Building Arrows - New to Tradional Archery

[DKI]

I am new to traditional archery, just received a Toelke Pika on Saturday and have really enjoyed shooting it the past few days.  

I am considering buying an arrow saw and a fletching jig and building my own arrows and have a few basic questions. Does anyone have any experience with Apple or Weston arrow saws for use with carbon shafts? Is the Bitzenberger jig the best model to choose? I am shooting Easton Axis Traditional shafts at this time. I am planning on using 4" feathers  Do most of you use shield cut or parabolic feathers?  Do the feathers adhere to the shafts better if you use an arrow Wrap?  What is the best glue to use for the feathers?  Is Bohning Insert Iron a good choice for securing the Hit inserts?

Any help would be appreciated!  Thanks

First of all, welcome to the gang!

Don't know about the Weston, but I own an Apple Arrow Saw, and I don't see how you could go wrong with it.

Bitzenbergers are great, but too slow for me. I use a JoJan Multifletcher. I can't tell the difference between how one or the other fletches, so I use the  JoJan so I can fletch more arrows at a time.

Feather cut, like most everything in Trad archery, is personal preference. Some guys like one thing, while others want something else. I use 4" parabolic.

I have used many insert glues over the years, including Insert Iron, and am convinced that the Quick Stick hit melt glue from Big Jims Bow Company is the best insert glue made. I use it on HIT inserts, and have never lost an insert in a target, but can easily remove them any time I want!

Hope I his helps you out a bit!

Bisch

[Biathlonman]

I'm cheap.  I use a Bitzenburger with fletch tape and a cheap harbor freight cut off saw with abrasive disks.  Hot melt for the inserts.

[Terry Lightle]

I use Bitz jigs and Apple arrow saw,we build carbon and wood.Would buy another Apple.When we sell a fletching jig it is a Bitz probably 90 percent of the time.
Terry

[crazynate]

I use the Weston arrow saw. I have the 5000rpm motor and the 8000 rpm model and they both do just fine. They don't cut as good as an Easton or apple saw but they're not 250 either. I only cut arrows a few times a week. One thing about Weston is they have great customer service. I had an issue and they sent me a whole new saw no questions asked. Then just said keep the other for parts lol. I was impressed. I also have 6 bitzenbuurger jigs I use. Love them. I build all my own arrows from dipping to marbleling. Lots of great videos out there if you need help. Just remember to take your time when building them. Good luck

[DKI]

Thanks to all for the replies!  Any thoughts on the best glue for the feathers and if they will adhere better to arrow wraps?

Thanks again!

[crazynate]

I use fletch tire platinum and gorilla glue gel. That stuff is no joke. Only reason I don't use it all the time is because it sometimes smears my lacquer dip. If you have any other questions I'll be glad to help.

[The Whittler]

Here is something I hope you remember and do when cutting carbon ALWAYS use a mask no matter if you have a vacuum system. Carbon dust is not something you want to breath.

I use Fletchtite Platinum for glueing on feathers. I have never used wraps, so can't address that.

Bisch

[dagwood64]

Originally posted by The Whittler:
Here is something I hope you remember and do when cutting carbon ALWAYS use a mask no matter if you have a vacuum system. Carbon dust is not something you want to breath.

Also safety goggles.

[kenneth butler]

I fletched arrows for years with out specialized equipment. Gradually collected it all.Saw, fletching jig,and home made spine tester. Super glue in the bottles with the tiny spout is the neatest,quickest way to fletch. Works with ever thing I have tried it on so far. I second the low temp glue from Big Jim's. Use wraps on occasion but not real fond of them. They work well just seem a little tacky to me. Just get after it. It is addictive and you will soon develop your on likes and dislikes.    Ken

[Deno]

Fletchtite Platinum for feathers. I use 6 Bitzes to speed up the fletching process.  Insert Iron for points.  Will definitely give Big Jim's glue a try.

Deno

[DKI]

Great info!  Thanks

[goingoldskool]

I've noticed that if use wraps, the glue seems to set up faster....  might just be my imagination!