Fletch Arrows

Fletchings are small elements found at the back of an arrow shaft that serve to increase the accuracy of the arrow by adding a bit of drag to the arrow's flight. Traditionally made from feathers, fletchings today are produced from a wide array of natural products, plastics, and metals. Besides serving an important utilitarian purpose, fletchings also serve as decorations used to distinguish one batch of arrows from another. Straight fletchings are those which sit on a straight line along the arrow shaft. Off-set or helical fletchings grasp the shaft at an angle or twist along the shaft, introducing torque in the arrow's flight for increased range. Whatever your preferred type of fletching, you can learn how to fletch arrows at home without too much time or trouble.

Steps

1. Rub down the arrow shaft with denatured alcohol on a clean rag.
2. Decide whether you want straight fletchings, off-set fletchings, or helical fletchings and adjust your jig accordingly.
3. Position the arrow shaft in the fletching jig. Adjust its position depending on the type of fletching you've decided to use.
4. Measure 1 1/2 inches (or 35 mm) in from the end of the arrow shaft.
5. Position the fletching in the jig. Use the jig's measurement feature to line up the fletching with how far it will be from the end of the arrow shaft.
6. Position the arrow shaft in the jig. Take particular care to line it up evenly and at the appropriate measurements so that the fletching will adhere evenly and in the right spot.
7. Apply glue from the spot you measured toward the opposite end of the arrow shaft in a line equal to the length of your type of fletching. Adjust the direction of your glue line for off-set or helical fletchings.
8. Apply glue to the edge of the fletching. Do not use too much glue, as this will spill out and affect the flight of your arrow.
9. Lower the clamp onto the jig and the arrow. A magnet built into the jig should keep the clamp tight without you having to hold it.
10. Let the clamp sit for about 5 minutes.
11. Remove the arrow and test the strength of the fletching by gently pushing on it.
12. Add a small drop of glue to the front end of each "feather", ie. the end towards the arrow tip.
13. Wait several hours before shooting the arrow.

Tips

• It is possible to fletch by hand without a fletching jig, but this is not recommended to anyone without extensive experience, as proper fletching is essential to having accurate arrows.
• Straight fletchings are most often spaced around the arrow shaft at angles of 120 degrees.

Warnings

• After rubbing the shaft down with alcohol, refrain from touching the area of the shaft where you will be applying the fletching. Skin oils can cause your fletching to adhere unevenly.
• Only attempt to fletch an arrow with off-set or helical fletchings if you have been instructed beforehand in how to operate your specific jig for that purpose. An inaccurately measured or positioned off-set or helical fletching can impede your arrow's progress rather than improve it.

Things You'll Need

• Arrow shaft
• Fletchings
• Fletching jig
• Powerful glue
• Denatured alcohol
• Clean rag

Sources and Citations

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ng3McFa2WJk
• http://www.huntbgo.com/fletching.htm
• http://www.trueflightfeathers.com/guide.htm
• http://www.mountain-archery.com/arrowfletching101.aspx

See also

• Use a Modern Crossbow
• Shoot an Arrow
• Make a Bow and Arrow
• Shoot a Recurve Bow
• String a Compound Bow
• Shoot a Compound Bow
• Shoot an English Long Bow
• Use a Compound Bow Release
• Adjust a Bow
• Start Archery

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What links here

• Make a Flat Bow and Arrow
• Make a Natural Bow and Arrow