What tools are necessary for fletching my own arrows? I have several that need to be fixed and would like to start doing them myself as the nearest archery shop is 30 minutes away and they close at 5 pm daily. I have on my list so far:
Jig
Fletching glue
Vanes
Shaft stripper
Anything that I am missing? Also, would be interested in what jigs everyone likes. I shoot Blazer vanes so will be needing a jig that is compatible with those.
You have got most of your bases covered. i would get some denatured alcohol to clean shafts with prior to fletching.
As far as jigs:
I Dont think I would but anything other than Bitzenbergers. Not the cheapest although here in the shop we fletch literally 1000’s of arrows and have never had a problem. In fact I just replaced all of our jigs this summer, the ones we had prior we had been using for almost 7 years. Only reason we replaced them is we rebuilt our entire archery range and felt we were ready to start new. 7 years of glue on them had made them a little ugly. The old ones are still being used today just not for our customer arrows.
I would recommend fast set gel for your glue if you have not already made a decision on brand.
This is only my opinion and I dont have a lot of experience with other brands of jigs.
Great way to pass the winter.
Thanks for the info. Does the Blitzenburger work with Blazer vanes?
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You have got most of your bases covered. i would get some denatured alcohol to clean shafts with prior to fletching.
As far as jigs:
I Dont think I would but anything other than Bitzenbergers. Not the cheapest although here in the shop we fletch literally 1000’s of arrows and have never had a problem. In fact I just replaced all of our jigs this summer, the ones we had prior we had been using for almost 7 years. Only reason we replaced them is we rebuilt our entire archery range and felt we were ready to start new. 7 years of glue on them had made them a little ugly. The old ones are still being used today just not for our customer arrows.I would recommend fast set gel for your glue if you have not already made a decision on brand.
This is only my opinion and I dont have a lot of experience with other brands of jigs.
Great way to pass the winter.
Couldn’t have said it better! Probably because I asked u guys about what works best. Bitzenberger jig…only way to go. Been using mine for over 15 years now.
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Thanks for the info. Does the Blitzenburger work with Blazer vanes?
Been using my Bitzenberger with Blazers for years too.
Bitzy hands down
For the Bitz, I need to buy the jig, right-handed clamp for right helical, and an indexer, correct? I see some places sell the jig and clamp w/o the indexer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDToiragk10
This system looks simple and straight forward.
Arizona EZ fletch 
Jake that is correct. Easiest way is to just buy a complete jig. If you have trouble finding one and are anywhere near red Wing I can order one for you. I will have to look up a price on one. Let me know, Chris
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Jake that is correct. Easiest way is to just buy a complete jig. If you have trouble finding one and are anywhere near red Wing I can order one for you. I will have to look up a price on one. Let me know, Chris
Thanks for the offer Chris, but Nashville is just a bit of a drive to Red Wing 
I am headed to Bass Pro in the next couple of days, so I will be looking for one there.
I will be able to deliver if you buy the gas!
Heck I will throw in the jig.
That is what I use. To date, no issues with it.
Jake47
Bitzenberger
Pm me your address and I will send you one.
Jake
Didn’t mean to stall out your thread as far as ideas for doing your own fletch work, I’m not really sure why but this tends to happen at times when I post.
Anyhow I hope folks will continue to give you advice as far as ideas on fletching equipment and setups.
Take care to all folks and family at IDO and Merry Christmas as well
Cheers
Jeff Heeg
I used to fletch all of mine. Just make sure the bases of the vanes are fully seated the length of the vane. You don’t have to use too much glue, just the right amount. I used to put a small drop of glue on both ends of the vanes after the main glueing dried to keep the ends from coming off the shaft, it helped.
Saw a show the other weekend with a tip portion of the show that I will have to try. Prior to fletching arrows the guy would mark an unfletched arrow (he did it so it was on the top of arrow as it was nocked) and then shoot the arrow (must have only been 5-8 yards from target). He would look at where the mark was so he could determine the direction the bow naturally wanted to spin the arrow. He then would fletch with the offset so that it helped the natural spin. He did say at the end that it probably won’t make for a noticeable difference to anyone but competition target shooters, but, what the heck anything to help tweak the system.
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