Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Arrows => Topic started by: wanabehunter on March 17, 2008, 10:40:41 pm

Title: grind feathers?
Post by: wanabehunter on March 17, 2008, 10:40:41 pm

I bought alot of whole turkey feathers but I dunno how to get a thin even layer of the quill like alot of the fletchings I see on here

Title: Re: grind feathers?
Post by: 1/2primitive on March 17, 2008, 10:53:11 pm

Strip them, that's what I do. Mickey Lotz just wrote a nice tutorial for the upcoming mag, look at it on the PA homepage.
    Sean

Title: Re: grind feathers?
Post by: david w. on March 17, 2008, 11:54:09 pm

yep i peel them :)

Title: Re: grind feathers?
Post by: Hillbilly on March 18, 2008, 12:42:54 am

Either strip them, or split the quill down the center in the natural groove, then sand or grind it down.

Title: Re: grind feathers?
Post by: Mike_A on March 18, 2008, 12:43:34 am

Same here stipping them is the way to go. If you have trouble keeping them in one piece try soaking them in warm water for about 10 minutes then strip them. I've had a lot of luck with this method. Hope this helps. Mike

Title: Re: grind feathers?
Post by: bootboy on March 18, 2008, 03:48:35 am

this was basicly my question....except I wondered if there was a an accurate way to get the same result for every feather. whatever this is cool too. Off to read the article

Title: Re: grind feathers?
Post by: keekeerun on March 18, 2008, 05:26:11 pm

I strip them and I also split them down the quill and stick them in a fletching clamp and sand them on the belt sander

Title: Re: grind feathers?
Post by: Kegan on March 18, 2008, 07:02:39 pm

Tap the quill with the butt of a knife. Split with said knife. Stick point of knife in block of wood and hold butt in place with chin. Drag quill back and forth along blad until proper size.

Or [soak and] strip 'em ;D.

Title: Re: grind feathers?
Post by: Pat B on March 19, 2008, 02:25:18 am

All good advise about. I have better luck splitting the quill, cut to length, clamp it in a fletch clamp and grind to size on a belt sander. Pat

Title: Re: grind feathers?
Post by: Minuteman on March 19, 2008, 11:32:15 am

I've never been able to hold my butt in place with my chin.  :D You must be very flexible.

Title: Re: grind feathers?
Post by: Pappy on March 19, 2008, 11:41:48 am

What Pat said.It make them easier to work with when putting them on the shaft,a
little stiffer.I have done it both way and like the splitting the best.Try both ways
and see witch you like the best.  :)
    Pappy

Title: Re: grind feathers?
Post by: Justin Snyder on March 19, 2008, 12:00:05 pm

If I am gluing them anyway I just strip them.  If I am wanting a primitive look I split them and tie them so they are a little more rigid when I only tie the front and back.  Justin

Title: Re: grind feathers?
Post by: Ranger B on March 19, 2008, 05:47:27 pm

Here is a follow along for grinding that I do.
Ranger B

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Title: Re: grind feathers?
Post by: Ranger B on March 19, 2008, 05:48:45 pm

Step 2
Use a sharp knife or razor to split them right down the middle.

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Title: Re: grind feathers?
Post by: Ranger B on March 19, 2008, 05:49:44 pm

I then use my fletcher clamp to hold them straight.

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Title: Re: grind feathers?
Post by: Ranger B on March 19, 2008, 05:50:42 pm

Here it is down in the clamp nice an snug. 

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Title: Re: grind feathers?
Post by: Ranger B on March 19, 2008, 05:52:00 pm

I use my belt sander.  I turn it upside down and clamp it down in my vice.  Then begin to flattern / shape the quill.


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Title: Re: grind feathers?
Post by: Ranger B on March 19, 2008, 05:54:00 pm

The finished product is a nice straight turkey feather ready for gluing on a shaft.  Truflight couldn't do any better  ;D

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Title: Re: grind feathers?
Post by: Sparrow on March 22, 2008, 03:51:51 pm

That's a great tute' Ranger.Thank you ! Frank