Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Arrows => Topic started by: Kviljo on March 19, 2007, 12:09:57 pm

Title: Binding feathers (video)
Post by: Kviljo on March 19, 2007, 12:09:57 pm
Just thought I would share my method of fletching arrows without a jiig.

http://kviljo.no/bue/fletching.wmv


Bind first, adjust the feathers, and glue.

Sorry about the non-primitive sound in the background ;)
Title: Re: Binding feathers (video)
Post by: Dustybaer on March 19, 2007, 12:18:08 pm
hey, that's not fair.  you don't show how you start it (the part where you need four hands)  ;D  but your spacing is perfect.  how do you do that.  just a good eye?
Title: Re: Binding feathers (video)
Post by: Kviljo on March 19, 2007, 12:31:53 pm
Hehe, I hold all three feathers with tree fingers around the shaft while I secure them. You can secure one at a time too, but with a little practice you can do all at the same time. :)

The spacing isn't perfect. I guess a bit of practise is all you need, or take some extra time.
Title: Re: Binding feathers (video)
Post by: Agbowyer on March 19, 2007, 12:43:04 pm
Now that's cool. What type of glue do you use and how is it applied. I've only done one this way and I used raw sinew. What was the background? I don't get sound at work, dial up at home is to slow to download video.
Title: Re: Binding feathers (video)
Post by: Kviljo on March 19, 2007, 12:47:42 pm
I just smear on carpenters glue. Any glue would work.

The background noise is just Metallica :)
Title: Re: Binding feathers (video)
Post by: Agbowyer on March 19, 2007, 01:23:54 pm
Sounds easy enough. (I prefer "Boston" myself).
Title: Re: Binding feathers (video)
Post by: tpoof on March 19, 2007, 01:25:22 pm
Nice video! You sure are fast bout halfway thru! Never noticed no glue? Bout how long a thread do you require for a 5"??
Title: Re: Binding feathers (video)
Post by: Kviljo on March 19, 2007, 01:42:30 pm
I glue after the binding. That way you can adjust how the feathers are positioned on the shaft.

You don't need to cut the thread untill you're finished :)
Title: Re: Binding feathers (video)
Post by: 1/2primitive on March 19, 2007, 02:05:29 pm
What's that little tool you used?
     Sean
Title: Re: Binding feathers (video)
Post by: Justin Snyder on March 19, 2007, 02:20:06 pm
COOL thanks for posting.  Justin
Title: Re: Binding feathers (video)
Post by: Kviljo on March 19, 2007, 02:30:36 pm
What's that little tool you used?
     Sean

A toothpick ;)
Title: Re: Binding feathers (video)
Post by: tpoof on March 19, 2007, 02:47:59 pm
Quote
I glue after the binding. That way you can adjust how the feathers are positioned on the shaft.

You don't need to cut the thread untill you're finished Smiley

Doh! ;D ;D somethings are so simple its painfull,  makes perfect sense!!
Thanks for the replies,, ;)
Title: Re: Binding feathers (video)
Post by: NorthernArcher on March 24, 2007, 09:50:13 pm
A video is worth a thousand words!  Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Binding feathers (video)
Post by: 1/2primitive on March 25, 2007, 12:21:37 am
Thanks to your video, I've developed my own way of doing it. I grab the binding material and the toothpick in the same hand      (my right) and continue around the shaft, opening the feather and inserting the string right afterwords. I can spiral wrap a shaft a whole lot better and quicker than I used to. Thanks for posting that!
      Sean
Title: Re: Binding feathers (video)
Post by: justice66 on July 02, 2007, 07:40:46 pm
Have you ever tried the 2 ply tape?its quick,easy and you can't even tell its their i really like using it on all arrows i then tie afterwards just like medieval period arrows,but i will put glue on afterwards for xtra support
Title: Re: Binding feathers (video)
Post by: Kviljo on July 02, 2007, 09:31:36 pm
Yep, but I think it is easier to bind them without the tape, because then you can adjust the angle of the feathers after you have bound them, and before you secure them with glue. At least I struggle to place the feathers where I want them with just the tape by hand.

The thread is barbour linnen 35/5 or 25/5  3-ply by the way.
Title: Re: Binding feathers (video)
Post by: Minuteman on July 05, 2007, 10:25:20 am
Thanks for posting that , got a good laugh at the chipmunks singing  Metallica at the end ;D Sure made my way look like dog vomit.
Title: Re: Binding feathers (video)
Post by: Bear Claw on July 05, 2007, 01:59:07 pm
Very nice job. That made a huge difference on how I wrap my feathers down. Would love to see some future clips of other techniques you use.
Title: Re: Binding feathers (video)
Post by: Jesse on July 09, 2007, 12:08:10 am
I watched your video about an hour too late. I just finshed my first attempt at fletching. I wraped turkey feathers. The arrow flies great but looks prety bad. I didnt use glue. Do you find they fall appart after a while without glue?
Title: Re: Binding feathers (video)
Post by: Kviljo on July 10, 2007, 04:03:08 pm
Nice to hear that it has been useful :)

You need some glue, at least to secure the feathers. Some doesn't use glue on the thread itself, but the thread wont last long if you don't soak it too with some sort of glue.
Title: Re: Binding feathers (video)
Post by: Jesse on July 10, 2007, 07:03:24 pm
Thanks alot. cant wait to try again.