Feather cutter or feather burner?

[ptlmg]

Need some advice. Wanting to start making my own feathers and am looking for some advice. Wanting to know what would be better. I know there is a big difference in price, but aside from that, is there a difference in the work involved? Any and all advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

ben

[Junkers88]

The only difference that I can see is that with the cutter you cut first, fletch after. With the burner you fletch first and then burn to shape. That is if I understand the concept properly. I prefer the cutter due to price and that I can sit down and cut a bunch of them at one time. Fletch with what I need and put the rest in the go-box to use as replacements when I mess one up on the arrows.

[Bisch]

Never used a burner, but have used a chopper. The blades will get dull on a chopper, so every once in a while you will need to replace them.

Bisch

[ptlmg]

Good advice guys. Thank you. Will go with a cutter. Those seam to be readily on the market. Thnx again.

[coop]

I've used the burner for around 40 years. Only real advantage is that it is easier to customize your feathers. The wires last a long time but will need changed out eventually. I'm not sure if they even made the choppers back then.
It will really smell up the place and you will need to use something to remove the burnt edges. I use fine grit sand paper.

If you use a more standard type fletch the chopper might be the best route for you.

JC

[ptlmg]

Awesome, thanks JC.

[JEFFRO]

i do alot of feathers. and here lately i'v been burning, the main reason is to get away from the standard 4 inch or 5. chopers are easy and cheep. and if you keep everything lined up will cut a bunnch of fletch the same.

how you doin coop..

[Chunky]

I've used the burner for around 40 years. Only real advantage is that it is easier to customize your feathers. The wires last a long time but will need changed out eventually. I'm not sure if they even made the choppers back then.
It will really smell up the place and you will need to use something to remove the burnt edges. I use fine grit sand paper.

If you use a more standard type fletch the chopper might be the best route for you.

JC

Winner, good post.

[moon]

Parts for burner if you ever need any are cheap, plus I found you get a more even fletch if that makes sense to you. I would not trade for mine.

[coop]

I'm just wonderful JEFFRO. How about you and the family? You getting any time to shoot?

[ptlmg]

Thats a lot of good info everyone. To start off with, I think I am going to go with some GT 400 spine shafts, full length feathers so I can start off with a cutter. That way I can cut two 5" Shields out of each. I already have a Bitz, so I will use that one at home and carry an Arizone EZ fletch for carbon arrows in my field pack for emergencies. I will use glue at home and carry tape in my field pack as well in the even I lose a feather. I will also use wraps on my shafts and carry extras as well. Will see how this works out for me. Will let all of you know if I have to tweak anything. I have seen good deals on blemish gts on Jims bows website. A big thanks to everyone for your insight and advice. If you can think of anything else that you think will help my endeavor, by all means let me know. Thanks again.

ben

[SwampRabbit]

Seems like carrying tape and EZ fletch and some fletchings (EZ fletch will want you to fletch 3 at a time!) is a lot to carry in a field pack. Maybe I don't understand what you consider a field pack.

If you really just needed an emergency fix (like you ran out of arrows on your quiver, and only have 1 or two with messed up fletchings) then just carry a small thing of glue, a little roll of artificial sinew and a couple feathers. You don't need perfection, you just need the rear end stability and I bet in a pinch you could wrap up an arrow. And honestly, the sinew.

[ptlmg]

That makes sense. When i hunt, i carry a tota bag with things i could use in a pinch. I usuall keep it in my truck. I also carry a small backpack with essentials like an extra tab, camo paint, a knife and such. Never used sinew. Guess thats another thing i need to learn to use. Seen a few videos but never used it. Thnx for the info.

Ben