best glue for fletching arrows?

Basskolnikov · 10-22-2006, 07:59 AM

I went the "sharp knife rout" for getting all the old stuff off, and then refletched my arrows last night.

I used Fletch Tite, and the stuff was very goopy, messy, compared to whatever they used originally on my arrows.

I do have a steady hand and can draw an even bead, but this stuff is just thick.

when my arrows were first fletched at BowTech, they used some stuff that seemed to leave little trace.

Is there a thinner, better, cleaner glue?

sliverpicker · 10-22-2006, 08:10 AM

Maybe you have a lousy tube of Fletchtite? I've never had any problems with it. I've also been using some glue made by Saunders called NPV Arrow Mate Cement. I ocassionally use Duco cement if I'm fletching arrows that haven't been crown dipped with Fletchlac. sp

WapitiBob · 10-22-2006, 08:57 AM

they probably used instant CA glue. There are lots of glues out now. All work but not all combinations of fletch, arrow, and glue will work.
There was a problem with the 2" flo colored blazers sticking.

Basskolnikov · 10-22-2006, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sliverpicker

Maybe you have a lousy tube of Fletchtite? I've never had any problems with it. I've also been using some glue made by Saunders called NPV Arrow Mate Cement. I ocassionally use Duco cement if I'm fletching arrows that haven't been crown dipped with Fletchlac. sp

Not so sure if it's a lousy tube of it. Just so thick compared to whatever was used before. The stuff they used before dried super thin wherever it squeezed out around the fletch. The fletch tite dried in droplets/gobs where it squeezed out.

Basskolnikov · 10-22-2006, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WapitiBob

they probably used instant CA glue. .

It did dry like instant crazy glue. Any drawbacks to using that stuff? will it stick to an Arizona fletcher? Does it bond truly instantly? In which case my not so precise fletcher would never work, because there is some wiggling before it gets in place. Hmmm.

WAID · 10-22-2006, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Basskolnikov

It did dry like instant crazy glue. Any drawbacks to using that stuff? will it stick to an Arizona fletcher? Does it bond truly instantly? In which case my not so precise fletcher would never work, because there is some wiggling before it gets in place. Hmmm.

Goat tuff is supposed to be the best but it is just super glue in a bigger bottle. I just use super glue from the dollar store. The only draw back to using it in the AZ EZ-fletch is that I have trouble gluing 3 vanes before the glue starts to dry so I have to do 1 at a time to do a good job. The glue will stick some to the plastic so you have to be careful to not use too much. Acetone can safely(as safe as acetone is) be used to clean it. Just be really careful taking the arms off because their attachments to the base breaks really easily(trust me I know). You can also use acetone to clean the arrows but it isn't the best idea because it can weaken the carbon arrows.

fishinpoor · 10-22-2006, 05:30 PM

i've used the arizona ez-fletch and had the same uneven glue gobs/drops you mention,a bitzenberger or jojan jig will eliminate this,because you insert the fletch from the bottom and apply even pressure as you go up.the ez fletch kinda applies the vanes all at once with some of the glue sticking to the jig,when you remove the arrow some of the glue is on the shaft and some is on the jig thus the blob effect

sliverpicker · 10-22-2006, 06:43 PM

You could also try using fletching tape. I've used it with feathers and wood arrows and have good luck. It takes a fraction of the time to fletch a dozen arrows as opposed to glue. But I'm not sure if they work as well with plastic vanes?

Salmo trutta · 10-23-2006, 03:01 PM

Before I glue any feathers or vanes I scrub the arrow with Comet abrasive cleaner then rinse it off then wipe it down with acetone.

I have used both fletchtite glue and tape and personally like the tape it makes for a cleaner job and is faster. although you still need to glue the ends after taping. Experiment with both glue and tape and see which one works best for you. But I have found cleaning the arrow shaft makes all the difference in the world.

BTW the Comet abrazes the surface of the shaft enough to help with the gluing process but not enough to mar the arrow finish.