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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Apex Predator on May 28, 2010, 10:49:00 AM

Title: Dremel tool arrow cut-off how-to!
Post by: Apex Predator on May 28, 2010, 10:49:00 AM
I see lots of folks asking how to cut their carbon arrows, so I thought I would share how I do it.  You don't need an arrow cut off saw for this.  I already had the Dremel tool, so I thought why not?  I've been cutting them like this for years and it works great.

Start by clamping your Dremel to a work bench or table.  This is a large metal cutting disk.  Make sure it's clamped solidly.

 (http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/Bow%20Building/Cut-off-4.jpg)

Next mount a target point in a block of wood about the same height above the table/bench as your Dremel shaft.  I like this type of point best because it fits all carbons I have tried it on.  Mark one shaft the correct length.  Pull out the knock and place over the target point.  Clamp your block of wood at the proper distance from the Dremel.  Make sure it's pointed at the dremel, so you get a square cut.

 (http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/Bow%20Building/Cut-off-1.jpg)

 (http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/Bow%20Building/Cut-off-2.jpg)

 (http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/Bow%20Building/Cut-off-3.jpg)

Just spin the shaft in your fingers as it's contacting the blade.  I use light pressure here and make sure the shaft is rotating as it cuts.  The nock end of the arrow will spin on the target point at the other end.  Makes a great cut!

 (http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/Bow%20Building/Cut-off-5.jpg)
Title: Re: Dremel tool arrow cut-off how-to!
Post by: Kenneth on May 28, 2010, 11:26:00 AM
thanks for sharing!!  I've cut a few with a dremel while tuning only to have them be lopsided.  I'm gonna get me some clamps and give this a try.
Title: Re: Dremel tool arrow cut-off how-to!
Post by: pdk25 on May 28, 2010, 11:35:00 AM
Thanks for the tip.  I use a dremel tool as well.  Just not nearly as well set up as yours.  I just do it by hand, but then I need to you a coarse stone to get it more even.  This looks much better.
Title: Re: Dremel tool arrow cut-off how-to!
Post by: Steve Clandinin on May 28, 2010, 11:55:00 AM
I've had one like that I',ve being using for close to twenty years.Dremel use to make a nice little stand with the clams that held the tool it screwed to a base .It works real nice.
Title: Re: Dremel tool arrow cut-off how-to!
Post by: stevemfwills on May 28, 2010, 01:11:00 PM
glad im not the only one who uses one
Title: Re: Dremel tool arrow cut-off how-to!
Post by: Tique on May 28, 2010, 03:22:00 PM
Thanks for sharing AP. I just got a Dremel for cutting carbons and now I know how to do it.
Title: Re: Dremel tool arrow cut-off how-to!
Post by: ishoot4thrills on May 28, 2010, 05:01:00 PM
Way cool!
Title: Re: Dremel tool arrow cut-off how-to!
Post by: djohnson on May 28, 2010, 05:48:00 PM
Great tip. This will come in very handy when bare shaft tuning.
Title: Re: Dremel tool arrow cut-off how-to!
Post by: DHR on May 28, 2010, 06:37:00 PM
nice, i've been trying to come up with a better way to cut arrows with my dremel.  Now I've got it, Thanks
Title: Re: Dremel tool arrow cut-off how-to!
Post by: 30coupe on May 28, 2010, 10:15:00 PM
I guess I cheat. I have a 6" metal lathe with a 4-jaw chuck. I put my marked arrow in the lathe, spin it at fairly low speed and hand-hold my Dremel to make the cut. It works great! I've had the lathe for over 40 years...inherited from my uncle. It's probably close to 60 years old, but still works like a charm!

Your "lathe" setup looks like a great idea though. If I didn't have one, I'd have to build something like that.
Title: Re: Dremel tool arrow cut-off how-to!
Post by: kestimator on May 28, 2010, 10:29:00 PM
Thanks for sharing!  I was playing with saving money using my Dremmel / B&D copy but had not completely formulated the vise / blocking design.

I like the preceding suggestions.  

Bob Sarrels (a sponsor advertisor here uses a "dull" bandsaw to cut carbon arrows.)