How do YOU cut your carbon arrows to length? - TexasBowhunter.com Community Discussion Forums

miket · 06-21-2009, 11:55 AM

I'm tired of having to get my arrows cut to length at Gander Mtn etc. They either dont have them, the guy that knows how to do it isn't there etc. I'm a do it yourself kinda guy anyway ( and a cheapskate). I'm ordering shafts from Cabelas ( my favorite outdoor place ) and was going to buy an arrow saw but thought that I may be able to save $114 by using my abrasive chop saw. I figured I could set up a stop to control length and set the arrow shaft in v blocks. I will square the ends with a G5 ASD. I practiced on a used broken shaft and it worked perfectly. What do you think? Is there anyone else that has done this? anybody have a better idea?

texag93 · 06-21-2009, 11:59 AM

Apple arrow saw.

DIY section:

http://discussions.texasbowhunter.co...ighlight=arrow

TexaswBOWhunter · 06-21-2009, 12:00 PM

I have done that in the past, works ok.... But these days I use a arrow saw!!

BOHTR · 06-21-2009, 01:31 PM

I've never tried that. I just went ahead and spent the money for the Apple arrow saw. IMO, money spent on tools that allow you work on your own archery gear is money well spent.

bigmactog · 06-21-2009, 01:36 PM

Arrow saw and if you have the lenght you need (an old arrow), take the tip out, use a marker and mark the new arrows. Make sure you spin the arrow while cutting. Not hard, you can do it. Make sure to smooth off the end of the arrow when you finished.

Cajun Blake · 06-21-2009, 01:46 PM

harbor freight sells this mini-saw with ceramic blades for $25 ..... sometimes on sale for < $20

works like a champ as I use this setup to trim/cut rifle brass for my wildcat cartridges

you could DIY and make a arrow saw real easy

SPUD · 06-21-2009, 01:48 PM

You can get an Apple arrow saw for about 100 bucks at Bowhunters Superstore . com

flywise · 06-21-2009, 01:51 PM

I use one of these, believe it or not

SPUD · 06-21-2009, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flywise

I use one of these, believe it or not

How do you keep it from splitering your arrow??

BOHTR · 06-21-2009, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flywise

I use one of these, believe it or not

For carbon arrows ?

flywise · 06-21-2009, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPUD

How do you keep it from splitering your arrow??

I just apply pressure slowly and twist it several times before adding more pressure. I promise you if you try it you will be satisfied.
I am a poor/tight wad hunter. I happen to have one of these in my tool box and tried it one day. used it ever since.

SPUD · 06-21-2009, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flywise

I just apply pressure slowly and twist it several times before adding more pressure. I promise you if you try it you will be satisfied.
I am a poor/tight wad hunter. I happen to have one of these in my tool box and tried it one day. used it ever since.

I would've never thought it. Always thought you need some sort of high speed saw to cut carbon arrows. I'll have to dig one out my tool box and try it.

flywise · 06-21-2009, 02:03 PM

try it and let me know how it works for you. But take it slow

flywise · 06-21-2009, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BOHTR

For carbon arrows ?

yep

spur · 06-21-2009, 02:15 PM

I used a Dremel tool before

Casey · 06-21-2009, 02:16 PM

Dremel.

Bill in San Jose · 06-21-2009, 02:17 PM

A dremel with the thin cutting blades. I used to eyeball the 90 degrees, now I have a carpenter's speed square and tape the arrow where I want it, and carefully cut the end at 90 degrees.

That's a great idea using a tubing cutter, I have some old arrows in the garage, I want to go and try it now

Stan R · 06-21-2009, 02:35 PM

I just got one last week from Bowhunter Super store... Delivered about $90.00

lbbf · 06-21-2009, 02:45 PM

Here is my dremel set up. It works like a champ. I still use an ASD but they really don't seem to need it.

trad"Doc"53 · 06-21-2009, 02:49 PM

I too use a cut off saw, but I do have a saw like the one above from Harbor Freight, only with a metal blade that I use to cut my cedars with.

flywise · 06-21-2009, 02:51 PM

lbbf
sweet set up

rocky · 06-21-2009, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lbbf

Here is my dremel set up. It works like a champ. I still use an ASD but they really don't seem to need it.

That is cool assembly, but you still have the cost of the Dremel, parts, and time, to avoid spending $120 for a tool that is designed to do this.

