Great Northern Feather Grinding System ???

TRAP · January 29, 2009, 06:20:00 PM

Looking for opinions on the Great Northern Feather Grinding system from some of you guys that have tried it.

How consitent are the feather bases? How fast is the process? Easy to learn?

I ususally have 600 to 1000 feathers processed every year and I'm looking for a way to avoid shipping them off and waiting 3-4 months to get them back.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks, Trap

Autumnarcher · January 29, 2009, 09:14:00 PM

It works pretty good, I've used it for a few years. The sanding drum it comes with is a little course, but I havent had any problems. Its dusty, i recommend a dust mask while you're doing it.

highpoint forge · January 29, 2009, 10:13:00 PM

straight clamp and a sanding block does the same job.......and costs a helluva lot less.

TRAP · January 30, 2009, 12:03:00 AM

Alex, looking for info from folks that have actually used the GN System, but thanks for your input.

Trap

Joseph · January 30, 2009, 02:45:00 AM

I used it once on about 75 feathers. It worked good but I couldn't take the smell. It is the same as burning them to shape, Just not as much smoke.

RAU · January 30, 2009, 08:34:00 AM

Go to Dean Torges site www.bowyersedge.com
Go to articles and read the one titled "The Grinding Truth" Lots of great info as well as plans for a grinding clamp

TRAP · January 30, 2009, 09:21:00 AM

Thanks guys, Did you sell yours Joseph?

Trap

Paul Mattson · January 30, 2009, 10:26:00 AM

I like it, it took me awhile to get if figured out and adjusted. But it works get, well worth the money. The biggest problem that I have is getting feathers. In WI it is illegal to buy, sell, or trade Wild Turkey feathers.

acolobowhunter · January 30, 2009, 11:02:00 AM

I use this system all the time. It works pretty good. I made my own jig to hold the feather from a 2x4 and a couple strips of thin steel bar stock. Be sure to counter sink the screw heads, and install a suit case type latch on one end and a hinge on the other.
I bought a sanding drum at the hardware store. My total cost was WAY less than buying the package. After using this system for a while, I found that I could hand hold the feather while just as well when sanding the base and the thick sides of the feather quill.
As mentioned by others, the grinding process smell some, but not that bad.
After the feather is done, I apply fletching tape and install. Then I use my Young's burner. It is a fun project during the winter. You can make up several feathers and have them ready for mounting any time.

TRAP · January 30, 2009, 06:55:00 PM

Thanks for the comments fellas.

The smell of burning feathers does not offend me near as much as it offends my significant other.

I'll try a home made jig first before spending the money. I can always buy a GN system if I need to.

Thanks, Trap

highpoint forge · January 30, 2009, 11:48:00 PM

Hey Trap, Bowyer's Edge has good plans, as the 3Rivers setup is like $120!!! $5 worth of materials no less. I tried to make one and used way too heavy steel and never got it the holes counter sunk correctly, nor would they line up when I tried to screw them to the jaws. I'm back to the drawing board on this one, meanwhile the LW turkey feathers are just piling up..........

Stone Knife · January 31, 2009, 04:28:00 AM

I have a homemade setup that is based on the great Northern, I believe that theirs would work great. Speed of grinding depends on what grit paper that you use, 80 is faster but it leaves a coarser quill, the 120 is beat all around. Here is a link if your feeling like making your own. Robo Sander