Fletching/glue failure

[quadrafire]

I had prepped some GT gold tip carbon arrows by scraping the old fletching and glue. Then with denatured alcohol cleaned the shaft until no residue remained, then applied 5 inch  feathers in a R helical Bitz. They seemed fine for a few weeks then every once in a while I will lose one or two feathers off of a shaft. When the come off, there is not a trace of glue on the shaft. The glue I used is Platinum
What am I doing wrong? 

PS: I did not prep the feathers. They are from 3 Rivers

[carpsniperg2]

I use the same glue on some of my trad arrows. I would say to switch to goat tuff or goldtip glue. I have had great luck with the goldtip glue. One thing that will always make a big difference is to wrap your shaft. It will really make feather or vane adhesion really sold. Plus they make it easy to see your arrow in flight/find your arrow and if you have to refletch them it's as easy as pulling the wrap off!!!

Also really make sure you get some good pressure on the clamp when you seat the feather. I hold mine down for at least 30 secs before I let go of it. The platinum takes a bit to setup. The goldtip or goat tuff with stick within a few seconds.

[bloodhound]

how old is your glue? some reason glue that has sat for a year or more doesnt bond worth a crap ive found. and some brands work better then others.

[quadrafire]

Thanks carp. I may try a the pressure thing first, then change glues, then add wraps if I still need em.
 
Blood..  I have not had the glue long,but It may have been on the shelf for awhile??

[et1702]

What Carp said!  I use short wraps and Goat Tuff...no problems!  Also, if you are going to apply fletching to bare shafts, it helps to scuff up the surface a little.  Use steel wool or scotchbrite pad and scuff the finish of the shaft and then clean really well before applying fletches.

ET

[RadSav]

I did not see what kind of shaft material.  That's important when talking glue.

Alcohol just may be one of the most popular mistakes made when fletching.  If you use it make sure it is 90% or better.  The popular 70% stuff will only make things worse.

This time of year you see a lot of fletching failures with vinyl based glues like Platinum, Fletch-Tite and Saunders NPV.  Not really the glue's fault it just hates being frozen.  If you had it stored in a garage or even against an exterior wall it could have gotten too cold.  Having it shipped UPS during winter months is also a good way to get it too cold.  No way to rehab it either.  Just buy a new tube.

If you are fletching wood shafts switch to Saunders NPV.  It has a more aggressive carrier that helps cross link with the finish coat of the shaft.  After trying nearly every glue on the market it is the only one I use.  Takes a bit more time to set up than Cyanoacrylates, but it has a longer life and handles changes in temperature much better.  Just do not use alcohol for shaft prep.  Lacquer thinner works better with NPV.  On wood shafts don't use a prep at all.  Just wipe clean with a new paper towel.

[DoubleJ]

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=loctite+super+glue+gel&hl=en&cid=15595509411202890042&ei=KKmqT5z8EorYigSc3_mdAQ&ved=0CJgBEPMCMAw#p