After one gets more interested in shooting, the matter of arrows takes on added importance. When many arrows are to be fletched, the hand method is found to be too slow. There are several fletching jigs on the market, but a simple jig that is very efficient can easily be made. Figure 118 shows how Larry Whiffen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, an expert archer, bowyer, and fletcher, fletches 48 arrows at one time. That is the professional way. The jig shown in Figure 119 does the work very well. If several of these jigs are at hand, the cement or glue on the first arrows will set while the feathers are being glued to other arrows. The important part is that the three cleats and the hole are at right angles with the board. This will enable the springs to hold the feather clamps in alignment with the shaft. A small rubber band slipped over the three clamps will help to keep the pressure even. The clamp should be cut at a slight angle. This gives added accuracy in case the shaft does not set perfectly straight. File a notch at the lower edge of the clamp to show where the end of the feather should be. It should set the feathers 1 1/4 in. from the nock.

If a piece of cardboard is placed between the two pieces of brass when these are soldered to the clamps, the feathers will be held more firmly. The clock springs should not touch the cleats when the clamp has been removed, otherwise they may pinch the feathers and rip them off when the arrow is being removed. (To remove the clamps, simply press them open and pull them away from the shaft.)