Home > Arrows and Arrow Making > Martin J8 Fletching Jig
Martin J8 Fletching Jig
Reviewed By Steve , 15 October 2009
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. | |
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.
We value feedback from users and suppliers and are keen to hear from you if you wish to contact us about anything on the website.
Contact Steve .. steve@archers-review.com
Contact Andy .. andy@archers-review.com
We are now offering the opportunity for suppliers, manufacturers and bowyers to get involved. Check out the sponsors page for more information.
| 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 |
Magazine
We were very pleased to give our support to the James Whale Kidney Foundation shoot which we cover in this months magazine. We were also contacted by Lars Pilø with news on the archery related finds on Jovfonna, and while we couldn't get out there ourselves Lars kindly filled in some background information for us.
A mixed bag this month, me in the South West, Geoff putting the record straight, a chat with Keith Stay and the wisdom comes from South Cox of Stalker bows.
We take a tour the length and breadth of the British mainland to visit Scotland with Border Bows, Yorkshire with Aidy Hayes, the Wirral with Jason from thelongbowshop.com, down South with the Company of Canterbury Longbowman, and Geoff is in Spain.
|
Quick Links |
A list of other Arrow Reviews
Forged Arrowheads by Tom MareschallNidderdale Arrow Tapering Jig
JoJan Multi Fletcher
Nidderdale Archery Medieval style points
Reparrow Hard Wood Footings
Nidderdale Premium Arrow Shafts
Arrow Fix Accessory For Bamboo Arrows
Tonkin Cane Shafts
Arrow Spine Tester From Nidderdale Archery
T Tips Points By Arrow Fix Tool
Arrow Fix Tool Repair Broken Arrow Shafts
Nock Jig For Self Nocked Arrows
Top Hat Points
Little John Matched Arrows
Little John Custom Arrows
Stu Millers Dynamic Spine Calculator
Parallel Shaft Preparation Tool
Chinese Tung Oil
Easy Taper Tool Basic
Fibreglass Arrows
Your Comments
Tell us what you think, do you agree with the review or have something to add?
Posted by: W S Miller on Feb 8, 04:58
I would like a phone number to ask a few questions and may order one if i can pay by visa on the phone
thank you
Posted by: Norman Graves on Feb 4, 07:00
I have two left offset jigs. Can I just change to right offset clamps or do I need to buy new jigs?