Cutting carbon

[Knawbone]

What can I use to cut carbon shafts? I have never used carbon, but have a few to try and need to cut them down to my draw length.

[karrow]

a die grinder with a cut off wheel is what i use works great. maybe try a search.

[Possum Head]

Any 3 1/2 to 4" electric grinder with the thinner cut-off wheel works great and with half an eyeball you can cut shafts square enough.Even the generic brand grinders should serve you a lifetime of arra cuttin!Enjoy your carbons.

[Kurt Miller]

I built a cradle out of scrap wood to hold my Dremel tool on a foot long piece of MDF about 4" wide.  then built a nock cradle/stop that clamps on at whatever length I need. Works great and cost a whole lot less than store bought (of course if you don't already have a Dremel, not so cheap:)  Maybe I get around to taking a pic and PM you later.

[JRY309]

For me I never cut a carbon down to my draw length without shooting one first.Carbons do not come in as many different spines as wood and aluminum do.I start out with a specific static spine with the weight I want up front.I then shoot,trim and tune until I get the right dynamic spine that works best with my bow.I let my tuning determine the final length.I cut my carbons with a mini chop saw with a high speed cut off wheel.I've seen plenty of used carbons that were cut down and they just couldn't get them to fly right.

[Rob DiStefano]

a dremel carbide wheel works best for me. be careful with saws if yer forced to use one as carbon will splinter!

[ishoot4thrills]

Maybe try something like this:

 

 

 

 

If you got something like a Dremel, there's no limit to what you can do with one!

[30pointbuck]

Now thats cool.

[Knawbone]

Thanks TGers, I have A Dremel, didn't think of that, thanks. JRY, thanks for the tip, yea I was  going to shoot these first before I cut them realizing the spine factor, but have to change the fletchings first as there the unsightly plastic vanes.What would be the best lenght for fletching.

[Knawbone]

Ishoot4thrills, You must be a lefty, I would build my jig the other way. Thanks for the pics.Nicely done    

[Rob DiStefano]

though at one time i also built a dremel cutting jig, but after awhile i found it easier to just mark the shaft cut length with a pencil and make the dremel cut free hand just before the mark.  i true up to the line a 120 grit sanding wheel (or even by hand with a 120 grit emery board).  i ALWAYS use slow set epoxy for all carbon inserts and that also seals the cut end of the carbon tube.

[Johnny_Cash]

Might check out one of these:

   Cut off saw  

I recently bought one and it works great.  You can always find them on sale (think I paid $15 for mine).  I like it better than a die grinder or dremel because you always know the cut will be straight.  Just another option.

[The Whittler]

However you cut your carbons, be sure to wear a mask. Carbon dust is very bad for your lungs.

[Pullonmylimb]

Gotta love harbor freight tools.  They aren't pretty but most are workhorses for sure.

Might also try taping the shaft with masking tape to prevent splintering.

[BOWMARKS]

I would go with the Harbor Freight saw also. Cuts all types of shafts and nice and straight.

[LimBender]

I got a F/S Archery arrow saw, squared it up and drilled it to an oak board.  It is 5,000 rpms, but cut some carbons cleanly if you go slow and rotate.  For the price, I'm happy with it and it seems pretty solid.

[JParanee]

I got one of these on **** for half the price

Really works good

 http://www.3riversarchery.com/Gift+Ideas+Ultimate+Gifts++Apple+Power+Arrow+Cut-Off+Saw_c48_s239_p0_i5621_product.html

[Duffy]

I use an abrasive blade on my miter saw. It cuts square every time. I have cut a couple dozen so far with no problems.

      Duffy

[Dave Thaxton]

I just mark length on arrow, slide in a long brass insert and cut off slowly with a tubing cutter, slightly tightening with each round. Swipe with 200 grit sandpaper to smooth. dozen arrows cut in 10 minutes.

[JGRAHAM]

I have a cut off saw like the one shown on Harbor Freight.  I made a jig for woody's and carbon.  Works great.