I didnt see any reviews of this tool on product review.Im not too happy with my Cobra taper tool .Seems the cut is not concentric and therefore the tips dont sit square on the tapered part.The Woodchuck is very expensive, but what about this tru center tool.any complaints? Does it cut even all around?
That tool has been discussed at great length. If you do a search in the threads I'm sure you'll see what's been said.
Personally, I don't use mine any longer except to trim finish off an already tapered point after dipping.
Guy
That tool is a pain in the %^$.... :scared:
OK Thanks
Nope
I like mine.. Setup new blades can be little tricky, but I saved a hardwood dowel, with the nock and point tapers, then lay them in tighten the screws go to tapering. Works good enough for my shooting.
I have used mine for years. Took some effort to set up but my only compliant now is when I grip the shafts and the tool my hands cramp up. It is a ***** getting old.
I am now trying to learn my Woodchuck. I have a problem getting the same lenght taper each time. It may be how hard I feed the shaft into the sanding wheel. I know it is a learning curve I am going through.
You could try this tool from 3Rivers. I have seen that it is liked by those who bought it.
Bear Paw tool#Item Number: 5386X
3Rivers is a sponser here
NO!!!!
I had one never liked it at all,the tool would not fit over the shaft after the finish was applied.So you had to know your length and cut and taper before finishing.
I have one and found it to be the best tool for tapering.
I don't use that one, but I use the one that looks like a pencil sharpener
The slower you turn the arrow, with a light touch, the better the results.
If you're one of those "cram it in there and get the point done NOW!" kind of people.... then this tool is definitely not for you.
I haven't had a single issue with mine, but I learned on my first dozen arrows that the lighter touch gives you MUCH better results.
All the best,
Glenn
it seems like 2/3's hate it, 1/3 loves it. I am very happy with mine, seems to work great.
I like both of mine :D
I tried 2 or 3 different ones, got all kinds of hints and tips and tricks (that's why I kept trying), and I never was happy with it. Bought a Woodchuck, and have the pencil trimmer type from Kustom King for when I only have to do a couple. I'd take either of these over the Tru Center. Unless you plan to do a lot of arrows, the pencil trimmer type from KK should work just fine. If you do plan to do a whole bunch, the Woodchuck is a good investment, unless you have a sander and can rig up your own jig.
Chad
junk
I used mine for Port Orford Cedar and it worked well, but never could get it to work well with the Douglas Fir I have been using lately.
RonP
I had one, didn't like it. The little plastic pencil sharpeners worked better for me. I've since built a jig for my disk sander, and only use the others for field work.
mine worked fine. It did take a bit to get it set up and like said you cant go cramming shafts into it and expect results.
I did hear a buddy here in Alaska using a drill to feed them in at a high rate of speed. He didn't have a problem with dull blades doign this or tear out, which to me is hard to believe. I did see it and it did work just fine.
It's definatly not a wood chuck or any other type of sanding jig, but it does work.
Be patient with it (something most people today are not, myself included lol). It's best if you have a already pretapered shaft to aid in getting the right angle the first time.
I had one for a few years, it was kind of a pain. but if you have patience it will be fine.I give ot a 6.5 on a 10 scale
I like mine. Never had a problem
I like it once I got it set up. It takes a few tries to get the blades where I want them. I agree that you have to feed it slowly. I have never had a problem with cutting after the finish is on. You must really lay it on thick to have that problem. I have 4-5 coats of poly on my arrows and have no problem with the arrows sticking.
I tried two of the black pencil sharpener type and neither worked worth squat. I wouldn't wish them on my worst enemy.
I bought one about 8 years ago from the 3R trading post. One that was sent back by a customer saying that it wouldn't work. Put blades in it and it worked just fine. Tapered poc, fir, lodgepole, sitka, maple, poplar, purpleheart, osage, mahogany, western larch and probably a few other shafts too. Never had an issue. Pretty good tool in my opinion. dino
Mine works great and no problem with the hands. I take the 5/16 collet and put a 2 1/2" bolt thru it with a nut and lock washer,chuck it in a drill,low to medium speed and just stick the shafts in it,perfect taper every time and effortless.
I bought one a year or so ago. It started out fine then seemed to stop cutting well.
"Time to sharpen the blade," I thought. A couple passes of the back of the blade on a stone showed the problem: the blades bend slightly.
I cut a couple bits of steel sheet, drilled a couple holes, and used that to back the blades. Works like a charm since then, although I don't think it centers the shafts as well as a Woodchuck does...
Jimmy,
I also noticed some of the blades were pretty bad. Got tired of sharpening them and bought the woodchuck.
Thats about the time I heard of the guy using a drill. his blades were so dull you couldnt cut using your hands, but with the drill it worked fine.
The way to a good taper, is a straight shaft.
I dont build alot of arrows.A dozen or so a year.all the ones I have done with this tool turned out great.They spin perfectly true and I get clean tapers.Cant speaak for anyone else but it works for me fine.Wears out the forarms a bit after doing a dozen is the only negative thing I can say about my personell experience with it.Your mileage may vary.I cant afford a woodchuck and its not on my list of things to buy for the amoiunt or arrows I build otherwise I would be on my must have list.
I think Steelhead hit on something that I missed saying - if you do a lot of arrows, this probably isn't the tool for you. If you do small amounts per year for personal use, then this tool just may be the ticket for you - less cost, requires a bit more patience, but the cost savings for someone who doesn't taper a lot of wood shafts each year makes this a good buy.
I haven't tried the drill trick yet. I have a few untapered shafts I might try that out with.
All the best,
Glenn
I love mine. Have made 100 arrows without changing blades. Chundoo and POC.