One of my jobs at the shop I work at is arrow dipping. I enjoy it and would eventually like to learn cresting, but that's another thread. We use home made dip tubes out of PVC and it works, but there is quite a lot of waste. This is what I'm wondering. Instead of dipping the arrow into a tube, could we turn the shaft on a cresting machine and paint the dip on? Has anyone done this? I'm concerned about even coverage and such, but it would all but eliminate waste. Also, does it hurt the lacquer being poured into the tube and back into the quart can? Other than air bubbles that is.....God I hate air bubbles...
If you use the cresting machine you will most likely see brush marks! I tried it, if worked for me but I wouldn't want to pay to have that kinda job done. You might want to look into the Eco Dipper, pretty cool system, cheap and easy with little to no waste! The Winter Bow Shoppe sells the product!
If you are using Lacquer, I would try using a gasket on the top of your dip tank. It's a great way to get a nice thin finish without wasting your materials. Some make their own gaskets by hole punching a piece of inner tube. Check out this video from 3Rivers to see how it's done. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oyFaNAkFVc
Don I always just use Krylon spray paint. I apply it thinly and put on 2 coats. It seems to hold up well. I tape off the shaft and spray. After letting it dry for a day I'll put them on the cresting machine and let 'er rip. I haven't done any in months. I think a spring project is coming up! time for a dozen new arrows!
