Best Fletching Cement?

[Etter1]

#2910

I’ve been using NPV. Do you have a favorite? I’d like something that is tackier and sets up a little quicker.

[Troy Breeding]

#14269

GoatTuff…

Holds like iron, drys fast, can be found in almost any good outdoor sporting store.

Troy

[lyagooshka]

#14283

Etter,

Not sure if it’s what you’re looking for, but I have started using the fletching tape and it works GREAT. You still need a dab of glue on the front and back end of the feather, but that does not affect the speed at which you can finish an arrow. When using glue, I would wait 5 minutes per fletching to turn the jig to the next position. That’s 10 minutes per arrow. 15 if you wait for the last vane instead of chancing it and removing it right away.

if you haven’t used it, I would definitely say try it. I am pretty sure it works for all arrow types (Al, C and Wd), but you might want to double check. As far as holding, I have lost a few fletchings, but not in “normal” use. The last one I lost was while stump shooting. My arrow when right through a piece of dead wood and I guess one fletching scrapped off. It’s also real easy to do a repair on an arrow and be hunting that same day. I’m sure there are great cements out there, but ever since I bought the tape, I won’t go back to liquid. BTW: I use Al arrows. Hope this helps. Be well.

Alex

😀

[Etter1]

#14339

lyagooshka wrote: Etter,

Not sure if it’s what you’re looking for, but I have started using the fletching tape and it works GREAT. You still need a dab of glue on the front and back end of the feather, but that does not affect the speed at which you can finish an arrow. When using glue, I would wait 5 minutes per fletching to turn the jig to the next position. That’s 10 minutes per arrow. 15 if you wait for the last vane instead of chancing it and removing it right away.

if you haven’t used it, I would definitely say try it. I am pretty sure it works for all arrow types (Al, C and Wd), but you might want to double check. As far as holding, I have lost a few fletchings, but not in “normal” use. The last one I lost was while stump shooting. My arrow when right through a piece of dead wood and I guess one fletching scrapped off. It’s also real easy to do a repair on an arrow and be hunting that same day. I’m sure there are great cements out there, but ever since I bought the tape, I won’t go back to liquid. BTW: I use Al arrows. Hope this helps. Be well.

Alex

😀

That sounds great, if it’s really that strong. I have to wait 20 mins per feather with this stuff so it’s an hour per arrow. It does hold like a lamprey, but it takes a long time to fletch a dozen. Glad I like fletching.:D

[Goraidh]

#14374

I’ve had no problems with Duco Cement. And Family Dollar sells it for $1.39 a tube.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

#14379

Etter1 wrote: ….I’d like something that is tackier and sets up a little quicker.

My favorite fletching glue is tape. 😉

[Wolfshead]

#14393

I love the fletching tape too!

I use the bohning fletch tape and also put a drop of glue on the front and back of the feather.

[Stumpkiller]

#14418

Duco. Don’t know if it is the best but it is available and relatively cheap. Moere importantly it is effective.

[lyagooshka]

#14467

Etter,

I think it’s 3Rivers that has a “how to” video on using the tape. It’s basically strong double-sided tape that is the width of the vane. You put the feather in the jig, put tape on it, remove the backing from the other side exposing the second sticky side and then press on the shaft and you’re ready for the next one. At this time I usually press on the front of the feather with a fingernail and run it to the back while keeping pressure on it, just for added security as you may notice some spots that have not completely stuck after pressing it on with the jig (looking between the feather and arrow shaft). This adds another 10 seconds or so. After all 3 [or 4] are done, you remove the arrow from the jig and put a drop of glue forward and aft on the feather. Soon aas that dries, you’re G2G. An $8.50 roll is enough for several dozen arrows (depending on feathere length, it could be more). Just the time it saves is worth every penny. I guess this is the time when I have to add: I don’t work for 3Rivers or Bohning. I am a nurse. I paid for the product I am reviewing………

I believe this is the instructional video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=VZDsRuYAMkk

Hope this helps. Be well.

Alex

😉

[mhay]

#14948

I just started fletching my own last year . I followed the instructions and advice received . Fletching was continualy coming loose or flying off on impact .

Did some more research and found Duco was recommended over fletchtite for aluminum shafts .

