Tag Archives: longbow

Aug 31 2025

Episode 127 – Shoot Report – Lyme Valley

Several weeks ago, we ventured to the Lyme Valley club for the first time in what seems like years. Only now have I’ve finally got round to writing this shoot report. Sorry guys for the delay.

This would be a 36 mixed target course with some cracking shots and some JVD faces (I really don’t like the old JVD faces. The course is situated in a valley, hence the name, not far from Stoke on Trent. Being in a valley the course offers a variety of gradient based slots, both up and down hill, something few clubs can offer.

One great shot was the grizzly and fish from the top of the hill to the screen below. This was a double shot where you would shoot both the Grizzly 3D and fish 3D from the red, then if needs be you would take shots from the white. Etc

Another shot worth mentioning was the 3D polar bear, where they had positioned white sheets and duvets, making it look like the bear was exiting a cave.

Check out the podcast for a full breakdown of my thoughts on the course and shots.

I’m afraid I can’t embed Amazon music on this page but can provide a link https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/c649e917-695a-4c30-aa50-d99742ccd824/episodes/c314e454-dad9-41a1-9812-ecf3b66655e4/off-the-arrow-shelf-episode-127-%E2%80%93-shoot-report-%E2%80%93-lyme-valley

I much preferred the shoot through for lunch, with catering being central in the woods than the old situation where you would stop at 12.30 for 30-40 minutes.

Overall it was a good shoot with some interesting shots.

Thanks for reading.

Aug 13 2025

Equipment review – Cartel fletching tool

For the past 13 years I have been using the Cartel fletching tool as my primary fletching jig, so I thought it would be a good time to write a review of my thoughts.

I’ve just bought a third one to set up permanently for 4 fletching. This way I don’t have to worry about changing the setup from 3 to 4 fletchings.

The jig cost £17.99 from Merlin archery. For this price you get the main jig, clamp, and  2 Allen keys for adjustments of the jig

I’ve found the tool to be a sturdy metal construction. It comes with a couple of holes in the base so you can mount it with screws onto a board or worktable. I have chosen not to do this as I keep the different jigs in one large box so I use a G clamp to hold it steady on the tabletop.

As the video shows, the jig can be set up for either 3 or 4 fletching via the adjustable screws at the base. I’ve marked mine 3 and 4.

close up on selector screws

There are 2 screws for alignment adjustment of the clamp so you can ensure your fletching is straight on the arrow shaft. I don’t have a helical clamp, just a simple straight one

Clamp itself has an adjuster screw that ensures you don’t crush the fletching, very useful if you are using feather fletchings.

The magnets that hold the clamp are surprisingly strong and caught me off guard when I first started using the clamp. So be warned when getting the alignment of the fletching to the arrow. If you are using glue you will have time to slide the clamps down, but if like me you are using fletching tape you need to be a little more careful when aligning the fletching.

As I said I already have 2 of these that I’ve had over 13 years now, pretty much since I first starting making arrows.

I’d like to offer a couple of tips based on those years of use.

Tip number one is I’ve marked the point of the index feather, just to make life easier.

Line showing index feather alignment

The allen keys that come with the tool are easy to lose, yes I have lost or rather misplaced one over the years, so I have added a couple of zip ties to the base of the clamp where I can slip them in.

Since I make mostly wooden arrows, I’ve added a little bit of tape at the top of the jig where the arrow sets to ensure it doesn’t scratch the wood of the arrows.

I’m a fan of these clamps as I’ve found them both robust and easy to use. I also like it’s all metal construction, which makes them durable and easy to clean when I’ve got glue on them in the past.

As always thanks for reading and listening.

Jul 15 2025

Episode 123 – special guests Austin and Courtney of St Joe River Bows

I am very fortunate in this episode to have two very special guests grace the airways with me. Austin and Courtney Motte of St Joe River Bows, over in Michigan United States.

They took time out of their very busy schedule of making bows to record the episode where we get to spend the time talking about everything from bow making, shows they have been too and are heading to and being a British podcast we briefly discuss the weather.

If you are in the states and heading over to ETAR this year, they will have a stand there.

They are a lovely couple and huge supporters of young archers in the traditional archery community. Please take some time to check out their website (https://stjoeriverbows.com/) which is packed with photos of some of their lovely looking bows. I’ve been fortunate to see some of their bows up close and being shot and been very impressed.

St Joe River Bows
St Joe River Bows
St Joe River Bows

If you are interested you can contact them via the website or their Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/stjoeriverbowsoffical/

As always there is a link to Amazon music (https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/c649e917-695a-4c30-aa50-d99742ccd824/episodes/9f2e4818-f1bb-46aa-aa45-09e9e5eb5511/off-the-arrow-shelf-episode-123-%E2%80%93-special-guests-austin-and-courtney-of-st-joe-river-bows) and Spotify

As always thanks for listening.