Mike Javi Cooper · 06-21-2009, 03:01 PM

nice setup... but I'll stick with my Apple pro 8000 rpm saw.... been with me many years...

lbbf · 06-21-2009, 03:31 PM

I already had the dermel and wood so I was only out $4 or so for the track.

Death from Above · 06-21-2009, 04:36 PM

Archery Proshop....

A real one not a department store.....

tinman · 06-21-2009, 04:40 PM

Dremel

Varmicon_qa · 06-21-2009, 06:30 PM

Where I buy my arrows, they will cut them for you at no charge...I thought of doing it myself but whats the point...

flywise · 06-21-2009, 09:00 PM

anyone tried the tubing cutter yet?

WCB · 06-21-2009, 09:47 PM

I just saw this and will try the mini tubing cutter. Don't have a pic but I built one of the Harbor Freight cut saws into an arrow saw. Works great and cheap.

flywise · 06-21-2009, 10:29 PM

I hope that you guy's that try it have the same result I had

Hollis F · 06-21-2009, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Varmicon_qa

Where I buy my arrows, they will cut them for you at no charge...I thought of doing it myself but whats the point...

X2

3rdShot · 06-22-2009, 08:25 AM

I use a tubing cutter as well, take it real slow, don't put much pressure on it between turns around the shaft. After the cut, I take some very fine emory paper and polish the cut end to make sure there are no splinters/rough carbon ends.

Ron · 06-22-2009, 08:31 AM

I use a arrow saw, at $140 a dozen, I don't want to chance ruining arrows.

aaronm · 06-22-2009, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Varmicon_qa

Where I buy my arrows, they will cut them for you at no charge...I thought of doing it myself but whats the point...

x2

Mike D · 06-22-2009, 10:56 AM

I got tired of it too so I bought a Cabelas 8000 rpm arrow saw.

No way I'm using a tubing cutter to cut carbon arrows. It ain't worth the risk of that one arrow exploding and going through my hand/arm.

$80 is pretty cheap insurance against that.

SPUD · 06-22-2009, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike D

I got tired of it too so I bought a Cabelas 8000 rpm arrow saw.

No way I'm using a tubing cutter to cut carbon arrows. It ain't worth the risk of that one arrow exploding and going through my hand/arm.

$80 is pretty cheap insurance against that.

I been thinking bout that too. I don't think I'll risk it. Thought about it, but it's not worth it

Bill in San Jose · 06-22-2009, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron

I use a arrow saw, at $140 a dozen, I don't want to chance ruining arrows.

For that much per dozen, I expect the archery shop to cut them to length too.

I tried the tubing cutter, it worked but as it finished cutting I had some carbon fibers on one side will 'holding-on' and I just snapped them with my fingers. If it had been an arrow I'd be shooting, I think I could have made the last cuts with a single edge razor blade and been a little cleaner. It definitely works.

Dude Briggs · 06-22-2009, 01:04 PM

I use a radiak chop saw, works great, just hit the ends on a scoth brite wheel and theyre good to go.

BIG D · 06-22-2009, 02:02 PM

Dremel or Die Grinder works great

Dusty Britches · 06-22-2009, 02:27 PM

Here's what I would do - I would join an archery club and volunteer so I could make friends with local archers. Then I'd ask them if I could borrow their saw.

And bow press.

Oh, and see if any of them needed help on their ranches with hog depredation.

duck'n · 06-22-2009, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WCB

I just saw this and will try the mini tubing cutter. Don't have a pic but I built one of the Harbor Freight cut saws into an arrow saw. Works great and cheap.

WCB sent me some specs on his and my buddy built a jig for the HF cut off saw out of aluminum...works great. I have cut alot of carbon arrows on it and yet to have one splinter. I am using the steel blade that came on it also. I will try and take some pics tonight and get em posted. Thanks again WCB!!

Jason Slocum · 06-22-2009, 02:34 PM

I use a tubing cutter as well. I use masking tape to keep the arrows from splintering. Just tape off the arrow where the end needs to be cut, and cut them. This is the same method we used in cutting graphite golf shafts. Cheap and easy. Jason Slocum

Loneaggie · 06-22-2009, 02:42 PM

Any high speed saw of appropriate size with appropriate blades will do just fine. The harbor freight and dremel ideas are great cost savers. I'll have to trip the pipe cutter though, never thought of that one. It makes sense if you take your time and be careful, no reason it shouldn't work.

Magnumglide · 02-11-2010, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike D

I got tired of it too so I bought a Cabelas 8000 rpm arrow saw.