Happened to find it at Family Dollar for half the price asked by the archery catalog .

So far it has been flawless.

[James Harvey]

#15258

Alex,

After reading about your great experience with tape in another thread I went to my local archery store to get some. The chap that runs that store told me it’s great for al arrows but no good for carbon and wood 😉

[lyagooshka]

#15266

I’ve only made Al arrows, so that is all I have experience with. When I read your post, I went to the video out of curiosity. It seems the person is using an arrow wrap. Thanks for the input. I was actually going to try to make some of my own woodies, so it’s something to keep in mind. Be well.

Alex

😀

[Etter1]

#15517

Thanks guys. I’ll never shoot anything but carbon, I don’t think. Guess I’ll look for this goat stuff!

BTW- There is nothing wrong with NPV and it is strong as can be once it’s dried. Just wondered what was out there.

[tombow]

#16105

IMextremely valuable Opinion, I have been using Loctite Super Glue Gel and having great results gluing feathers to vinyl wraps, straight to carbon shafts and to painted wraps on wood shafts. I see know reason to spend beaucoup bucks on high $ “Goat glue. Been using the LSG gel for years and bash feathers with blunts (sometimes) and the feathers rip before any quill separates from the shaft from poor glue bond. And the gel is very easy to handle when applying to the feather. Doesn’t take much and the stuff is cheap (just like me!).

Giver a try, ya won’t be disappointed. Cut that 20 minutes down to 20 seconds per feather.

[Mark Turton]

#16201

I use tape on wood, ally and carbon with no problems but the shafts must be clean I use neat alcohol, impatience is my only problem.

Mark.

[Wolfshead]

#16325

ausjim wrote: Alex,

After reading about your great experience with tape in another thread I went to my local archery store to get some. The chap that runs that store told me it’s great for al arrows but no good for carbon and wood 😉

I have never made anything but wood and have not had a failure yet….

I have just recently made two dozen arrows 5″ feathers, with one roll of fletch tape and still have approx 1/2 a roll or so left.

I have shot through a newspaper filled cardboard box and pulled the arrow out the other side with no loss of fletching

I use 5 coats of minwax wipe on poly for my woodies.

can’t comment on al or carbon….:roll:

[David Coulter]

#16344

I’ve been using tape since I started rolling my own. It’s worked great on aluminum and carbon. I’m sure to break the finish with a sponge like pot scrubber then wipe it clean with alcohol. Only once or so did I have trouble with feathers coming off, and I figured I didn’t clean up right.

It has the benefit of being quick. Lots of guys like to take their time with the drying of glue, but my fletching time is limited. I can use my time to be tedious with my feathers and placement, then move to the next without delay. Like FrogAlex said, a drop of glue fore and aft is required. I like Beyond Bond best for that, but have been using some regular fletching glue in a tube and it’s worked fine. dwc

[James Harvey]

#16381

Sounds like my local store keeper wasn’t quite on the money then! Thanks for that info guys 🙂

[James Harvey]

#16965

Just to put a final nail in the coffin of the advice I received and gave, I checked 3rivers little adhesive recommendations chart, they reckon the tape is good for all shafting 😉

[Bruce Smithhammer]

#19385

ausjim wrote:

The chap that runs that store told me it’s great for al arrows but no good for carbon and wood 😉

With all due respect, the chap that runs the store doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Fletching tape works fine on carbon shafts. I lightly sand the aft end of the shaft with fine sandpaper, then wipe it clean with a little alcohol. Apply the feather w/tape, and then put a small dot of glue (I use Gold Tip glue, but others will work) to either end of the feather. It works great.

[James Harvey]

#19705

Smithhammer wrote:

With all due respect, the chap that runs the store doesn’t know what he’s talking about.

Spot on Bruce, he was way off the mark with this one wasn’t he. I’d like to say its because the shop has about 100 compounds hanging on the wall and exactly 2 recurves and 1 long bow… But he deals with a lot of carbon arrows :oops::wink:

That’s something I love about these forums. People who know, or have experience, or both!:D

[Greg Ragan]

#19783

I like regular old loctite superglue from the hardware store. Fast and strong and bonds well to any medium….including my fingers !

[Brennan Herr]

#19880

I also like loctite superglue but I get the gel type.

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