Question:

I am replacing some missing vanes on my carbon arrows and after gluing them to the shaft and letting it cure, they come off the shafts after about 3 or 4 shots. I shoot through a wisker biscuit. Am I doing something wrong?

Answer:

I am not sure I will be able to answer your question precisely, but I will give it a shot.

There are a number of things to take into consideration when re-fletching arrows.  First of all, you need to make sure you have cleaned off all of the residue of the previous vanes or feathers and the glue that was used.  With carbon arrows, make sure you don't damage the surface either.  Scraping the surface of the carbon shaft may result in an uneven shaft and make adherence nearly impossible.

Next make sure you clean the shaft and keep from handling the fletching part of the shaft with your fingers.  The oil from you skin can interfere with the bonding as well.  Likewise, make sure you don't leave any skin oil on the vane or fletching itself. 

Make sure you are using a bond that is approved for the arrow you are fletching.  Glue for aluminum arrows is not necessarily the same as the glue for carbon arrows.

All of the above is important, however, getting good contact between the shaft and the feather or vane is absolutely critical.  I have used a number of fletchers over the years with varying results, but the best results have always been gained by fletching on vane at a time with a tool that clamps the shaft and vane together very tightly.  I have used the Arizona fletcher for years on aluminum shafts, but I have found that Bitzenburger, or Bohning or others like that have worked best for me on carbon shafts.

If you fletch the arrow right, you shouldn't have trouble with your wisker biscuit.

I am going to post your question in our forum section as well.

Happy hunting.