No way I'm using a tubing cutter to cut carbon arrows. It ain't worth the risk of that one arrow exploding and going through my hand/arm.

$80 is pretty cheap insurance against that.

It's a tubing cutter for gods sake, not a diesel powered combine carrying nitro glycerine being held by an epileptic pygmy striking matches repeatedly while juggling sticks of dynamite! If you ran over a carbon arrow with your truck tire, the tire and truck will be safe. You blast the same shafts out of your bow a mere inch from your eye! Is it that volatile? Worst thing you could do is go to fast, against the posters instructions, maybe have a dull blade, and end up with a rough cut end. You should not have ANY emergency room bills here. If you do, step away from the tool box, and list your bow on Ebay. I liked the idea of a poster practicing on a bad arrow. That's just common sense. Oh, and don't use anything but Harley oil in your Harley. You'll ruin it, the engine will cease up, and the world will be a bad place. At least accoring to Harley. They also have people in an "I'm scared to try it mode". Helps with the bottom line. I like people who are do it yerselfers and can think through a fix, instead of tossing money at it, regardless of their personal finances.

bowhntrmatt · 02-11-2010, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnumglide

It's a tubing cutter for gods sake, not a diesel powered combine carrying nitro glycerine being held by an epileptic pygmy striking matches repeatedly while juggling sticks of dynamite! If you ran over a carbon arrow with your truck tire, the tire and truck will be safe. You blast the same shafts out of your bow a mere inch from your eye! Is it that volatile? Worst thing you could do is go to fast, against the posters instructions, maybe have a dull blade, and end up with a rough cut end. You should not have ANY emergency room bills here. If you do, step away from the tool box, and list your bow on Ebay. I liked the idea of a poster practicing on a bad arrow. That's just common sense. Oh, and don't use anything but Harley oil in your Harley. You'll ruin it, the engine will cease up, and the world will be a bad place. At least accoring to Harley. They also have people in an "I'm scared to try it mode". Helps with the bottom line. I like people who are do it yerselfers and can think through a fix, instead of tossing money at it, regardless of their personal finances.

Classic! Whatever you do, get yourself a G5 Arrow Squaring Device.

SPUD · 02-11-2010, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnumglide

It's a tubing cutter for gods sake, not a diesel powered combine carrying nitro glycerine being held by an epileptic pygmy striking matches repeatedly while juggling sticks of dynamite! If you ran over a carbon arrow with your truck tire, the tire and truck will be safe. You blast the same shafts out of your bow a mere inch from your eye! Is it that volatile? Worst thing you could do is go to fast, against the posters instructions, maybe have a dull blade, and end up with a rough cut end. You should not have ANY emergency room bills here. If you do, step away from the tool box, and list your bow on Ebay. I liked the idea of a poster practicing on a bad arrow. That's just common sense. Oh, and don't use anything but Harley oil in your Harley. You'll ruin it, the engine will cease up, and the world will be a bad place. At least accoring to Harley. They also have people in an "I'm scared to try it mode". Helps with the bottom line. I like people who are do it yerselfers and can think through a fix, instead of tossing money at it, regardless of their personal finances.

Well now....Thanks for setting us all straight.

hunterman · 02-11-2010, 03:15 PM

When you buy them let the guys at the store cut them to length

JBS · 02-11-2010, 03:34 PM

Cutting carbon fiber shafts with a metallic tubing cutter induces stresses risers and micro fracture just waiting to fail under the subjected forces of acceleration of modern compound bow cams. You are setting up a catastrophic accident. Tic tock, tic tock. Use the proper tool for the job.

3children · 02-11-2010, 03:53 PM

Beside NOT using a tubing cutter, you might want to invest in a cheap face mask. The dust is bad for the lungs, and I don't know how much is too much. Please guys the mfg says, DO NOT CUT SHAFTS WITH ANYTHING ELSE BUT A HIGH SPEED SAW!

JMG · 02-11-2010, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBS

Cutting carbon fiber shafts with a metallic tubing cutter induces stresses risers and micro fracture just waiting to fail under the subjected forces of acceleration of modern compound bow cams. You are setting up a catastrophic accident. Tic tock, tic tock. Use the proper tool for the job.

Is that pic from an arrow exploding while being released?

