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Fletching and Fletching Jigs in the Viking era

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bow-toxo:
Craig is correct about the fictional Welsh invention of the longbow. You can't patent something that has been in common use for centuries. It is not clear that the Welsh even used longbows before those serving England in the Hundred Years War were issued them. It is unlikely that Vikings used a fletching jig. Some Viking fletching is set on in a slight helix and birch tar was used to affix the fletching. Apply the hot birch tar and let cool. Bind the feathers, [usually three]with spiral binding. Adjust the feathers evenly, straight or helical. Then carefully heat to liquefy the birch tar and let cool again. Voila, Everything fused and a perfect job if you were careful not to singe the feathers.

anglobow:
See my article "The Fluid Art of Fletching With Pitch" in volume 17 issue 3 of PA for instructions on fletching with birch tar and thread. Fiddler's fletching jig shown here http://www.primitiveways.com/fletching_jig.html  also works very well. The arrow below was fletched with goose feathers, linen thread and birch pitch. The cock feather is dyed with madder root. As you can see it had been used and abused, but the fletching is still holding tight.

adb:
Very cool arrow and article. Thanks!

JackCrafty:
Very authentic arrow!

Nidhoggr:
They didn't use a fletching jig.  Typically as previously stated, it was done by using linen thread.  In a pinch they could have also used wool, sinew, or any manner of things.

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