Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Arrows => Topic started by: silberz on August 01, 2008, 09:43:05 pm
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Just started making my arrows and I am wondering what you all are using to coat the thread on your fletches>? I used some fabric/thread glue which seemed to work but has a glossy glue type finish. Any hints?
Max
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Usually, I use titebond 3. I tworks geat and blends in pretty good with the wood.
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I use either TBIII or super glue on silk and synthetic thread and pine pitch varnish for sinew. Pat
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I usually use 5 ton epoxy. It dries kinda glossy, but it's pretty tough. I also use it for glueing on points and the dowel inserts in my cane arrows. Lately I have been experimenting with T.B.III and it seems to be working pretty good.
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I glue the feathers with Fletch-Tite, but cover the thread with pine pitch.
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Poly-cotton thread (33% polyester) with Titebond II.......Or sinew and diluted hide glue.
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I glue the feathers with Duco. Then glue sinew or artificial sinew with the Titebond liquid hide glue.
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When I use Duco for the feathers I use Duco for the thread or art sinew. When I use sinew I coat with hide glue. Jawge
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Do you guys that use hide glue seal it with something? Being water soluble and knowing it rains occasionally during hunting season ::), I think waterproofing hide glue would be needed. Pat
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Pat,
I don't seal the sinew and hide glue....that would take a way from one of its best qualities: EASY TO UNDO. If I seal the sinew and one of the feathers tears, for example, I won't be able to dunk the whole thing in water and take it apart. The only thing I do is put some alum on the hide glue to make it less sticky.....that's it.
And I don't hunt in the rain. Been there, done that. It's not about guaranteed success anymore. For me, it's more about stress relief. If it rains, oh well, I guess I'll just have to enjoy the scenery. ;D
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Thanks you for the info all, I went with the TB3 and its seems to blend well, Hopefully it will hold up. I am going to do a few arrows with sinew thread, Think the TB3 will work out ok with it as well?
Starting to get addicted to making these arrows.
Max
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While on the subject of wooden arrow, I stained them and was going to put a coat of laquer or sealer/clear coat; I decided to just leave them stained without a coating, If I am not using them in the rain or damp conditions is this is problem ?
Thanks
Max
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Silberz, if you're target shooting at long ranges then yes, sealing your arrows against moisture is needed. If you're shooting at short ranges, then your arrows will be fine. Most people, however, seal their arrows no matter what.....it makes them less likely to warp over time, it preserves the finish and/or cresting, and makes them smoother.
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What is your arrow material. If other than cane, I would seal them. I have used water based poly, Tru-Oil and now on primitive arrows I use home made pine pitch varnish. TBIII glue will be OK to seal sinew. Pat
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I am using cedar and spruce, I ask because I am using the quantam XT glue from 3 rivers to attach the fletches and then following up with a thread wrap. 3rivers said that the glue will not hold on a laqured finish. I guess I will need to get some other type of glue.
Max
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Duco is cheap and readily available at WalMart or hardware store. It sticks to about anything and you can use it to seal your thread or sinew wraps. Pat
ps...and yes, you should seal cedar or spruce shafts. Also, water based poly works well as I mentioned before and there is no heavy chem smell. Duco sticks well to it also.
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Will do, Thanks so much for the help.
Max
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Is there any reason not to use a spray on clear coat like Minwax polycrylic ? I have the supplies in route to be able to dip the shafts but thought a lite spray on would be easier and offer a nice finish.
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I prefer dipping or hand rubbing to be sure I get good coverage. I've never tried spray but I'm sure it would work. I have sprayed a color crown on arrows with good results. Pat
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I use a Poly spray after I finish my arrows. I even lightly spray my fletching with it. There has been a couple of times that I was the only one that the fletching wasn't laying flat in the rain.
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Yes, Pat B, I seal my sinew wraps with pine pitch right from the tree particularly when mounting a trade point. Also, use grease or butter for sinew too. Both offer good waterproofing. Jawge
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The spray on minwax clear seems to work well, I am happy with the results. Now one more time to pick your brain/expert help. I have been using the quantam xt fletch glue and I am wondering if it will work on top of a clear laqured/minwax clear coat finish. Has anyone tried this yet with the quantam xt glue on any clear finish?
Max