Trimming feathers

medic · 01-19-2002, 03:55 PM

Since it has been a while since I posted anything,I thought it should be a question........In working with feathers,what is a good way to trim the wider type feathers?(i.e.,imitation hawk/eagle)I have used the masking tape method on feathers that are thinner(pheasant and parrot).Mainly it is the wide turkey feathers that I need ideas on.........thanks,M:Help :Help

Blackbear · 01-19-2002, 11:07 PM

Hmmm...I have always just done it very carefully with a pair of scissors...but what about a rotary cutter? Anyone?

tigger · 01-20-2002, 07:53 AM

hey there medic,
i have always found that using something sharp was the best way to trim anything:Chatter .
but seriously. i use the tape and trim method with all my imitation feathers that i get.

keith

yuchgeha · 01-21-2002, 08:17 PM

I use a rotary cutter to trim feathers and it works great!:)

powwowbum49 · 01-22-2002, 12:07 AM

The masking tape works well for all feathers, just use wider tape! Rotary cutters work well too especially on long feathers. The one thing to keep in mind no matter what method you choose is to cut against the grain (in other words in the opposite direction the webbing is leaning). If you don't the webbing has the tendency of 'ducking' under your scissors.

Hope that helps

medic · 01-22-2002, 11:05 AM

Thanks for the replies(yes,even yours Keith.)I have been using a rotary cutter when using tape.I had heard about cutting against the 'grain' and forgot about it when working on feathers for a fan.Needless to say,they had to be retrimmed.I'll try some 2" tape .............and a sharp object.

Czechy · 01-22-2002, 12:12 PM

I've seen special little scissors used by people who tie fishing flys. The blades have tiny teeth which grip the feather barbs and keep them from slipping as you cut. I think they sell for about $10 or thereabouts. You can always find them on ebay or at your local fly fishing supplier.

Laitlaitinen · 08-06-2004, 11:49 PM

I just trim them carfully with a good pair of scissors.

redstone_on_warpath · 03-07-2005, 05:15 AM

i was told to use silk/polyester sissors they have the small teeth on one blade and sharp cutting edge this is what i found to trim out my feathers

01-19-2002, 03:55 PM	#1 (permalink)
medic Tiny Tot Dancer Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: south,usa Posts: 32	Trimming feathers Since it has been a while since I posted anything,I thought it should be a question........In working with feathers,what is a good way to trim the wider type feathers?(i.e.,imitation hawk/eagle)I have used the masking tape method on feathers that are thinner(pheasant and parrot).Mainly it is the wide turkey feathers that I need ideas on.........thanks,M:Help :Help

01-21-2002, 08:17 PM	#4 (permalink)
yuchgeha Junior Dancer Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Kansas Posts: 184	Rotary cutter I use a rotary cutter to trim feathers and it works great!:)

01-22-2002, 12:07 AM	#5 (permalink)
powwowbum49 Arena Director Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: midwest, USA Posts: 792	The masking tape works well for all feathers, just use wider tape! Rotary cutters work well too especially on long feathers. The one thing to keep in mind no matter what method you choose is to cut against the grain (in other words in the opposite direction the webbing is leaning). If you don't the webbing has the tendency of 'ducking' under your scissors. Hope that helps __________________ PB49 "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." Pablo Picasso My comments are based on what I have been taught and my experiences over the years I have been around the circle. They should in no way be taken as gospel truths and are merely my opinions or attempts at passing on what I have learned while still learning more.

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01-19-2002, 11:07 PM	#2 (permalink)
Blackbear Gone Fishing Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Alaska Posts: 9,577	Hmmm...I have always just done it very carefully with a pair of scissors...but what about a rotary cutter? Anyone?

01-20-2002, 07:53 AM	#3 (permalink)
tigger Pow Wow Committee Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: powwows.com Posts: 6,176	hey there medic, i have always found that using something sharp was the best way to trim anything:Chatter . but seriously. i use the tape and trim method with all my imitation feathers that i get. keith

01-22-2002, 11:05 AM	#6 (permalink)
medic Tiny Tot Dancer Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: south,usa Posts: 32	Thanks for the replies(yes,even yours Keith.)I have been using a rotary cutter when using tape.I had heard about cutting against the 'grain' and forgot about it when working on feathers for a fan.Needless to say,they had to be retrimmed.I'll try some 2" tape .............and a sharp object.

01-22-2002, 12:12 PM	#7 (permalink)
Czechy wrapped in ribbonwork! Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Here....for now Posts: 769	I've seen special little scissors used by people who tie fishing flys. The blades have tiny teeth which grip the feather barbs and keep them from slipping as you cut. I think they sell for about $10 or thereabouts. You can always find them on ebay or at your local fly fishing supplier.

08-06-2004, 11:49 PM	#8 (permalink)
Laitlaitinen Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: CA Posts: 10	I just trim them carfully with a good pair of scissors.

03-07-2005, 05:15 AM	#9 (permalink)
redstone_on_warpath Pow wow artisian Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Midwest (USA) Posts: 66	i was told to use silk/polyester sissors they have the small teeth on one blade and sharp cutting edge this is what i found to trim out my feathers

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