06-21-2009, 11:55 AM	#1
miket Ten Point Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Plantersville Hunt In: Grimes County, Victoria	How do YOU cut your carbon arrows to length? I'm tired of having to get my arrows cut to length at Gander Mtn etc. They either dont have them, the guy that knows how to do it isn't there etc. I'm a do it yourself kinda guy anyway ( and a cheapskate). I'm ordering shafts from Cabelas ( my favorite outdoor place ) and was going to buy an arrow saw but thought that I may be able to save $114 by using my abrasive chop saw. I figured I could set up a stop to control length and set the arrow shaft in v blocks. I will square the ends with a G5 ASD. I practiced on a used broken shaft and it worked perfectly. What do you think? Is there anyone else that has done this? anybody have a better idea?

06-21-2009, 11:59 AM	#2
texag93 Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Denver City, TX Hunt In: Panhandle	Apple arrow saw. DIY section: http://discussions.texasbowhunter.co...ighlight=arrow Last edited by texag93; 06-21-2009 at 12:01 PM..

06-21-2009, 01:51 PM	#8
flywise Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Kempner,Tx Hunt In: Blanco, Nacadoches,NewMexico,Colorado	I use one of these, believe it or not Attached Images

06-21-2009, 02:45 PM	#19
lbbf Ten Point Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Lake Jackson	Here is my dremel set up. It works like a champ. I still use an ASD but they really don't seem to need it. Attached Images

06-22-2009, 02:34 PM	#42
Jason Slocum Eight Point Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Corpus Christi, Texas Hunt In: Enchanted Rock	Tubing cutter.... I use a tubing cutter as well. I use masking tape to keep the arrows from splintering. Just tape off the arrow where the end needs to be cut, and cut them. This is the same method we used in cutting graphite golf shafts. Cheap and easy. Jason Slocum

06-21-2009, 12:00 PM	#3
TexaswBOWhunter Pope & Young Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Montgomery County Hunt In: Kerr, Montgomery & Leon Counties in Tx, SW Kansas and NW Illinois	I have done that in the past, works ok.... But these days I use a arrow saw!!

06-21-2009, 01:31 PM	#4
BOHTR Ten Point Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Florence, SC Hunt In: Kershaw Co. and Florence Co.	I've never tried that. I just went ahead and spent the money for the Apple arrow saw. IMO, money spent on tools that allow you work on your own archery gear is money well spent.

06-21-2009, 01:36 PM	#5
bigmactog Ten Point Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ardmore Hunt In: America	Arrow saw and if you have the lenght you need (an old arrow), take the tip out, use a marker and mark the new arrows. Make sure you spin the arrow while cutting. Not hard, you can do it. Make sure to smooth off the end of the arrow when you finished.

06-21-2009, 01:46 PM	#6
Cajun Blake Associate Sponsor Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: SW Louisiana Hunt In: public & pvt land	harbor freight sells this mini-saw with ceramic blades for $25 ..... sometimes on sale for < $20 works like a champ as I use this setup to trim/cut rifle brass for my wildcat cartridges you could DIY and make a arrow saw real easy

06-21-2009, 01:48 PM	#7
SPUD Pope & Young Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Hallsville, TX Hunt In: Nacogdoches & Shelby Co; Unit 12 KS	You can get an Apple arrow saw for about 100 bucks at Bowhunters Superstore . com

06-21-2009, 02:03 PM	#13
flywise Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Kempner,Tx Hunt In: Blanco, Nacadoches,NewMexico,Colorado	try it and let me know how it works for you. But take it slow

06-21-2009, 02:15 PM	#15
spur Ten Point Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Troy, Texas Hunt In: "Leaseless and Looking"	I used a Dremel tool before

06-21-2009, 02:16 PM	#16
Casey Administrator Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Bulverde	Dremel.

06-21-2009, 02:17 PM	#17
Bill in San Jose Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Jose, CA Hunt In: CA, CO, OR, and TX	A dremel with the thin cutting blades. I used to eyeball the 90 degrees, now I have a carpenter's speed square and tape the arrow where I want it, and carefully cut the end at 90 degrees. That's a great idea using a tubing cutter, I have some old arrows in the garage, I want to go and try it now

06-21-2009, 02:35 PM	#18
Stan R Pope & Young Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: 77077 Hunt In: Madison and Colorado County	I just got one last week from Bowhunter Super store... Delivered about $90.00

06-21-2009, 02:49 PM	#20
trad"Doc"53 Pope & Young Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Belton Hunt In: None at Present	I too use a cut off saw, but I do have a saw like the one above from Harbor Freight, only with a metal blade that I use to cut my cedars with.

