You can adjust it to make the clicks more positive.Make sure you feel a postive click each time you turn the indexer for your next fletching.

One of the most common causes of the problem is not having having the nock firmly seated and centered on the "V" shaped piece,down inside the indexer.

[Iowabowhunter]

How can I tell if it is set for 4 fletch or 3 fletch?

[moebow]

Look at the base where the index knob is.  See the three little alan screws?  Next to them on the frame it says 120*, 90* and 75x105*.  Screw the first one in and back the last two out. Said another way, To get 120* setting, top screw in and bottom two backed off.

[Hud]

You will find Instructions, at their website. They offer a different nock receiver for the non-traditional shooter.

 http://www.bitzenburger.com/index.html

[Glunt]

I had to take the indexer apart, clean it up and adjust it to give nice solid stops in the right position.  Pretty simple device and in about 5 minutes your good to go.

[lt-m-grow]

Originally posted by Glunt:
I had to take the indexer apart, clean it up and adjust it to give nice solid stops in the right position.  Pretty simple device and in about 5 minutes your good to go.

x2.  I bought mine new many years ago.   It was getting a little sticky (read horrible to use) and took it apart, cleaned it, put it back together, and it works great.

Obviously, I should have done it long ago.  I will not wait that long again to clean it.

It is pretty obvious now.  You mix a little glue and dust -- bit-by-bit -- over they years into the barrel and expect precision?

[iohkus]

I bought a Bitz. a long time ago. I don't make a lot of arrows, but it took a long time for me to get accustomed to working with it .......a lot of adjustments, fiddling with this and that. I have just recently gotten comfortable with it, but I'm still learning about it..........found a tip not too long ago (here) to make sure the clamp edges are flat. (sand/file/grind).Just saying, the Bitz., though high quality, is not easy to work with. For me anyway.  

[Bear Heart]

If all else fails, call Bitzenburger.  They have great customer service.  Sent me springs and bearings for free.  This was a very old jig that I bought used from Susan St Charles.

[Orion]

Been using a Bitzenburger for about 40 years, I think.  Have never cleaned it.  Do use tape on the blades to reduce glue sticking.  Have never had a problem with it -- switching clamps, adjusting, etc.

[Forrest Halley]

I ended up with a four fletch once using it set on the 120. You must inspect this piece of equipment before use to ensure it has the proper setting engaged and see that it does engage.

[TaterHill Archer]

I quit using my Bitz and went back to my BPE. The Bitz uses a LW, a RW, and a straight indexer.  You must mark
E sure you are using the correct one for your feathers.  I bought a LW indexer and the grooves/holes in it do not line up with the stop on the jig, so it just freely turns without ever stopping in a position.  Had to modify it to make it work.  

I bought it for 4 fletch, but I went back to 3-fletch so I'm using the BPE.

[Tika270]

I love mine, you just need to work out the bugs.
Once set up ,they work great.

[Scott Smith]

X2 I agree 100% with JimB.

First,you have to make sure that the indexer is solidly in position before you start,not between clicks.You can adjust it to make the clicks more positive.Make sure you feel a postive click each time you turn the indexer for your next fletching.

One of the most common causes of the problem is not having having the nock firmly seated and centered on the "V" shaped piece,down inside the indexer.

[iohkus]

Yep, I check the nock seating at every move!  

[fmscan]

Good thread, I have used one for yrs and NEVER had much of a clue what all the setting were for, well Moebow and Hud helped a lot. I do not think I ever had instructions that are on the site... and never realized what the 120, 90 and 75 settings were for.