Can't cut carbon with a pipe cutter?

[Longtoke]

Don't know much about carbon shafts, just getting into them, but I have always heard you have to cut them with something that has a fast rpm or they will break.

Since I have always been the type that wants to try out things people tell me not to, I put masking tape on a junked shaft and cut it with a small pipe cutter, very slowly, tightening the blade down just a small small amount each turn,

I made several cuts like this and the shaft seems fine. I have been jabbing it into a board to see if it will splinter and I cant tell that anything is wrong with it.

Why cant I tape carbons and cut them like this? Is the damage not visible to the eye?

[Hud]

Not a good idea, you may need to take them to a shop, or order them from Big Jim, or a dealer that will cut them. You may be able to cut it shorter, if it was purposely cut long, for a future test kit. But never shoot one that has been damaged, they can break on release and hurt you or someone.  

I have heard of people using a dremel tool to cut them, but the cut needs to be perfectly square.

Google injuries from carbon arrows if you are tempted to shoot or jab it into a board again.

[newhouse114]

I cut mine with a very fine tooth bandsaw.

[JakeD]

I have an arrow saw, but have used a dremel to cut them with as well.  The dremel will work fine, just try and get it as square as you can.  I can't speak to using anything else as these are the only two things I've ever used.

[KSdan]

Harbor freight mini cut-off saw.

I would go with a dremel and a homemade jig to square everything up before I would use a tubing cutter!

Bisch

[Longtoke]

I have a buddy with a an arrow saw I can use, and that's what I would do if I started making my own carbons. But just to play the devils advocate I had to try the low rpm cutting method.  

I don't really want a handful of carbon splinters but at the same time the slow cut seems fine to me?

[Whip]

Definitely not a good idea.  Carbon fibers run in strands and they could be and probably were were weakened when slowly crushed by the pipe cutter.  The danger of having a shaft splinter on release and run through your hand is not worth the risk.

Google "carbon fiber arrow through hand" and check out some of the links.  

Not for me!!      

[SC Bowhunter]

KSDan x2

[BAK]

I have used the dremel in the past before i picked up on of the Harbor Freight cut off saws.

When I used the dremel I'd square off the end with the disk sander via miter square.

[Jack Hoyt 75]

I got a used arrow saw on online at Eb@y at it was worth every penny.  It will last 20 yrs and gives a quick, square cut.  If you are group tuning 6 arrows and need to cut each 5 times that is 30 cuts plus another 6 cuts to finish out the dozen arrows.  I would never waist the time for 36 cuts with a pipe cutter.  My arrow saw id high end and only cost me 75.00 used.  Worth it to me.

[wingnut]

The problem with the pipe cutter is it doesn't cut but crushes.  With metal it works because it fatigues the metal while scoring it.  Carbon needs a clean cut to work.

Set up a dremel with a cut off wheel and a jig and go to town.

Mike

[highlow]

Won't say it can't be done but a pipe cutter would be my last choice for cutting carbons. I also use a Dremel and if you're careful can make an almost square cut. I've never made perfectly square cuts but any imperfection is neutralized when gluing in the inserts. The glue will fill in any gaps between the insert and shaft. And, those gaps are almost indiscernible. I've used a friend's saw and have to say that those cuts aren't always perfect either.

[boinky]

I did.......and it worked just fine.....but these guys know more than me.

I have also used the dremel and can't tell the difference between them.

[M60gunner]

I use the cut off saw from Harbor Frieght as well. I was not pleased with the pipe cutter that I have for doing alum shafts. Since I got the saw I chucked the pipe cutter, use saw for everything now.

[Longtoke]

What about a tile saw? that should work well shouldnt it?

[MnFn]

I had an arrow shatter on me one time and that was enough. I won't be taking ANY unnecessary risks. It isn't worth it to save a few bucks.

[elkken]

Originally posted by KSdan:
Harbor freight mini cut-off saw.

unless you are planning on doing a LARGE volume this is a great little saw and blades are cheap and EZ to change. I have cut dozens and dozens on mine.

[Mr. fingers]

When I first got into trad other than my trad bow the first thing I bought was an arrow saw. With a wheel bow I always ordered my arrows cut then tuned the bow to the arrow. With trad you kinda have to tune the arrow to the bow. It paid for itself over and over. I also have,3 other archers in my house. It's an investment but we don't blink an eye at buying circular saws,sawzalls,drills, or even tile saws for home improvement projects
And there nice for cutting aluminum too. I could not stand to dink around with a tube cutter to cut a whole dozen arrows or even try to fashion a jig to use with a Dremal. But to,each his own I guess.

[Beau J]

I agree with a lot of the others...a Dremal tool set in a simple jig will work just as good as any arrow saw made(and at a fraction of the price). I made mine out of scrape lumber laying around the shop...I can text you a few pics of it if you decide to make one and want some ideas.