Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: bowtarist on August 20, 2011, 12:44:00 pm
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I'm thinking about trying to aquire a feather cutter, maybe like the lil' chopper. Just wondering what you all thought the best style was? I kinda figured on a traditional cut because it looks like I could trim that cut if I wanted and get either a shield cut or a parobolic cut. Does it work that way or not? Maybe someone has a better idea for me here too. If anybody's got good ideas, you all do. Thanks for any help.
dpgratz
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I have used feather choppers but prefer to burn my feathers instead of chopping. I can get a more consistant fletching this way. You can also make up different styles of fletching just by shaping other heat ribbons(available at 3Rivers for about $1.50) Feather burners(Young) are pretty expensive but you can make one with an electric soldering gun.
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Ahh, just the info I'm looking for. I've got several old soldering guns I no longer use. How do you go about that? Is there a link on here somewhere from the past? Thanks Pat.
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I have a brand new burner still in the box. I haven't used it yet because it seems to be quicker to just grab a chopper and bang away. You just have to be sure your feathers are in there straight.
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I have seen a link somewhere but can't remember where. My be here of on TradGang. The soldering gun is already set up with a resister so it is safe to use for a feather burner.
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Pat, I'll look for it.
Mullett, what style do you cut?
Thanks guys, dpg
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I like the Traditional and P&Y.
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I made a burner out of some scrap 1x board, some carriage bolts, and some ribbons from 3rivers. I use a car battery charger to provide the juice to heat the wire. It works great, and only cost a couple of bucks for the ribbons.
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Found a pretty easy one like osage outlaw described.
http://www.bambooarrow.com/burner.html
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I have a little chopper P&Y cut, it takes a little bit to learn how to use it with consistent results, but I like the P&Y shape.
I just ordered another P&Y and Barracuda cutter from Herb Haines who sells Vario clipper, supposed to be better than the Little Chopper.
I have a burner but have a terrible time doing a good job with it.
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Thanks for the info guys. Anybody know how to get ahold of Herb? I'm pretty intrigued now. Probably end up w/ one of each. ::) Thanks again, dpgratz
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Google Herb Haines Archery.
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I have used both little chopper and Vario chopper. If you are going to chop a few feathers I would stick with the little chopper for less than $20, It does a pretty good job once you learn how to keep your feather in the same place every time you chop.
If you plan on chopping a lot of feathers the Vario is the way to go but they are expensive. I think I payed over $80 for mine. It chops a very even fletching and has a slot to hold the quill of a feather in position while you chop.
If you decide you want another shape for your Vario you can order just the cutter head to fit your base. I have a 5 1/2" shield for me and a 4" shield for my wife's arrows.
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I built one of the feather burners you can find on-line. Less than 5 bucks for parts.I power it with my battery charger set on 6 volts.It works great, and has for years. God Bless
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I built one of the feather burners you can find on-line. Less than 5 bucks for parts.I power it with my battery charger set on 6 volts.It works great, and has for years. God Bless
Pete, where on-line?
Thanks for the replys guys.