Aluminum Arrow ...Tube Cutter???

[jiane]

Just picked up 2 dozen uncut shafts off of the classifieds.  I want to cut off the taper end and put in the UNI-bushing and then experiment with length, point weight, and bareshafting.

Can I do the cutting with an aluminum tube cutter and be satisfied with the results?  I can get the arrows cut at the shop for 0.25 a shaft for the UNI-Bushing since that end will not change, but when it comes to experimenting with length.  Can I get it flat enough?  Or am I concerned about nothing?

Jerry

[bjk]

Buy yourself a cutter and have at it...it is the standard tool everyone uses.  A chamfering tool might come in handy to clean it up, as well.

[SpikeMaster]

I use a tube cutter I bought at a local hardware store and it works just fine.

[Mohillbilly]

Just a tip, don't tighten the cutter too tight all at once.  Just use light adjustments as you cut.  If you crank it too hard you can bend the tube.

[JasonV]

As MoHB said, if you tighten too much it'll "crimp" the end - you can fix it fairly easily, but its a pain - better to tighten slowly from the start.

[jiane]

Thanks guys.  

Thats what I thought.  The "pro" shop was just doing their job!!

I'll take it slow and easy.

Jerry

[Dan Worden]

Lots of turns, very little tightening, and when you're done take fine cut flat file and square off the end. The tubing cutter makes a slight taper that will cause problems

[jiane]

Hey Dan,

What kind of problems are we talking about?  Getting the inserts in initially?

I just found out that I have a Harbor Freight near me.  They have a mini-cutoff saw for $25.  I will be making at least 48 cuts (24 arrows-24 unibushing and 24 length cuts)  It would be half paid for before I even experiment.  Plus if I ever get into carbons, I'll already be set.  I may take a ride this weekend.

Jerry

[Dave Worden]

Yes, the problem that Dan was talking about (assuming that I can speak for my brother, who is SUPPOSED to be at work now) was getting the inserts in.  I use a tubing cutter and then just touch them to my 9" sanding disc (using the miter gauge of course) to remove any necking down that may have occurred and to insure a square end.

[Dan Worden]

Nice try Mr Retiree,  :p  
but that is only one issue. When the end isn't square, hard hits (on bone of course   :rolleyes:  ) can drive the insert up into the shaft sometimes flaring or splitting the end of the shaft. This is because the shaft insert joint is not at maximum strength due to the reduced wall at the tip.

[jiane]

I was getting confused there for a second.  Just how many Worden brothers are there?  

I would use a tube cutter in a pinch.  A tube cutter goes for about ~$15.  For $10 more I can get a cutoff saw from Harbor Freight(they have them in stock near me!!)  I can cut shafts all day long and not have to wonder all that much.  Plus other uses, including cutting carbons.

Can you guess where I'm headed this weekend?

Jerry

[Dave Worden]

Just for the record, there are 4 of us, but you'll probably only hear from two of us here.