Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Arrows => Topic started by: AKAPK on November 24, 2008, 06:19:41 pm

Title: Cutting Turkey feathers for fletching
Post by: AKAPK on November 24, 2008, 06:19:41 pm
I sure would like to know an easier way to cut Turkey feathers for Fletching Any tutorials out there?
Some times I will soak them and then pull a side but that leaves no inner.PK
Title: Re: Cutting Turkey feathers for fletching
Post by: John K on November 24, 2008, 07:05:05 pm
When i split Turkey feathers i use a razor knife and spilt it down the middle, then i put it in a jig i made and use sand papper to smooth everything out.....now i just peel or strip the feathers, a lot faster and i think they look better !
Title: Re: Cutting Turkey feathers for fletching
Post by: AKAPK on November 24, 2008, 10:06:26 pm
strippin them seems a good Idea cause they hold on the  the shaft better but sometime I cant get them to lay flat.PK
Title: Re: Cutting Turkey feathers for fletching
Post by: mullet on November 24, 2008, 10:18:31 pm
 I lay them on something hard and flatten the quill with a small hammer stone. Then I split the end and pull it apart.
Title: Re: Cutting Turkey feathers for fletching
Post by: AKAPK on November 24, 2008, 11:59:53 pm
 :)
Title: Re: Cutting Turkey feathers for fletching
Post by: swiftjustus on January 11, 2009, 04:20:35 pm
john, i was wondering if you could elaborate on the jig you mentioned, i see greatnorhtern bowhunting co. sells a jig for grinding feathers but is quite expensive.
thanks, swift
Title: Re: Cutting Turkey feathers for fletching
Post by: DanaM on January 11, 2009, 04:44:52 pm
john, i was wondering if you could elaborate on the jig you mentioned, i see greatnorhtern bowhunting co. sells a jig for grinding feathers but is quite expensive.
thanks, swift

I bought one from 3 rivers and Im not overly thrilled with the results :-\

Ok David you were right I was wrong ;) Inside joke
Title: Re: Cutting Turkey feathers for fletching
Post by: Pat B on January 11, 2009, 05:50:20 pm
A straight fletch clamp, like for a JoJan fletcher works well for grinding feathers.   Pappy has the ticket though. Maybe he will post pics of his feather splitter.     Pat
Title: Re: Cutting Turkey feathers for fletching
Post by: Cromm on January 11, 2009, 06:33:47 pm
Sounds good to me........
Title: Re: Cutting Turkey feathers for fletching
Post by: ricktrojanowski on January 11, 2009, 08:00:16 pm
I cut them to aprox. length.  cut the quill with a razorblade down the center.  Then in a homemade clamp(Torges type) I plane the quill with a small block plane.  Then sand with 80 to about the final thickness.  Then put in a fletching clamp and sand with 120 to the thickness I want and cut and sand the edges.