I always check the grain on each end of the shaft and cut my arrows to length before I taper them, using the best part of the 31 1/2 or 32-inch shaft. Most times, this involves cutting the extra length from one end only, but sometimes, I take a little off of each end. I allow 1 inch extra for clearance from the riser and 3/4 to 1-inch for the point taper -- 3/4 inches for field points, 1 inch for broadheads. For example, I draw 28 inches and cut my shafts to 29 3/4 or 30 inches.