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General >> Other Primitive Weapons >> Leather Fletchings
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Message started by Kick on Dec 10th, 2018 at 3:17pm

Title: Leather Fletchings
Post by Kick on Dec 10th, 2018 at 3:17pm
I'm soon going to be upgrading the kestros darts I've made and, as well as actually adding points, I want to make some better fletchings as the duct tape ones are really pretty terrible. I've seen that historically for plumbata and for crossbow bolts, leather was used and I think this would be a good option. The problem I have is that I don't really understand how they were attached. It looks to be just glue but I feel that's just going to instantly fall off. I have thought a combination of glue and stitching them down but I'm still not sure as it seems it would be a difficult and time-consuming process.

What do you guys think? Should I go with leather, something else or does anyone have any tips on how to effectively do duct tape fletching without messing it up multiple times?

Another thing is how many fletching do people think I should go with? 2? 3? 4?
tumblr_pj673lPwKA1rnujq3_540_001.jpg (91 KB | 55 )

Title: Re: Leather Fletchings
Post by Drakolith on Dec 10th, 2018 at 6:00pm
It’s a bit of work for this idea, but you could carve grooves to put each one into then glue them. Or you could cut 2 slots in it to make a + shape (if looking at the rod from top down) slots and wedge some wooden ones into it, one being slightly smaller and the other with a slot for it to go through. I feel like the second idea would be better explained by a picture, excuse my drawing. Although since the second fletching would have to be smaller that might impact performance, so you could just break that one in half and glue it to the inside. Sorry if this was confusing, just took a final and basically wrote 2 papers, my brain is mush.
FD8DE89C-5A41-4B93-9AB1-FEECC6B76278.jpeg (25 KB | 62 )

Title: Re: Leather Fletchings
Post by Kick on Dec 11th, 2018 at 2:39am
That's ok I think I get it :D I had thought about cutting slots but I feel like, with my inadequate set-up and poor sawing skills, this is a recipe for disaster. There isn't much margin for error. I might try gluing and ssewing them down but I'll be needing more time to get it done than I have right now. Looks like a New Year project. For now the duct tape ones are just about servicable but I still would want better.

Title: Re: Leather Fletchings
Post by Curious Aardvark on Dec 11th, 2018 at 11:48am
get a rotary tool with flexible shaft. Make groove cutting a doddle :-)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/VonHaus-Rotary-Flexi-shaft-Accessory-Compatible/dp/B01N9GVO2L/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1544546900&sr=8-4&keywords=rotary+tool+with+flexi+shaft

stick it on your christmas list :-) 

Title: Re: Leather Fletchings
Post by Kick on Dec 11th, 2018 at 12:21pm
I have been considering getting one but I also don't have much of a workshop to use one in. The thing I would probably need most is a work bench.

Title: Re: Leather Fletchings
Post by Curious Aardvark on Dec 12th, 2018 at 7:48am
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-68027-Fold-Portable-Workbench/dp/B01194NI2W/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1544618835&sr=8-6&keywords=folding+workbench

folds flat when not in use.
Come on, this is what christmas is for :-)

Title: Re: Leather Fletchings
Post by Kick on Dec 12th, 2018 at 8:19am
Well that one is free delivery in the UK not to Finland. That's kind of the problem. Everything is more expensive in Finland. I think I'm getting some money from various family so I'll put it into that. Though I also need new running shoes (doing a half-marathon next year...).

Title: Re: Leather Fletchings
Post by Curious Aardvark on Dec 13th, 2018 at 7:04am
cheap folding work benches can be had at ALL hardware stores, car boot sales and just about any decent second hand store or charity shop.

You must have shops in finland ? 

why on earth would you want to run a half marathon ?

Title: Re: Leather Fletchings
Post by Kick on Dec 13th, 2018 at 7:25am

Curious Aardvark wrote on Dec 13th, 2018 at 7:04am:
why on earth would you want to run a half marathon ?


I'm quickly forgetting exacctly why I've subjected myself to it but it's happening.

Title: Re: Leather Fletchings
Post by Bill Skinner on Dec 16th, 2018 at 10:47am
Careful of those work benches, I've managed to break a couple by trying to tighten down the top to hold something.  They're good for light work and the clamping top can come in handy but it's not a vice, you can't clamp an a piece of wood and rasp on it without it coming loose.

Title: Re: Leather Fletchings
Post by Tomas on Jan 2nd, 2019 at 2:31pm
I have an idea:) do you do Instagram or anything? I could make a very easy and quick video for it

Title: Re: Leather Fletchings
Post by Curious Aardvark on Jan 2nd, 2019 at 2:46pm
my maye bought a second hand top of the range black and decker work bench.
Was missing all the plugs and a couple of handles - so I just printed them.

If you can't design your own - loads on thingiverse :-)

Title: Re: Leather Fletchings
Post by Kick on Jan 2nd, 2019 at 6:33pm
"I have an idea:) do you do Instagram or anything? I could make a very easy and quick video for it"
(Phone won't quote)

My girlfriend has Instagram so I could find posts through her account. I have Twitter.

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