06-21-2009, 02:51 PM	#21
flywise Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Kempner,Tx Hunt In: Blanco, Nacadoches,NewMexico,Colorado	lbbf sweet set up

06-21-2009, 03:01 PM	#23
Mike Javi Cooper Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Waco, Tx	nice setup... but I'll stick with my Apple pro 8000 rpm saw.... been with me many years...

06-21-2009, 03:31 PM	#24
lbbf Ten Point Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Lake Jackson	I already had the dermel and wood so I was only out $4 or so for the track.

06-21-2009, 04:36 PM	#25
Death from Above Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Henderson Hunt In: Texas	Archery Proshop.... A real one not a department store.....

06-21-2009, 04:40 PM	#26
tinman Ten Point Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Rowlett	Dremel

06-21-2009, 06:30 PM	#27
Varmicon_qa Eight Point Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Rio Grande Valley Hunt In: Starr County	Where I buy my arrows, they will cut them for you at no charge...I thought of doing it myself but whats the point...

06-21-2009, 09:00 PM	#28
flywise Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Kempner,Tx Hunt In: Blanco, Nacadoches,NewMexico,Colorado	anyone tried the tubing cutter yet?

06-21-2009, 09:47 PM	#29
WCB Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Dallas Hunt In: Wise/Montague/Grayson	I just saw this and will try the mini tubing cutter. Don't have a pic but I built one of the Harbor Freight cut saws into an arrow saw. Works great and cheap.

06-21-2009, 10:29 PM	#30
flywise Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Kempner,Tx Hunt In: Blanco, Nacadoches,NewMexico,Colorado	I hope that you guy's that try it have the same result I had

06-22-2009, 08:25 AM	#32
3rdShot Eight Point Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Frisco	I use a tubing cutter as well, take it real slow, don't put much pressure on it between turns around the shaft. After the cut, I take some very fine emory paper and polish the cut end to make sure there are no splinters/rough carbon ends.

06-22-2009, 08:31 AM	#33
Ron Pope & Young Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Ennis Hunt In: USA, Concho County and S.E.Colorado	I use a arrow saw, at $140 a dozen, I don't want to chance ruining arrows.

06-22-2009, 10:56 AM	#35
Mike D Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: DFW Hunt In: Haskell County, TX	I got tired of it too so I bought a Cabelas 8000 rpm arrow saw. No way I'm using a tubing cutter to cut carbon arrows. It ain't worth the risk of that one arrow exploding and going through my hand/arm. $80 is pretty cheap insurance against that.

06-22-2009, 01:04 PM	#38
Dude Briggs Six Point Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Wills Point, America Hunt In: wherever I can afford	I use a radiak chop saw, works great, just hit the ends on a scoth brite wheel and theyre good to go.

06-22-2009, 02:02 PM	#39
BIG D Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Shiner/Hutto Hunt In: Lavaca, Zavala County	Dremel or Die Grinder works great

06-22-2009, 02:27 PM	#40
Dusty Britches Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Cameron & College Station	Here's what I would do - I would join an archery club and volunteer so I could make friends with local archers. Then I'd ask them if I could borrow their saw. And bow press. Oh, and see if any of them needed help on their ranches with hog depredation.

06-22-2009, 02:42 PM	#43
Loneaggie Associate Sponsor Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Arlington Hunt In: Haskell County	Any high speed saw of appropriate size with appropriate blades will do just fine. The harbor freight and dremel ideas are great cost savers. I'll have to trip the pipe cutter though, never thought of that one. It makes sense if you take your time and be careful, no reason it shouldn't work.

02-11-2010, 03:15 PM	#47
hunterman Six Point Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: lewisville tx Hunt In: lake whitney and oklahoma and south texas	When you buy them let the guys at the store cut them to length

02-11-2010, 03:34 PM	#48
JBS Ten Point Join Date: May 2008 Location: TX Hunt In: Wherever I can find a friendly invitation	Cutting carbon fiber shafts with a metallic tubing cutter induces stresses risers and micro fracture just waiting to fail under the subjected forces of acceleration of modern compound bow cams. You are setting up a catastrophic accident. Tic tock, tic tock. Use the proper tool for the job. Attached Images

02-11-2010, 03:53 PM	#49
3children Six Point Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Ville Platte, La. Hunt In: wherever	Beside NOT using a tubing cutter, you might want to invest in a cheap face mask. The dust is bad for the lungs, and I don't know how much is too much. Please guys the mfg says, DO NOT CUT SHAFTS WITH ANYTHING ELSE BUT A HIGH SPEED SAW!