Bow Tuning for Beginners

This isn't going to be a lengthy post as there is so much information on the Internet, instead, I'm posting some really useful links for bow tuning. I can't believe how much of a difference this had made to my shooting.

From the Coach's Manual at World Archery GB - this is definitely useful!
http://www.worldarchery.org/UserFiles/Document/FITA%20website/07%20Publications/02_downloads/Coaches_Manual_Lev2/11_Recurve_Equipment.pdf

Merlin Archery Part 1 Review - shows adjusting Tiller and Brace Height etc.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGxI1KkA_Mw

Merlin Archery Part 2 - Twisting bow string, upping the poundage on your bow.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4ana2Mn9Us

As I hadn't done any bow tuning at all, I did all of it in one go, starting with brace height, shooting bare shaft arrows and adjusting the plunger.  All seems good at the moment, so just going to shoot and then review once I know a bit more.

Ps. I've now pushed my bow to 26 lbs (don't laugh!) and re-checked all my tuning - life is sweet.

Creating a Target Stand

As my kitchen is a little small for shooting, occasionally we get to shoot in a warehouse. I'm not very good at making things, but my partner is pretty good so he made us a stand for our new bosses. The hard foam targets are sooo much better. We bought 2 and put one behind the other.

3 pieces of wood

Saw off 2 pieces at an angle

This is the top of the stand

Saw off 2 of the pieces at an angle to sit on the floor
the other piece needs to be cut off also and will be for the back

It should look like this

Mark out where you want the bottom of your boss to sit

Drill and screw 2 pieces to the outside front legs

Screw the tops together

Drill holes and thread rope through to strengthen

Target Stand Up and Ready

Basic Guide to Arrow Fletching

I think I must be doing something wrong as my fletchings just keep coming off. It's either me, or the arrows are not clearing the arrow rest. I did a 5 hour session in a cold warehouse and ended up with a handful coming off. Anyway, here is a beginner's guide to replacing fletchings with a fletching jig.

Basic Setup

First you need to clean off your arrow, so remove any glue with a penknife and then clean off the arrow with acetone or alcohol etc.

Set up your fletching jig and measure the distance from the notch. Mine is 1.1cm to the bottom of the remaining fletchings. I also marked my jig with a "Sharpie" so that I always start with the cock feather.


Put the nock into the jig at the bottom.
Put the cock feather in the big
magnetic clip, with the big end
nearest the "1".

Cock Feather

Glue along the edge with proper fletching glue and put the cap back on the glue - quick.
Put the big clip back onto the jig and push it onto the arrow shaft.
Leave it for a while and then remove the big clip carefully. Turn the knob at the bottom ready for the next one.

I hope this helps other "newbies" like myself.

Last Fletching

Ps.  I've since found out that if you think you have clearance problems you can dust your arrows with spray talc to see if it comes off after you've shot your arrows and you can move the nock point slightly round to rectify this.