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Fletching and Fletching Jigs in the Viking era

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Sigurd:
Hi everyone,
I'm a member of a re-enactment group that covers the period between 850-1200, and i was wanting to build myself a fletching jig for use at shows on the living history exhibit. However, as my knowledge in this area is slightly limited I was wondering if anybody knows of any evidence of fletching jigs being used, or indeed not being used, in this period, I realise that this is earlier that the English Warbow (although being Welsh I dislike with that term)  however, there is a certain amount of overlap and was hoping that you experty people would be able to help me out.

Many Thanks
Sigurd

adb:
I imagine during the viking era, they wouldn't have had a 'jig' at all, but rather would have just tied the fletchings on by hand, or perhaps glued and wrapped them like medieval arrows. This is just a guess on my part, as I don't know for sure. I do know our aboriginal ancestors didn't have a fletching jig, but tied the feather fletching on with sinew. I believe fletching jigs are modern inventions.

medicinewheel:
As adb says.

JW_Halverson:
The first few you hand tie will look a little less than expert.  They will probably fly pretty darn well and surprise you anyway.  But around the 4th or 5th arrow you will get the rhythm and from then on just a little care and effort will reward you with nicely spaced, beautifully hand laid fletching. 

You can attach from the front first or from the back first, matters not.  Once you have all three fletches (or two if that floats your stick) attached front or back, then attach the other end and pull the quill tight.  It should still slide under the sinew wrapping (or thread if that is what makes your stick float) until the quill is right and tight up against the shaft.  When all three (or two, remembering the stick floating analogy) of the fletches are pulled tight, hold the shaft under one arm and use your hands to lift the fletching slightly with one hand and with the other hand run a bead of glue under the quill with the other.  The tension on the fletch will snap it back in place until the glue sets.

Scowler:
Thanks for starting this thread, Sigurd.  I've often wondered about fletchings and attachment methods during the Dark Age (to include the Viking Age).  My limited search turned up nothing on Dark Age arrow fletchings.  I've been experimenting with tied on only fletchings (3 fletchings) and find that they fly quite well.  After tying the back down I line up the fletchings either straight or offset (left or right helical) and tie down the front.  Instead of adding any glue I tie down the center section of the fletchings with two additonal pieces of art. sinew equally spaced apart.  Don't know if mine (or anyone's) northern European ancestors used this method of fletching attachment but it is practical and works well.  Good luck with your research.     

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