Home > Arrows and Arrow Making > Martin J8 Fletching Jig

Polycarbonate fletching jig by Martin Archery, more popular in the States than in the UK, quite possibly because traditional style field shooting is bigger out there than over here. I don't suppose I would be thanked for saying it but this is a plastic, budget Bitzenburger.

That is to say that it is cheaper and will do all the things a Bitzenburger will do up to and including accepting the Bitzs' clamps, the clamps it comes with are polycarbonate too and available in the usual Straight and Left or right helical. The reason I mention that is because I am not a fan of polycarbonate clamps - I try to be as neat and tidy as I can when fletching arrows and in order to get the finish I want this is a necessity. Having said that it is almost inevitable that some glue will find it's way on the clamp at some point and when it does it will set hard. You can buy all sorts of tape to prevent glue getting on the jig but I never have, to clean glue off a clamp you need a knife and that is where problems can occur, a plastic clamp will be more susceptible to damage than a steel or alloy one. Being able to accept Bitzenburger clamps is a shrewd move by Martin as the Bitz clamp is a sturdy rugged thing.

As far as ease of use it is much the same as any jig, it operates on the magnet principle and there are adjusters on the top of the jig to fine tune the offset or helical angle, these are large screw nuts and make life a little easier than the allen key ones on the Bitz.

It will fletch 3 and 4 fletches, there are also mounting holes in the base so you can screw it to a board if you want, a good idea as it is much lighter than the Bitzenburger.

Despite the price in my opinion the Bitz is a better jig although a Martin jig with Bitz clamps will save a few dollars.

Rating
Features & Design
It does all the stuff a fletcher demands from a jig but, polycarbonate just doesn't do it for me..
Performance
I prefer it when using Bitz clamps to the poly ones it comes with, I cannot however argue with the fact that it does work well.
Value for Money
Offers value given that it is some $30 cheaper than a Bitz
Overall
It's a plastic Bitzenburger at half the price. there will always be archers on a budget or looking to save a few bucks and if you really want a Bitz but just can't afford one then this is the alternative. If you can afford one Bitz or 2 of these then you will have to make that choice... I know what I would do.

 

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Steve Nicholson and Andy Gilfrin, are real archers interested in the best archery suppliers have to offer. In our search for the very best bow, arrows and equipment we have shot, used and worn pretty much everything on offer.

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Essential Details
What : Martin J8 Fletching Jig Price : $30.10

Well designed fletching jig, it must be ... it does all the things a Bitz does.

I am not crazy about Polycarbonate clamps but used with a Bitz clamp I have no issues with it.

Everything is adjustable... just as it should be.

Magazine

July 2010 The Mary Rose story comes to life this month, when Steve and Andy went to visit archaeologist Alex Hildred and got our hands on 500 year old long bows (literally). We look at the battle of Vernuiel, Andy visits France on a peace mission and we talk to Sid at Border.


June 2010 Bumper edition this month, a pig in armour, Geoff towers direct from Homildon Hill and a look at the Mary Rose. There is also news of the UK Atlatl championships and all the usual regular items.


May 2010 This month sees the release of yet another Robin Hood film, to celebrate this months magazine is a Robin Hood special. We look at the man behind the legend with a couple of articles about the man and the period that gave rise to him. We also have an article on Little John, not Robin Hoods side kick but John Cately of Little John Arrow, he talks to us about his life in archery and the way he likes to make his arrows. 

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