Main Discussion Area > Arrows

Tester complete

<< < (6/6)

dmassphoto:
Hi all, I'm fairly new to all this stuff, so please forgive if the questions sound stupid.  I would love to build myself a spine tester, but am not sure how to get started.  Does anyone have a list of materials needed, or better yet, simple plans with instructions?  I'm also looking to make a homemade fletching jig, but haven't found anything out there yet with dimensions, or at least measurments to mark the feathers.  If anyone can help, I'd be grateful.  Thanks!

-Dave

riarcher:
Welcome Dave -
Didn't notice any stupid questions, so.......

Spine tester;
http://www.jamesmhill.com/Spine_Tester.html
Pretty basic really, most my materials came from Home Depot, the indicator from Ebay (under $10 with shipping).
Whole thing may have ran me $25

As for jigs, the cheaper plastic jigs actually work well for about $30.
I've made a few for special need and they ended up costing about $300 scrimping available materials.
You can also fletch by hand. Not too difficult once you get a system down.
This guy looks like his is homemade;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pffhKIuuQX8

There's some fine How Tos and Build Alongs on this site further down the main page.

Enjoy.

dmassphoto:
Riarcher,
  Thanks for the links!  The video of the Fletching Jig gave me the idea to make my own, and I was wondering if one decided to use turkey feathers like him, if they would need something bigger than the $30 ones.

One other question I have is, if I test the spine on a shaft that I have, and it does not fit the poundage on my bow, does that shaft become useless to me at that point? 

riarcher:
Errrr, I've been in heated debates over that.  :-\

IMHO -
Not at all,, or at least not neccesarily anyways.
I consider the measure a relatively rough estimate at best. Maybe in perfect world it would. But not in my world.  ;)
Tons of variables to be considered. Things like efficiency of the design, head weight, are shafts tapered, string weight (if silencers, clickers, etc. are used), nock fit, amount of center shot if any, and there's probably more.

I use it for comparative evaluations mostly.
I'll find a arrow that shoots good, measure the spine, try a couple above and below. Then I try and find additional arrows in the middle of what seems to work.

Also, way too many times I'll order 60# shafts (0.433 deflection I think). I'll check them when I get them and if they measure .650 to .520  (40 to 50#) I'll call and get them exchanged or refunded.
Without a tester you'd have no clue until you've made them and then it's too late.
Never had a supplier argue with me if I threw numbers at them.
If I'm paying for steak, I don't accept pot roast.   ;)

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[*] Previous page