Cutting Aluminum Arrows

1Longbow · February 27, 2017, 11:30:00 AM

What are you using to get a good square cut,when cutting aluminum arrows .Thank you for all answers

SC Bowhunter · February 27, 2017, 11:33:00 AM

http://www.harborfreight.com/2-in-mini-bench-top-cut-off-saw-62136.html

Big Jim also sells the saw and replacement blades.

creekwood · February 27, 2017, 11:54:00 AM

Tubing cutter...$15 at Home Depot. It works well and is easy to use. (Use on aluminum shafts only)

crazynate · February 27, 2017, 12:12:00 PM

I use an arrow saw from 3rivers. It's made by Weston. I have the 8000 rpm motor. Works great on every kind of arrow. It's not as good as an apple or Easton but it's not 300 dollars either. I build dozens of arrows a week and it's great. Also Weston has the best customer service I've ever dealt with.

Mint · February 27, 2017, 12:44:00 PM

I use the tubing cutter too.

1Longbow · February 27, 2017, 01:15:00 PM

When using a tube cutter, crush the arrow in anyway?

February 27, 2017, 01:29:00 PM

The tube cutter works, but you should not force it for the last couple of spins. They do get dull after a few hundred cuts. I use a diamond file to remove the bur and flatten the cut, it also helps to have a small round file to remove the bur and soften the edge on the inside of the shaft. If you find that you are forcing the insert, you may be hanging up on shaft material and can seat your ferrule off center.

February 27, 2017, 01:49:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by 1Longbow:
When using a tube cutter, crush the arrow in anyway?

When I used to shoot aluminum, and before I bought a commercial arrow saw, I used the tubing cutter. It worked fine. I always used a chamfer tool on the shaft after I made a cut to smooth out and square off the cut.

Bisch

KevinK · February 27, 2017, 02:39:00 PM

Tubing cutter. Go slow and do not force it. After it is cut I use a counter bore bit in a screw driver handle to remove burs, just a couple turns is all it takes. I also use hot melt for the inserts so I can make sure everything is centered but have only had 1 or 2 not center perfectly.

reddogge · February 27, 2017, 03:07:00 PM

Tubing cutter and reloading chamfer tool.

DarrinG · February 27, 2017, 03:12:00 PM

Ive used both a cut off saw and a cheap tube cutter. Both work just fine with one simply being a lot quicker. I wouldn't invest in an expensive cut off saw just for personal use when a $10 tube cutter does a fine job.

Zradix · February 27, 2017, 03:31:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by reddogge:
Tubing cutter and reloading chamfer tool.

X2

Rough Run · February 27, 2017, 03:38:00 PM

Quote

Tubing cutter and reloading chamfer tool.

X3

T Lail · February 27, 2017, 03:47:00 PM

tubing cutter works for me....

PeteA · February 27, 2017, 04:29:00 PM

Tubing cutter here as well.

ronp · February 27, 2017, 05:18:00 PM

Tubing cutter is all I use, too. Then I remove any burr with a small round file. The key is going easy so you don't crush them.

ronp · February 27, 2017, 05:19:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by ronp:
Tubing cutter is all I use, too. Then I remove any burr with a small round file. The key is going easy so you don't crush them.

GO real easy. It's a thin piece of aluminum, not copper or black pipe!

Kevin Lawler · February 27, 2017, 05:50:00 PM

I was fortunate to get one of these before they quit making them. This is not mine. I found it doing a google search.
http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/showthread.php?t=4810841

highlow · February 27, 2017, 06:35:00 PM

Yup. Tubing cutter is all I've ever used and as said, go slow making slight incremental turns on the tightening wheel. Should take about 30 seconds per shaft.

M60gunner · February 27, 2017, 06:53:00 PM

I for years used an xacto miter box and saw. Then used a small flat file to square up shaft. Now I have the cheap cut off saw which works OK. Used the tubing cutter as well. A rat tail file usually cleaned up and issues from the cutting.